KS · State boating guide
Kansas
boating laws
Last verified
At a glance
- Boater card
- Required for specified operators
- operators aged 12 through 20 of any vessel designed to be propelled by a motor (including a trolling motor) or sail, including PWC, sailboats and sailboards, unless under direct and audible supervision by someone 18 or older who has completed boater education or is over 21. Operators 21 and older are exempt.
- Operating age
- No one under 12 may operate a motorized vessel (including a PWC) without direct and audible supervision, even with a certificate. There is no minimum age for a sailboat if the operator has passed an approved course.
- Life-jacket age rule
- Children 12 and under must wear a USCG-approved life jacket on any vessel or while being towed, unless below decks or in an enclosed cabin.
- BUI / BAC limit
- 0.08 BAC (0.02 for operators under 21)
- Registration fee
- $42.50
- Published categories; see fees and exceptions below.
- Registration term
- 3 years
The short answer
Do I need a boating license in Kansas?
Kansas Boater Safety Education Certificate is required for operators aged 12 through 20 of any vessel designed to be propelled by a motor (including a trolling motor) or sail, including PWC, sailboats and sailboards, unless under direct and audible supervision by someone 18 or older who has completed boater education or is over 21. Operators 21 and older are exempt.
Confirm with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) ↗Kansas requires anyone aged 12 through 20 to complete an approved boater education course before operating a motorboat, PWC or sailboat without direct adult supervision, and no one under 12 may run a motorized vessel unsupervised. Every boat powered by a motor (including electric) or sail must be registered with KDWP; a registration costs $42.50 and lasts three years. Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket, and the legal limit is 0.08 BAC (0.02 under 21).
Before you operate
Boater education & operating age
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education required | Yes — see who needs a card below |
| Who needs a card | operators aged 12 through 20 of any vessel designed to be propelled by a motor (including a trolling motor) or sail, including PWC, sailboats and sailboards, unless under direct and audible supervision by someone 18 or older who has completed boater education or is over 21. Operators 21 and older are exempt. |
| Card or certificate | Kansas Boater Safety Education Certificate |
| Minimum operating age | No one under 12 may operate a motorized vessel (including a PWC) without direct and audible supervision, even with a certificate. There is no minimum age for a sailboat if the operator has passed an approved course. |
| Out-of-state cards | A boater education card from another state is accepted if it comes from a NASBLA-approved course. |
Your boat’s paperwork
Boat registration & fees
All vessels powered by a motor (gasoline, diesel or electric) or by sail. Non-residents with boats properly registered in another state may use Kansas waters up to 60 consecutive days. Kansas does not title boats or register motors. Registrations last three years.
- Boat registration (any motorboat or sailboat)$42.50
Registration fee data and sources
| Boat / fee category | Fee | Term | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boat registration (any motorboat or sailboat) | $42.50 | 3 years | Official source: Boat registration (any motorboat or sailboat) ↗ |
Personal watercraft (Jet Ski) rules
- Everyone on a PWC must wear a life jacket at all times, regardless of age.
- PWC may not be operated between sunset and sunrise.
- Operators 12 to 20 need a boater education certificate on board unless directly supervised; under 12 may not operate without direct and audible supervision.
Towing & watersports
- No towing skiers, surfboards or similar devices from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.
- A motorboat towing a person must have a wide-angle rear-view mirror or an observer at least 12 years old in addition to the operator.
- The operator or observer must display a bright orange or red flag (at least 12 inches per side) when a towed person is in the water before towing or after a fall.
- Anyone 12 or under being towed must wear a USCG-approved life jacket.
Life jacket rules
- Carry a correctly sized, readily accessible life jacket for each person 13 and older on board.
- Children 12 and under must wear a USCG-approved life jacket on any vessel or while being towed, unless below decks or in an enclosed cabin.
- Boats 16 feet or longer must also carry a readily accessible Type IV throwable.
- Everyone on a PWC must wear a life jacket.
Boating under the influence
Published limit: 0.08 BAC (0.02 for operators under 21). Read the linked official guidance for the full rule and any age-specific provisions.
At a glance
- Boater education applies to operators aged 12 through 20.
- Under 12 may never run a motorized boat without close adult supervision.
- Registration is a flat $42.50 for three years.
- Kansas does not title boats.
- Out-of-state NASBLA-approved boating cards are accepted.
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.
- Boating Education ↗Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
- Boat Registrations ↗Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
- Required Boating Equipment ↗Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
- K.S.A. 32-1128 Water skis and surfboards ↗Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes
- K.S.A. 32-1129 Personal flotation devices ↗Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes
- K.S.A. 32-1131 Operating under the influence ↗Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes
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