SD · State boating guide
South Dakota
boating laws
Last verified
At a glance
- Boater card
- No general requirement
- no one; boating education is not mandatory in South Dakota, but the state recommends one of three certified online courses
- Operating age
- Under 12: may not operate a motorboat over 6 hp unless someone 18 or older is on board. Under 14: may not operate a PWC of any horsepower unless someone 18 or older is on board.
- Life-jacket age rule
- Children under 7 must wear a life jacket when the boat goes faster than no-wake speed, unless in a cabin or below deck.
- BUI / BAC limit
- 0.08 BAC
- Registration fee
- $2.00–$55.00
- Published categories; see fees and exceptions below.
- Registration term
- 1 year
The short answer
Do I need a boating license in South Dakota?
South Dakota does not require boater education, though Game, Fish and Parks urges boaters to take a course.
Confirm with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks ↗South Dakota does not require boater education, though Game, Fish and Parks urges boaters to take a course. Kids under 12 need someone 18 or older aboard to run a motor over 6 hp, and kids under 14 need that adult aboard to run a PWC. All motorboats, plus non-motorized boats over 12 feet, are registered each year through the county treasurer for $18 to $55. The boating alcohol limit is 0.08.
Before you operate
Boater education & operating age
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education required | No — see the official requirements for exceptions |
| Who needs a card | no one; boating education is not mandatory in South Dakota, but the state recommends one of three certified online courses |
| Card or certificate | No state card required (voluntary online course certificates) |
| Minimum operating age | Under 12: may not operate a motorboat over 6 hp unless someone 18 or older is on board. Under 14: may not operate a PWC of any horsepower unless someone 18 or older is on board. |
| Out-of-state cards | No education card is required, so none is needed by visitors. Boats registered in another state may operate in South Dakota for 60 days before South Dakota registration is required. |
Your boat’s paperwork
Boat registration & fees
All motorboats of any length, including boats using electric trolling motors, and all non-motorized boats over 12 feet must be registered each year at the county treasurer in the owner's county of residence (renewals also online). Non-motorized boats 12 feet or less are exempt. Motorboats and boats over 12 feet also need a title, except canoes, inflatables, kayaks, sailboards and seaplanes. Boats registered in another state may operate for 60 days.
- Non-motorized boat over 12 feet, or electric-motor-only boat (per year)$18.00
- Motorboat under 19 feet, including PWC (per year)$30.00
- Motorboat 19 feet or longer (per year)$55.00
- Certificate of title$10.00
- Administrative fee per boat license$3.00
- Technology fee$2.00
Registration fee data and sources
| Boat / fee category | Fee | Term | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-motorized boat over 12 feet, or electric-motor-only boat (per year) | $18.00 | 1 year | Official source: Non-motorized boat over 12 feet, or electric-motor-only boat (per year) ↗ |
| Motorboat under 19 feet, including PWC (per year) | $30.00 | 1 year | Official source: Motorboat under 19 feet, including PWC (per year) ↗ |
| Motorboat 19 feet or longer (per year) | $55.00 | 1 year | Official source: Motorboat 19 feet or longer (per year) ↗ |
| Certificate of title | $10.00 | Not published | Official source: Certificate of title ↗ |
| Administrative fee per boat license | $3.00 | 1 year | Official source: Administrative fee per boat license ↗ |
| Technology fee | $2.00 | Not published | Official source: Technology fee ↗ |
Personal watercraft (Jet Ski) rules
- Everyone on a PWC must wear a USCG-approved life jacket; inflatable life jackets are not approved for PWC use.
- No one under 14 may operate a PWC unless someone 18 or older is on board.
- If the PWC has a lanyard engine cut-off switch, it must be attached to the operator while underway.
- A PWC without navigation lights may not run between sunset and sunrise or in low visibility.
- Slow no-wake speed (5 mph or less) within 150 feet of non-motorized boats, shore, docks, swim rafts, swimmers and moored or anchored boats.
Towing & watersports
- Towing a person or making a wake for a wake surfer requires a wide-angle rearview mirror or another person continuously observing.
- No skiing, tubing or wake surfing from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.
- A USCG-approved wearable life jacket must be worn by each person towed or carried in the towing boat for them.
- Inflatable life jackets are not approved for skiing, kneeboarding or other towed sports.
Life jacket rules
- Carry one USCG-approved wearable life jacket for each person on board.
- Boats 16 feet or longer, other than canoes, kayaks and paddleboards, must also carry one throwable device.
- Children under 7 must wear a life jacket when the boat goes faster than no-wake speed, unless in a cabin or below deck.
- Inflatable life jackets are not approved for PWC, towed sports or anyone under 16.
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
- No boating license or education card is required in South Dakota.
- Kids under 12 need an adult aboard for motors over 6 hp.
- PWC operators under 14 need someone 18+ on board.
- Registration is yearly through your county treasurer, $18 to $55.
- Kids under 7 must wear life jackets above no-wake speed.
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 ↗South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
- Boat Licensing ↗South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
- Boats ↗South Dakota Department of Revenue
- South Dakota Boating Handbook (2023) ↗South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
- Boating Safety ↗South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
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