How Online Boating School Works
Actually, It's All Pretty Simple...
Every person who operates a motorboat in California is required to obtain and carry a California Boater Card while operating a motorboat. You can get your California Boating Card— commonly called a “boating license” —by passing a California Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) and NASBLA-approved boating safety course like this one.
The state boating law is phased in over a period of years according to your age group. Please see the phase in schedule below:
- January 1, 2023 – Persons 50 years of age or younger
- January 1, 2024 – Persons 60 years of age or younger
- January 1, 2025 – All persons regardless of age
1.) Register For Course
Create an account with us. Don’t worry, it’s quick & easy.
Your California Boater Card will be accepted in all states that require NASBLA-approved certification and the card is good for life. You don’t even have to pay for the course up front. Test drive it to see how you like it!
2.) Get An Application ID Number
Go to the California Division of Boating and Waterways website to apply for an Application ID Number. You’ll need to enter it into our system when you reach the final exam.
3.) Receive Certificate of Completion
Once you've passed your final exam, your exam results will be electronically sent to the State (DBW) and you will receive your temporary boater card by email from DBW. If you would like a copy of your course completion certificate, that is available for download in your account. Once the state approves your application, they will process and send you the permanent Boater Card in the mail within 2-4 weeks. The card is good for life.
We recommend that you follow-up with the State (DBW) if you have not received your Boater Card within 30 days, as there may something wrong with your application or your payment has not been processed. Your temporary Boater Card and your official Boater Card are the only two documents accepted by law enforcement as proof of compliance out on the water.
Have Questions?
Contact our live local Legendary Customer Support Team based in California. We are here to help!
Phone or Text Support:
(800) 810-3446
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm PST
