VT · State boating guide
Vermont
boating laws
Last verified
At a glance
- Boater card
- Required for specified operators
- Anyone born after January 1, 1974 operating any motorized vessel, including a PWC. Exempt: USCG-licensed commercial operators, operators only on a private lake or pond, and non-residents with proof of an approved course from another state.
- Operating age
- No one under 12 may operate a vessel with a motor over 6 hp, and no one under 16 may operate a PWC, even with a certificate. Students over 10 and under 12 must take a classroom course.
- Life-jacket age rule
- Children under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times while underway on the open deck of any vessel.
- BUI / BAC limit
- 0.08 BAC (0.02 for operators under 21)
- Registration fee
- $31.00–$303.00
- Published categories; see fees and exceptions below.
- Registration term
- 1 year / 2 years
The short answer
Do I need a boating license in Vermont?
Vermont Certificate of Boating Education (issued by the Vermont State Police, valid for life) is required for Anyone born after January 1, 1974 operating any motorized vessel, including a PWC. Exempt: USCG-licensed commercial operators, operators only on a private lake or pond, and non-residents with proof of an approved course from another state.
Confirm with Vermont State Police (boating safety) and Vermont DMV (registration) ↗Vermont requires anyone born after January 1, 1974 to hold a boating safety education certificate before operating any motorboat, including a PWC. Motorboats are registered with the Vermont DMV for one or two years, with fees set by length class from $31 a year for boats under 16 feet. Children under 12 must wear a life jacket on open decks while underway, 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 | Anyone born after January 1, 1974 operating any motorized vessel, including a PWC. Exempt: USCG-licensed commercial operators, operators only on a private lake or pond, and non-residents with proof of an approved course from another state. |
| Card or certificate | Vermont Certificate of Boating Education (issued by the Vermont State Police, valid for life) |
| Minimum operating age | No one under 12 may operate a vessel with a motor over 6 hp, and no one under 16 may operate a PWC, even with a certificate. Students over 10 and under 12 must take a classroom course. |
| Out-of-state cards | Non-residents are exempt if they carry proof of passing an approved boater education course in another state. |
Your boat’s paperwork
Boat registration & fees
Any vessel propelled by a motor on Vermont public waters. Exempt: non-motorized vessels, USCG-documented vessels, and boats legally registered elsewhere that have not been in Vermont more than 60 days (those used 60+ days a year need a Vermont validation sticker). Annual registrations expire one year, and biennial two years, from the first of the month after issue. Classes: A under 16 ft; 1 16 to under 26 ft; 2 26 to under 40 ft; 3 40 ft and over.
- Class A (under 16 ft), 1 year$31.00
- Class A (under 16 ft), 2 years$57.00
- Class 1 (16 to under 26 ft), 1 year$49.00
- Class 1 (16 to under 26 ft), 2 years$93.00
- Class 2 (26 to under 40 ft), 1 year$80.00
- Class 2 (26 to under 40 ft), 2 years$155.00
- Class 3 (40 ft and over), 1 year$153.00
- Class 3 (40 ft and over), 2 years$303.00
Registration fee data and sources
| Boat / fee category | Fee | Term | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A (under 16 ft), 1 year | $31.00 | 1 year | Official source: Class A (under 16 ft), 1 year ↗ |
| Class A (under 16 ft), 2 years | $57.00 | 2 years | Official source: Class A (under 16 ft), 2 years ↗ |
| Class 1 (16 to under 26 ft), 1 year | $49.00 | 1 year | Official source: Class 1 (16 to under 26 ft), 1 year ↗ |
| Class 1 (16 to under 26 ft), 2 years | $93.00 | 2 years | Official source: Class 1 (16 to under 26 ft), 2 years ↗ |
| Class 2 (26 to under 40 ft), 1 year | $80.00 | 1 year | Official source: Class 2 (26 to under 40 ft), 1 year ↗ |
| Class 2 (26 to under 40 ft), 2 years | $155.00 | 2 years | Official source: Class 2 (26 to under 40 ft), 2 years ↗ |
| Class 3 (40 ft and over), 1 year | $153.00 | 1 year | Official source: Class 3 (40 ft and over), 1 year ↗ |
| Class 3 (40 ft and over), 2 years | $303.00 | 2 years | Official source: Class 3 (40 ft and over), 2 years ↗ |
Personal watercraft (Jet Ski) rules
- Operators must be at least 16 and, if born after January 1, 1974, hold a boating education certificate.
- Everyone on a PWC must wear a USCG-approved life jacket.
- A lanyard-type engine cut-off must be attached to the operator.
- PWC may be operated only between sunrise and sunset.
Towing & watersports
- Anyone being towed must wear a USCG-approved wearable PFD; ski belts do not count.
- An observer at least 12 years old must be aboard in addition to the operator.
- A towed person may not come within 100 feet of a swimmer, or of a canoe, rowboat or other small vessel with someone aboard, except when landing or leaving shore.
Life jacket rules
- Carry a USCG-approved wearable life jacket for each person aboard.
- Children under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times while underway on the open deck of any vessel.
- Anyone under 16 on a sailboard must wear a life jacket.
- Everyone on a PWC and anyone being towed 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 anyone born after January 1, 1974.
- Kids under 12 may not run a motor over 6 hp.
- You must be 16 to drive a PWC, and only from sunrise to sunset.
- Registration starts at $31 a year for boats under 16 feet.
- Out-of-state boating certificates are accepted for non-residents.
Plan your day
Before you launch
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
Sources and last checked
Sources
Official guidance is the final reference. Rules and fees may change after this guide’s verification date.
- Vermont Boating Laws and Responsibilities handbook (2026) ↗Kalkomey Enterprises / Vermont State Police
- Registration Fees ↗Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
- 23 V.S.A. 3304 Classification ↗Vermont General Assembly
- 23 V.S.A. 3305 Registration ↗Vermont General Assembly
- 23 V.S.A. 3305b Boating safety education ↗Vermont General Assembly
- 23 V.S.A. 3323 Operation while intoxicated ↗Vermont General Assembly
Last verified
Explore more water