ND · State boating guide
North Dakota
boating laws
Last verified
At a glance
- Boater card
- Required for specified operators
- youth ages 12 through 15 who want to operate a motorboat or PWC with more than a 10 hp motor without a person 18 or older along
- Operating age
- Under 12: may operate a motorboat over 10 hp only when accompanied by someone 18 or older. Ages 12-15: need an adult 18+ along or a passed Boat North Dakota course. No restriction at 16 and older or for boats of 10 hp or less.
- Life-jacket age rule
- Children 10 and younger must wear a properly fastened life jacket while the boat is operating on boats under 27 feet.
- BUI / BAC limit
- 0.10 BAC
- Registration fee
- $10.00–$60.00
- Published categories; see fees and exceptions below.
- Registration term
- 3 years / 1 year
The short answer
Do I need a boating license in North Dakota?
Boat North Dakota boater education card is required for youth ages 12 through 15 who want to operate a motorboat or PWC with more than a 10 hp motor without a person 18 or older along.
Confirm with North Dakota Game and Fish Department ↗North Dakota has no general boating license. Kids 12 through 15 need the Boat North Dakota course to drive a boat or PWC over 10 hp alone; otherwise someone 18 or older must be along, and kids under 12 always need that adult. Every motorboat, including those with electric motors, is registered for a three-year cycle (2026-2028) for $30 to $60, plus a $15 aquatic nuisance species fee. The legal alcohol limit for boaters is 0.10, higher than the 0.08 used in most states.
Before you operate
Boater education & operating age
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education required | Yes — see who needs a card below |
| Who needs a card | youth ages 12 through 15 who want to operate a motorboat or PWC with more than a 10 hp motor without a person 18 or older along |
| Card or certificate | Boat North Dakota boater education card |
| Minimum operating age | Under 12: may operate a motorboat over 10 hp only when accompanied by someone 18 or older. Ages 12-15: need an adult 18+ along or a passed Boat North Dakota course. No restriction at 16 and older or for boats of 10 hp or less. |
| Out-of-state cards | The state pages do not say whether other states' cards are accepted for ages 12-15. Boats numbered in another state may be used in North Dakota for 90 days. |
Your boat’s paperwork
Boat registration & fees
Every motorboat principally used in North Dakota and powered by any motor, including electric motors, must be registered with Game and Fish. The current cycle runs January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028, and fees are prorated by year in the cycle. Non-motorized boats do not need registration but may register voluntarily. Boats numbered in another state may be used for 90 days; out-of-state motorized boats need a $15 aquatic nuisance species sticker each calendar year.
- Motorboat under 16 feet, or any motorized canoe (3-year cycle)$30.00
- Motorboat 16 to under 20 feet (3-year cycle)$45.00
- Motorboat 20 feet or longer (3-year cycle)$60.00
- Aquatic nuisance species fee, ND-registered motorboat (3-year cycle)$15.00
- Aquatic nuisance species sticker, out-of-state motorboat (per year)$15.00
- Replacement registration decal$10.00
Registration fee data and sources
| Boat / fee category | Fee | Term | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorboat under 16 feet, or any motorized canoe (3-year cycle) | $30.00 | 3 years | Official source: Motorboat under 16 feet, or any motorized canoe (3-year cycle) ↗ |
| Motorboat 16 to under 20 feet (3-year cycle) | $45.00 | 3 years | Official source: Motorboat 16 to under 20 feet (3-year cycle) ↗ |
| Motorboat 20 feet or longer (3-year cycle) | $60.00 | 3 years | Official source: Motorboat 20 feet or longer (3-year cycle) ↗ |
| Aquatic nuisance species fee, ND-registered motorboat (3-year cycle) | $15.00 | 3 years | Official source: Aquatic nuisance species fee, ND-registered motorboat (3-year cycle) ↗ |
| Aquatic nuisance species sticker, out-of-state motorboat (per year) | $15.00 | 1 year | Official source: Aquatic nuisance species sticker, out-of-state motorboat (per year) ↗ |
| Replacement registration decal | $10.00 | Not published | Official source: Replacement registration decal ↗ |
Personal watercraft (Jet Ski) rules
- Everyone on a PWC must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II, III or V life jacket.
- If the PWC has a lanyard engine cut-off switch, it must be attached to the operator's body, clothing or life jacket.
- Slow/no-wake speed within 100 feet of shore anglers, swimmers, swim rafts and occupied, anchored or non-motorized boats.
- A PWC towing someone needs an observer on board or a mirror on each side.
- No jumping another boat's wake within 100 feet, weaving through traffic, or chasing wildlife.
- The same age rules as motorboats apply: under 16 needs an adult 18+ along or (ages 12-15) a passed course to run over 10 hp.
Towing & watersports
- Anyone towed on skis, a surfboard or similar device must wear a life jacket, except wet-suited barefoot skiers or surfers and windsurfers 16 and older.
- The towing boat needs an observer besides the operator or a rearview mirror of at least 78 square inches.
- No towing from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
- No towing skiers near other boats or obstructions or into swimming areas.
Life jacket rules
- Carry one USCG-approved wearable life jacket for each person on board.
- Boats 16 feet and longer must also carry one Type IV throwable device.
- Children 10 and younger must wear a properly fastened life jacket while the boat is operating on boats under 27 feet.
- Everyone on a PWC and anyone being towed must wear a life jacket.
Boating under the influence
Published limit: 0.10 BAC. Read the linked official guidance for the full rule and any age-specific provisions.
At a glance
- Kids 12-15 need Boat North Dakota or an adult aboard to run over 10 hp.
- Registration runs on a 3-year cycle, 2026 through 2028.
- Fees are $30 to $60 plus a $15 aquatic nuisance species fee.
- Kids 10 and under must wear life jackets on boats under 27 feet.
- North Dakota's boating alcohol limit is 0.10, not 0.08.
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 Regulations ↗North Dakota Game and Fish Department
- Watercraft Registration ↗North Dakota Game and Fish Department
- Boating and Water Safety Education ↗North Dakota Game and Fish Department
- NDCC Chapter 20.1-13 Boating ↗North Dakota Legislative Branch
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