Minnesota Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for Minnesota boaters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, and what happens after completion.
Who needs to take this course?
As of July 1, 2025, you need boater education if you were born on or after July 1, 2004, and plan to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on Minnesota waters.
You also need boater education if you are:
12 to 17 years old and will operate a boat over 25 horsepower unsupervised.
14 to 17 years old and will operate a personal watercraft unsupervised.
Minnesota’s requirements are being phased in by birthdate:
| Effective Date | Education Required If Born On or After |
|---|---|
| July 1, 2025 | July 1, 2004 |
| July 1, 2026 | July 1, 2000 |
| July 1, 2027 | July 1, 1996 |
| July 1, 2028 | July 1, 1987 |
Available courses
Minnesota courses are available through the following options:
Boaterexam
Ilearntoboat
Boat-Ed+
There is no Boat-Ed or BoatSmart! course for Minnesota.
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Ilearntoboat | Boat-Ed+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $34.95 | $54.95 | $79.95 |
| Language(s) | EN | EN | EN |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 7 Units | 4 Cruises / 24 Lessons |
| Format/Time | Online Only & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Interactive | Interactive |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | No quizzes. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | No quizzes. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Residency Requirement | No | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | Gender and eye color. MN DNR number is optional. | Gender and eye color. MN DNR number is optional. | Gender and eye color. MN DNR number is optional. |
| Post Course | Print temporary certificate. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. |
| Replacement Card | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com |
Registration requirements
Students taking the Minnesota course may be required to provide:
Gender
Eye color
The Minnesota DNR number is optional.
Students who want to obtain a Minnesota DNR number can visit:
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/online-sales.html
Course expiration and extensions
Minnesota courses expire after 90 days.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
Boaterexam
Ilearntoboat
Boat-Ed+
Quizzes and final exam
Exam requirements may vary by course option.
Boaterexam: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 70% or higher to pass or they must redo the chapter. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Ilearntoboat: There are no quizzes. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Boat-Ed+: There are no quizzes. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
After completing the course
After completing a Minnesota course, students can print their temporary certificate.
The physical card typically arrives in 3-5 weeks.
Age and operator requirements
No one under the age of 12 may operate a boat greater than 75 horsepower under any circumstances.
Operators who are 12 to 17 years old may operate a boat with less than 25 horsepower without restriction.
No one under the age of 13 may operate a personal watercraft.
Operators who are 13 years old must be under the direct supervision of a person onboard who is at least 21 years old.
Operators who are 14 to 17 years old and want to operate a personal watercraft must either:
Be under the direct supervision of a person onboard who is at least 21 years old
Have obtained a Watercraft Operator’s Permit
Anyone 18 years old or older may operate a motorized vessel or personal watercraft without restrictions.
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled through ilostmycard.com.
Students who completed an in-person course or a course with a different provider may need to contact the state directly, since not all records are available through our system.
Replacement card website: