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FAQs

Do Idaho's Boaters Need a Boating License?
No. Currently, there is no law in Idaho that requires boaters to have an Idaho Boater Education Card. However, most other states will require you to carry a Boating License while operating a boat. So, if you become a certified boater now, you’ll be able to boat legally in other states and you’ll also recieve a discount on your boat insurance. Win-win!
How Do I Prepare For The Idaho Boating Safety Test?
You can prepare for the official Idaho Boating Safety Test by taking the BOATsmart! Course which includes animated, narrated and brilliantly illustrated lessons. Perfect for all ages. The 3-hour BOATsmart! Course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and by the Idaho Department of Natural Resources and includes all the knowledge you need in order to obtain your Idaho Boating License.
What Happens If It Takes Me Longer Than 3 Hours To Complete The BOATsmart! Course? Will I Need To Start Over?
No, the 3-hour timer is only a minimum requirement. You’re free to spend as much time as you need in the BOATsmart! Study Guide before taking the Final Test.

Who Is Required To Wear Life Jackets When Boating In Idaho?
The only boaters REQUIRED to wear life jackets while boating in Idaho are:
- •Boaters 14 years of age or younger who are on board boats that are under 19 feet in length and underway.
- •PWC operators and passengers.
- •Passengers being towed being a boat (i.e. water-skiers).
What Are The Rules For Renting a Personal Watercraft (PWC) In Idaho? Am I Required To Take a Boating Safety Course?
Yes, Idaho boaters renting a personal watercraft (PWC), commonly known as a ‘WaveRunner’, ‘SeaDoo’ or ‘Jet-ski’, will be required to take a boating safety course. Afterwards, each rider must carry the state’s verification of education card whenever operating (driving) a rented PWC. Contact Idaho Parks & Recreation for more information.
Do I Need An Idaho Driver’s License In Order To Operate a Motorized Boat On State Waters?
No. Boaters are not required to have a driver’s license in order to legally operate a boat in Idaho.

Will My BOATsmart! Idaho Boating License Ever Expire?
Never. Your BOATsmart! Card will be good for life. But make sure you visit us after you’ve pass the test. BOATsmart! offers free refresher lessons that will keep your boating knowledge up to date!
Will My BOATsmart! Boating License Be Valid For Boating In Other States?
Yes! The BOATsmart! Card is accepted in 40 states, which extend reciprocity. This means the BOATsmart! Boating Safety Course meets the National Standards established by NASBLA. This law applies to operators of motorized boats, but not in all states to operators of personal watercraft (PWCs). Always check the boating laws in the state you plan to visit prior to operating a boat or a PWC there.
Can I Challenge The BOATsmart! Idaho Test? Or Do I Have To Complete The 3-Hour Online BOATsmart! Idaho Course?
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) requires boaters to complete the full 3-hour online study guide in order to access the online version of the Idaho Boater Education Test. Once you’ve completed all modules and quizzes, you’ll be able to access Idaho’s Official Boater Safety Test

I Read The BOATsmart! Study Guide Module, Why Can’t I Access The Next Lesson?
In order to access to the next module lesson or the module quiz, you must complete the minimum time requirement on your current lesson page. Once the timer is up, you can move on to the next lesson.
How Do I Register My Boat In Idaho?
All motorized boats in Idaho are required to be registered. To register your boat and obtain a Certificate of Number, submit an application and fee to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation at the following address:
- The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
- Registration Section
- P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID,
- 83720-0065
Where can I get an Idaho Boater Education Card?
You can take the state approved Idaho Boating Safety Course and official Test on this website. Click here to register and take the course!

What Are Idaho’s Penalties And Fines For Boaters Who Are Convicted Of Operating a Boat While Under The Influence Of Alcohol Or Drugs?
Boaters who are convicted of operating a boat while under the influence will face a maximum fine of up to $1,000 and/or face up to 6 months in the county jail.They may also lose the right to operate a boat for up to 2 years and be required to complete a course on safe boating. Subsequent violations will be punishable by more severe fines and penalties. Learn more about the risks of boating with alcohol by taking the Idaho Boater Safety Course.
What Are The Laws For Boating With Alcohol In Idaho?
In Idaho it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Idaho boat operators will be considered to be ‘under the influence’ of alcohol if their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level is 0.08% or higher. Learn more about the risks of boating with alcohol by taking the BOATsmart! Idaho Course.
How Can I Order a Replacement Card?
Easily. You can order a Replacement Idaho Boater Education Card from BOATsmart! for a fee of $9.95. Simply call us toll free at 1-877-655-7778. We can hook you up!

Is the Idaho Boater Education Card the same thing as a Boating License?
Yes, the BOATsmart! Idaho Boater Education Card is commonly referred to as a ‘Boating License’ or ‘Boat License Card’.
Who Enforces The Laws On Idaho’s Waterways?
Idaho’s boaters are required to comply with the boating laws in place and follow any direction given by law enforcement. Learn more about Idaho’s boating laws by taking the BOATsmart! Idaho Course. Idaho’s boating law authorities include:
- • The sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of the respective counties.
- • The U.S. Coast Guard (on federal waters).
Is a Boater Education Card Required In Idaho?
No. Currently, there is no law in Idaho that requires boaters to have an Idaho Boater Education Card. However, most other states will require you to carry a Boating License while operating a boat. So, if you become a certified boater now, you’ll be able to boat legally in other states and you’ll also recieve a discount on your boat insurance. Win-win!

How Do I Prepare For The Idaho Boating Safety Test
Prepare for the official Idaho Boating Safety Test with the BOATsmart Course which includes animated, narrated and brilliantly illustrated lessons, perfect for all ages.
- The 3-hour Idaho Boating Safety Course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and by Idaho State Parks and Recreation and includes all the knowledge you need in order to obtain your Idaho Boater Education Certificate.
Is a Boating License Required In Idaho?
Currently, mandatory boater education is not required for boaters in Idaho. This means you are not required to have an Idaho Boating License in order legally operate a motorized boat on state waters. However, there are benefits to being a BOATsmart! Cardholder – once you’ve obtained the BOATsmart! Card, it will be good for life, it will keep you legal when boating in other states and you’ll receive discounts on your boat insurance.
What Are The Minimum Technical Requirements To Access The Online Boating Safety Test?
The following technical requirements are necesssary:
- 1024 x 768 Screen Resolution
- Firefox 3.0 or greater
- Internet Explorer 6.0 or greater
- Safari 2.0 or greater
- Google Chrome
- Javascript Enabled
- Some pop-up blockers may require you to enable pop-ups to use this site
- Certain areas of this site require Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader
- The final exam requires Internet Connectivity which is at 56kb or above

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Animated and narrated, great for all ages
FREE PADDLERsmart! course with purchase

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Idaho State Approved

Step inside the Course.

Anchoring your craft

Engine types

How to launch your craft

Anchoring your craft

Engine types

How to launch your craft

Maintaining your Lifejackets and PFDs

Storm warning

If your craft is swamped or is sinking

Red right returning

Towing your boat

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Animated & narrated

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Good for life

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Animated & narrated

Access from anywhere

Live support

Go boating right away

Good for life

No risk

Watch, listen & learn.

Official & State Approved.

What smart boaters are saying:

We're boaters too, so we get it.

FAQs

Do Idaho's Boaters Need a Boating License?

How Do I Prepare For The Idaho Boating Safety Test?

What Happens If It Takes Me Longer Than 3 Hours To Complete The BOATsmart! Course? Will I Need To Start Over?

Who Is Required To Wear Life Jackets When Boating In Idaho?

What Are The Rules For Renting a Personal Watercraft (PWC) In Idaho? Am I Required To Take a Boating Safety Course?

Do I Need An Idaho Driver’s License In Order To Operate a Motorized Boat On State Waters?

Will My BOATsmart! Idaho Boating License Ever Expire?

Will My BOATsmart! Boating License Be Valid For Boating In Other States?

Can I Challenge The BOATsmart! Idaho Test? Or Do I Have To Complete The 3-Hour Online BOATsmart! Idaho Course?

I Read The BOATsmart! Study Guide Module, Why Can’t I Access The Next Lesson?

How Do I Register My Boat In Idaho?

Where can I get an Idaho Boater Education Card?

What Are Idaho’s Penalties And Fines For Boaters Who Are Convicted Of Operating a Boat While Under The Influence Of Alcohol Or Drugs?

What Are The Laws For Boating With Alcohol In Idaho?

How Can I Order a Replacement Card?

Is the Idaho Boater Education Card the same thing as a Boating License?

Who Enforces The Laws On Idaho’s Waterways?

Is a Boater Education Card Required In Idaho?

How Do I Prepare For The Idaho Boating Safety Test

Is a Boating License Required In Idaho?

What Are The Minimum Technical Requirements To Access The Online Boating Safety Test?

America's Boating Course.

Why BOATsmart!
has licensed over
500,000 boaters