Do You Need a License to Rent a Boat or Jet Ski?

Whether you need a license to rent a boat depends on the state: New Mexico exempts renters who receive dockside safety instructions, while Nevada requires renters to meet their home-state education rules and receive a safety briefing. This guide covers 23 states with specific rental rules; the other 27 states set their own rules, so check your state’s page before booking.

A rental briefing or agreement can serve as an alternative to a boater card in several states. Other state rules require education credentials in specific cases, and age limits can differ for motorboats and personal watercraft (PWCs).

Do You Need a License to Drive a Jet Ski covers the separate rules for operating a PWC.

Key Takeaways

• Some states accept a rental briefing, course, or agreement in place of a boater card.
• PWC rental age limits vary by state.
• Check the state rule and ask the rental company what proof to bring.

The Short Answer for Renters

Rental rules in the states covered here accept a briefing or rental agreement in some cases, while other rules keep boater education requirements in place. Your requirement depends on the state and the type of boat you plan to rent.

A rental exemption applies only under the conditions named in that state’s rule. Check your state page and confirm with the rental company whether you need a card, proof of a course, or a completed safety briefing.

Minimum Ages to Rent a Jet Ski or Boat

Age limits differ by state and craft, with many rental age rules applying specifically to PWCs. Check whether the rule covers renting, operating, or both.

For PWC rentals, the state rules set these age limits:

• Arkansas agencies may not rent a PWC to anyone under 18.
• Florida requires PWC renters to be at least 18.
• Georgia prohibits PWC rentals to anyone under 16.
• Nebraska boat liveries may not rent a PWC to anyone under 18.
• New York requires PWC renters to be 16 or older.
• Oregon requires you to be 18 to rent a PWC.
• Tennessee prohibits PWC rentals to anyone under 16.
• Washington prohibits PWC rentals to anyone under 16.
• West Virginia prohibits PWC rentals to anyone under 18.
• Wisconsin prohibits PWC rentals to anyone under 16.

For motorboats, Colorado liveries may not rent to anyone under 18 unless the renter is 14 to 17 and certified. In Montana, you must be 18 to rent a motorboat or PWC over 10 horsepower.

Nebraska boat liveries may not rent to anyone under 18, though a certified operator under 18 may run a boat rented by an adult. Nebraska’s minimum age to operate a motorboat or PWC is 14. In Pennsylvania, no one under 16 may operate a rented PWC.

States Where a Rental Briefing Replaces the Card

Several states accept a rental briefing, rental course, or agreement as a way to meet a boating safety rule. Each option applies only to the vessel and conditions specified by that state.

• In California, rental boat operators are exempt.
• In Michigan, a boat livery rental agreement counts for a rented PWC on the rental dates. The rule also recognizes certificates issued by the DNR, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, or the U.S. Power Squadron.
• North Carolina accepts a USCG maritime license, a boat rental agreement, or direct onboard supervision by a qualified adult 18 or older.
• In Rhode Island, renters of non-PWC vessels are exempt if they watch the livery video and pass its test. Other exemptions include supervision aboard by someone 18 or older who meets the requirement, qualifying commercial licenses, and certain non-resident or new-resident cases.
• South Carolina accepts a valid boat rental safety certificate as one way to meet the rule. Operators born after July 1, 2007 must hold that certificate or a boating safety certificate, or be accompanied by a qualified person at least 18 years old.
• In West Virginia, renters without a certificate must receive the livery’s boating safety orientation.
• New Jersey lets renters 18 or older of a non-PWC power vessel meet an exception by completing the livery’s pre-rental course. Visitors 16 or older in New Jersey under 90 days also have an exception when they show qualifying course proof or a home-state certificate.

States Where Renters Still Need Boater Education

Some state rental rules require a boater education credential or make it a condition for operating without a qualified person aboard. Follow the exact rule for your vessel and situation.

• Idaho requires PWC rental customers to receive IDPR education from the rental business and carry a verification wallet card.
• Louisiana requires a NASBLA-approved boating safety course. Renters are exempt if they show credentials from a NASBLA-approved course.
• In Nevada, you must meet your state of residence’s boating education requirements and receive a safety briefing.
• In Oregon, operators must be 16 or older with a card to ride unaccompanied. A card-holder 18 or older must be aboard when the operator does not have a card.
• In New York, renters under 18 need a certificate to rent a motorboat or PWC. Adults 18 and older may rent from a livery without a certificate after basic instruction.

What to Bring to the Rental Dock

Bring the boater education card or course proof required by your state, and confirm with the rental company what it accepts before you arrive. If you are renting a PWC in Idaho, carry the IDPR verification wallet card.

If your state allows a briefing or rental agreement to meet the rule, ask the rental business how it records that step. Keep any certificate or course credentials you rely on available to show the staff.

Rental Rules by State

The state rules below show whether a rental age limit, education credential, or rental-based exemption applies. Check the linked state page for the conditions attached to each rule.