IA · State boating guide
Iowa
boating laws
Last verified
At a glance
- Boater card
- Required for specified operators
- only operators 12 to 17 running a motorboat over 10 horsepower or a personal watercraft without a responsible, experienced person 18 or older on board; no requirement for adults
- Operating age
- Under 12: may operate a vessel with a motor over 10 hp, including a PWC, only with a responsible person at least 18 and experienced in operating it on board. Ages 12 to 17: must have the education certificate or have that adult on board. The certificate must be carried and shown to an officer on request.
- Life-jacket age rule
- Children under 13 must wear a life jacket while underway, unless in an enclosed cabin or below deck.
- BUI / BAC limit
- 0.08 BAC, or any amount of a controlled substance
- Registration fee
- $17.65–$155.65
- Published categories; see fees and exceptions below.
- Registration term
- 3 years
The short answer
Do I need a boating license in Iowa?
Iowa Watercraft (Boater) Education Certificate is required for only operators 12 to 17 running a motorboat over 10 horsepower or a personal watercraft without a responsible, experienced person 18 or older on board; no requirement for adults.
Confirm with Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ↗Iowa does not require boater education for adults. Operators 12 to 17 need a DNR-approved boater education certificate to run a motorboat over 10 horsepower or a personal watercraft unless an experienced adult 18 or older is on board, and children under 12 may do so only with that adult aboard. Most vessels, including canoes and kayaks over 13 feet, must be registered through the county recorder for three years at a time. Children under 13 must wear a life jacket while underway, and the legal 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 | only operators 12 to 17 running a motorboat over 10 horsepower or a personal watercraft without a responsible, experienced person 18 or older on board; no requirement for adults |
| Card or certificate | Iowa Watercraft (Boater) Education Certificate |
| Minimum operating age | Under 12: may operate a vessel with a motor over 10 hp, including a PWC, only with a responsible person at least 18 and experienced in operating it on board. Ages 12 to 17: must have the education certificate or have that adult on board. The certificate must be carried and shown to an officer on request. |
| Out-of-state cards | Iowa law requires a department-approved watercraft education course. Neither the DNR nor the official handbook says whether another state's card is accepted, so out-of-state teens should carry their card and check with the DNR (515-725-8200). |
Your boat’s paperwork
Boat registration & fees
All vessels used on Iowa public waters, with or without a motor, except inflatables (other than canoes and kayaks) 7 feet or shorter, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards 13 feet or shorter with no motor or sail, government and public-school research boats, and boats registered in another state used in Iowa 60 or fewer days a year. Register with the county recorder; registrations run three years and all current ones expire April 30, 2028.
- Any length, no motor or sail$17.65
- Less than 16 feet (motor or sail)$28.15
- 16 to under 26 feet (motor or sail)$41.65
- 26 to under 40 feet (motor or sail)$80.65
- 40 feet and over (motor or sail)$155.65
- Personal watercraft (any length)$50.65
Registration fee data and sources
| Boat / fee category | Fee | Term | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any length, no motor or sail | $17.65 | 3 years | Official source: Any length, no motor or sail ↗ |
| Less than 16 feet (motor or sail) | $28.15 | 3 years | Official source: Less than 16 feet (motor or sail) ↗ |
| 16 to under 26 feet (motor or sail) | $41.65 | 3 years | Official source: 16 to under 26 feet (motor or sail) ↗ |
| 26 to under 40 feet (motor or sail) | $80.65 | 3 years | Official source: 26 to under 40 feet (motor or sail) ↗ |
| 40 feet and over (motor or sail) | $155.65 | 3 years | Official source: 40 feet and over (motor or sail) ↗ |
| Personal watercraft (any length) | $50.65 | 3 years | Official source: Personal watercraft (any length) ↗ |
Personal watercraft (Jet Ski) rules
- Everyone on board must wear a USCG-approved wearable life jacket; inflatables are not approved for PWC.
- No PWC operation between sunset and sunrise.
- If equipped with a lanyard engine cut-off switch, it must work and be attached to the operator whenever the PWC is running.
- No more than 5 mph within 100 feet of a vessel going 5 mph or less, or within 50 feet of a vessel going faster.
- No more than 10 mph within 300 feet of shore on inland lakes and federal impoundments (except specially zoned areas), or unless you can see 200 feet ahead.
- Under 12 only with an experienced person 18+ on board; 12 to 17 need the education certificate or that adult on board.
Towing & watersports
- A responsible observer besides the operator must be on board watching the person being towed.
- Everyone being towed must wear a USCG-approved wearable life jacket; inflatables are not allowed.
- Boats may tow only from sunrise to one-half hour after sunset; PWC only from sunrise to sunset.
- A PWC towing someone must be rated for at least three people: operator, observer and the person towed.
Life jacket rules
- Carry one USCG-approved wearable life jacket for each person on board, including on canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.
- Boats 16 feet or longer (except canoes and kayaks) must also carry a throwable Type IV device.
- Children under 13 must wear a life jacket while underway, unless in an enclosed cabin or below deck.
- Everyone on a PWC or being towed must wear one; inflatables do not count for them.
Boating under the influence
Published limit: 0.08 BAC, or any amount of a controlled substance. Read the linked official guidance for the full rule and any age-specific provisions.
At a glance
- Adults need no boating course in Iowa.
- Teens 12 to 17 need a course to run over 10 hp alone.
- Canoes and kayaks over 13 feet must be registered.
- Registration lasts three years; renewal is $28.15 for a motorboat under 16 feet.
- No PWC riding between sunset and sunrise.
Plan your day
Before you launch
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Sources and last checked
Sources
Official guidance is the final reference. Rules and fees may change after this guide’s verification date.
- Boater Education & Safety ↗Iowa Department of Natural Resources
- Iowa Code 462A.12: Prohibited operation ↗Iowa Legislature
- Boating Registration ↗Iowa Department of Natural Resources
- Boat Registration Fees ↗Iowa Department of Natural Resources
- Boat Registration Guide (January 2025) ↗Iowa Department of Natural Resources
- Handbook of Iowa Boating Laws and Responsibilities, 2025 Edition ↗Iowa Department of Natural Resources / Kalkomey
- Boating ↗Iowa Department of Natural Resources
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