IN · State boating guide
Indiana
boating laws
Last verified
At a glance
- Boater card
- Required for specified operators
- motorboat and PWC operators who do not hold a valid driver's license; they must be at least 15, complete a DNR-approved boater education course and carry a BMV-issued ID card
- Operating age
- No one under 15 may operate a PWC or a motorboat over 10 horsepower. At 15 without a driver's license, a person may operate a motorboat or PWC only after completing an approved boater education course and with a BMV-issued ID card on board. Adults 21 or older without a driver's license may operate if issued a BMV ID card before January 1, 1996.
- Life-jacket age rule
- On waters of concurrent (federal) jurisdiction, children under 13 must wear a life jacket unless below deck in an enclosed cabin or the boat is docked or anchored.
- BUI / BAC limit
- 0.08 BAC
- Registration fee
- $15.00–$60.00
- Published categories; see fees and exceptions below.
- Registration term
- 1 year
The short answer
Do I need a boating license in Indiana?
Boater education course completion plus a BMV identification card (a valid driver's license otherwise serves as the operating credential) is required for motorboat and PWC operators who do not hold a valid driver's license; they must be at least 15, complete a DNR-approved boater education course and carry a BMV-issued ID card.
Confirm with Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division ↗Indiana has no separate boating license: anyone operating a motorboat on public waters must hold a valid driver's license. A 15-year-old without a driver's license may operate a motorboat or PWC only after completing a DNR-approved boater education course and carrying a BMV-issued ID card, and no one under 15 may operate a PWC or a motorboat over 10 horsepower. Motorized boats, including those with electric trolling motors, are registered through the BMV, with excise tax decals renewed every year. Everyone on a PWC must wear a life jacket, and the boating while intoxicated limit is 0.08 BAC.
Before you operate
Boater education & operating age
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education required | Yes — see who needs a card below |
| Who needs a card | motorboat and PWC operators who do not hold a valid driver's license; they must be at least 15, complete a DNR-approved boater education course and carry a BMV-issued ID card |
| Card or certificate | Boater education course completion plus a BMV identification card (a valid driver's license otherwise serves as the operating credential) |
| Minimum operating age | No one under 15 may operate a PWC or a motorboat over 10 horsepower. At 15 without a driver's license, a person may operate a motorboat or PWC only after completing an approved boater education course and with a BMV-issued ID card on board. Adults 21 or older without a driver's license may operate if issued a BMV ID card before January 1, 1996. |
| Out-of-state cards | Indiana's requirement is a valid driver's license. On Indiana boundary waters, non-residents are not required to have a license unless operating in an embayment, river or stream in Indiana. The handbook does not say whether other states' boater education cards are accepted. |
Your boat’s paperwork
Boat registration & fees
All vessels on Indiana public waters except non-motorized vessels (boats with electric trolling motors must be registered). Also exempt: boats bought from an Indiana dealer for 45 days with a bill of sale and temporary plate, boats moored on Indiana's part of Lake Michigan 180 consecutive days or less, and boats registered in another state used on Indiana waters 60 consecutive days or less. Register at a BMV branch. At first registration (and each ownership change) Indiana charges a one-time length fee of $15 (0-12 ft), $18 (13-25 ft), $21 (26-39 ft) or $24 (40 ft and up) plus a $5-$25 excise-class fee. After that, registration and boat excise tax are renewed every year; the renewal fee below is set by the boat's original MSRP, and boat excise tax, a $5 DNR fee and a Lake and River Enhancement fee are added.
- Annual renewal, original MSRP under $1,000 (Class 1-2)$15.00
- Annual renewal, MSRP $1,000-$2,999 (Class 3-5)$20.00
- Annual renewal, MSRP $3,000-$4,999 (Class 6)$25.00
- Annual renewal, MSRP $5,000-$9,999 (Class 7-8)$30.00
- Annual renewal, MSRP $10,000-$14,999 (Class 9)$35.00
- Annual renewal, MSRP $15,000-$22,499 (Class 10)$40.00
- Annual renewal, MSRP $22,500-$34,999 (Class 11)$45.00
- Annual renewal, MSRP $35,000-$49,999 (Class 12)$50.00
- Annual renewal, MSRP $50,000-$74,999 (Class 13)$55.00
- Annual renewal, MSRP $75,000 or more (Class 14)$60.00
Registration fee data and sources
Personal watercraft (Jet Ski) rules
- Everyone operating, riding on or being towed by a PWC must wear a USCG-approved wearable life jacket; inflatables are not approved for PWC use.
- A PWC without self-circling capability must have a lanyard engine cut-off switch attached to the operator.
- PWC may be operated during daylight hours only unless equipped with the required lights.
- No operating while facing backward, weaving through congested traffic, jumping another boat's wake, or cutting between a boat and the person it is towing.
- No one under 15 may operate a PWC.
Towing & watersports
- A boat towing a skier, tuber or similar must carry a person besides the operator who gives full attention to watching the person towed.
- A PWC used for towing must be at least 9 feet long, designed to seat at least three, and carry an observer besides the operator.
- Everyone towed behind a PWC must wear a USCG-approved life jacket; ski belts are not approved.
- No swimming or holding onto the swim platform or transom of a motorboat underway, and no wake surfing behind a boat with an outboard or outdrive.
Life jacket rules
- Carry one USCG-approved wearable life jacket of the proper size for each person on board and being towed.
- Boats 16 feet or longer (except canoes and kayaks) must also carry one throwable device.
- Everyone on a PWC must wear a life jacket.
- On waters of concurrent (federal) jurisdiction, children under 13 must wear a life jacket unless below deck in an enclosed cabin or the boat is docked or anchored.
Boating under the influence
Published limit: 0.08 BAC. Read the linked official guidance for the full rule and any age-specific provisions.
At a glance
- A valid driver's license is required to operate a motorboat in Indiana.
- 15-year-olds without a license need a boater education course and a BMV ID card.
- No one under 15 may drive a PWC or a motorboat over 10 hp.
- Registration and boat excise tax are renewed every year through the BMV.
- Night speed limit is 10 mph between sunset and sunrise.
Plan your day
Before you launch
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
Sources and last checked
Sources
Official guidance is the final reference. Rules and fees may change after this guide’s verification date.
- Boating Education & Safety ↗Indiana Department of Natural Resources
- Indiana Boating Law Handbook ↗Indiana Department of Natural Resources
- Watercraft Fees & Taxes ↗Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
- Watercraft Registration ↗Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Last verified
Explore more water