New Mexico Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for New Mexico boaters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, and what happens after completion.
Who needs to take this course?
Anyone born after January 1, 1989, must have a New Mexico Boater Education Card to operate any motorized watercraft.
Available courses
New Mexico courses are available through the following options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
- Ilearntoboat
- BoatSmart!
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed | Ilearntoboat | BoatSmart! |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $49.95 | $54.95 | $74.95 | $49.95 |
| Language(s) | English | English; Spanish | English | English |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Units + Practice Exam | Interactive | 6 Modules |
| Format/Time | Online Only & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online Only & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Interactive, 3 hours | Online & Timed |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days | No expiration |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 24 minutes, 70% to pass. Retake module if failed. Final exam: 50 questions, 75 minutes, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | No | No | No | No |
| Residency Requirement | No | No | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | Eye color and hair color | Eye color and hair color | Eye color and hair color | Gender, eye color, and hair color |
| Post Course | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate immediately. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. |
| Replacement Card | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com |
Registration requirements
Registration requirements may vary by course option.
Students taking the New Mexico course may be required to provide:
- Gender
- Eye color
- Hair color
Course expiration and extensions
Boaterexam, Boat-Ed, and Ilearntoboat expire after 90 days.
BoatSmart! does not expire.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
- Ilearntoboat
BoatSmart! does not offer extensions.
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.
Boat-Ed: 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: The final exam includes 60 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
BoatSmart!: Quizzes include 10 questions and have a 24-minute time limit. Students must score 70% or higher to pass. If a quiz is failed, the student must retake the module. The final exam includes 50 questions and has a 75-minute time limit. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
After completing the course
After completing a New Mexico course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
The physical card typically arrives in 3-5 weeks.
Age and operator requirements
All persons must be at least 13 years old to operate a sailboat, motorboat, or personal watercraft unless they are under the direct onboard supervision of an adult.
Those under 13 years old must have their Boater Education Certificate on board, even when operating under direct supervision.
Exemptions
Operators may be exempt if they:
- Have a valid license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard
- Are renting the motorboat for 30 days or fewer and have received safe boat operation instructions and a summary of boating law from the rental company
Temporary certificates
Temporary certificate expiration may vary by course option.
Boat-Ed and Ilearntoboat temporary certificates are valid for 45 days.
Boaterexam temporary certificates are valid for 60 days.
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled through ilostmycard.com.
Students who need a replacement card should visit: