South Dakota Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for South Dakota boaters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, and what happens after completion.
Who needs to take this course?
South Dakota does not require boating education.
Students may still take this course to save on insurance or to boat in states that require a boater education card.
However, South Dakota does have age and operator restrictions. See the section below for more information.
Available courses
South Dakota courses are available through the following options:
- Boaterexam
- Boat-Ed
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $34.95 | $39.95 |
| Language(s) | English | English |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Units + Practice Exam |
| Format/Time | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes |
| 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, unlimited attempts. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | No | No |
| Residency Requirement | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | Gender, eye color, and hair color | Gender |
| Post Course | 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 |
Registration requirements
Registration requirements may vary by course option.
Students taking the South Dakota course may be required to provide:
- Gender
- Eye color
- Hair color
Course expiration and extensions
South Dakota courses expire after 90 days.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
- Boaterexam
- 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.
Boat-Ed: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 70% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts. 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 South Dakota course, students can immediately print their temporary certificate.
The physical card typically arrives in 3-5 weeks.
Age and operator requirements
No person under 12 years old may operate a motorboat powered by a motor of more than 6 horsepower unless there is a person 18 years old or older on board the motorboat.
No person under 14 years old may operate a personal watercraft, regardless of horsepower, unless there is a person 18 years old or older on board the personal watercraft.
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled through ilostmycard.com.
Students who need a replacement card should visit: