MD · State boating guide
Maryland
boating laws
Last verified
At a glance
- Boater card
- Required for specified operators
- anyone born on or after July 1, 1972 operating a motorized (numbered or documented) vessel
- Operating age
- Anyone under 16 operating a motorized vessel 11 feet or longer without a certificate must be supervised by someone 18 or older who holds a certificate or was born before July 1, 1972; on motorized vessels under 11 feet, a certificate holder of any age may supervise. No one under 16 may operate a personal watercraft.
- Life-jacket age rule
- Children under 13 must wear a USCG-approved life jacket while underway on a recreational vessel under 21 feet.
- BUI / BAC limit
- 0.08 BAC
- Registration fee
- $70.00
- Published categories; see fees and exceptions below.
- Registration term
- 2 years
The short answer
Do I need a boating license in Maryland?
Certificate of Boating Safety Education is required for anyone born on or after July 1, 1972 operating a motorized (numbered or documented) vessel.
Confirm with Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resources Police ↗Maryland requires anyone born on or after July 1, 1972 to carry a Certificate of Boating Safety Education while operating a motorized vessel, and the certificate is good for life. Operators under 16 without a certificate must be supervised, and no one under 16 may operate a personal watercraft. Boats with mechanical propulsion are titled and registered with the Department of Natural Resources for $70 every two years. Children under 13 must wear a life jacket underway on recreational boats under 21 feet, and a court may bar anyone with a 0.08 BAC or higher from operating a vessel.
Before you operate
Boater education & operating age
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education required | Yes — see who needs a card below |
| Who needs a card | anyone born on or after July 1, 1972 operating a motorized (numbered or documented) vessel |
| Card or certificate | Certificate of Boating Safety Education |
| Minimum operating age | Anyone under 16 operating a motorized vessel 11 feet or longer without a certificate must be supervised by someone 18 or older who holds a certificate or was born before July 1, 1972; on motorized vessels under 11 feet, a certificate holder of any age may supervise. No one under 16 may operate a personal watercraft. |
| Out-of-state cards | A boating safety certificate issued by another state is valid in Maryland if it meets NASBLA criteria. Residents of other states 16 or older visiting Maryland for 60 days or less in a boat numbered in another state are exempt. |
Your boat’s paperwork
Boat registration & fees
Any vessel principally operated in Maryland that has mechanical propulsion must be titled and registered with the Department of Natural Resources; federally documented vessels display documented-use decals instead of Maryland numbers. Registration runs two years. Since October 1, 2025 the fee is $70 for all vessels regardless of length or horsepower, plus a 5 percent vessel excise tax on the purchase price (minimum $5). Owners of canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized boats may buy an optional $12 decal.
- All registered vessels, any length or horsepower$70.00
Registration fee data and sources
| Boat / fee category | Fee | Term | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| All registered vessels, any length or horsepower | $70.00 | 2 years | Official source: All registered vessels, any length or horsepower ↗ |
Personal watercraft (Jet Ski) rules
- You must be at least 16 to operate a PWC.
- No PWC operation between sunset and sunrise or in limited visibility.
- Everyone on board must wear a USCG-approved life jacket.
- The PWC must have a working self-circling device or lanyard cut-off switch, with the lanyard attached to the operator.
- Keep to 6 knots or less within 100 feet of any shore, pier, bridge abutment, another PWC or people in the water; on the Atlantic Ocean, stay 300 feet from people in the water and surf fishermen.
Towing & watersports
- No water skiing between sunset and sunrise.
- The towing boat must carry an operator and an observer, both at least 12.
- Tow lines may be no longer than 75 feet (100 feet for barefoot skiing).
- Except when taking off from shore, stay at least 100 feet from shore, piers, bridges, people in the water and passing boats.
- A PWC may tow a skier only if it is designed for skiing and can carry three people: the driver, a rear-facing observer and the skier.
Life jacket rules
- Carry a properly sized USCG-approved life jacket for each person on board, including on canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.
- Children under 13 must wear a USCG-approved life jacket while underway on a recreational vessel under 21 feet.
- Children under 4 must wear a life jacket with added infant or child safety features.
- Everyone on a PWC and everyone water skiing must wear a life jacket.
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 boating certificate is needed if you were born on or after July 1, 1972.
- The Maryland certificate never expires.
- Registration is $70 for two years for every motorized boat.
- You must be 16 to operate a PWC.
- Kids under 13 wear a life jacket underway on boats under 21 feet.
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.
- Educational Requirement ↗Maryland Natural Resources Police
- Maryland State Requirements for Recreational Vessels ↗Maryland Department of Natural Resources
- Boat Registration ↗Maryland Department of Natural Resources
- Personal Water Craft ↗Maryland Natural Resources Police
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