State Course Information

Rules & regulations: https://www.boat-ed.com/alabama/boating_law/

Course Cost: The Alabama Boat Ed Course fee is $39.95

Who requires the course: All persons who operate a motorized boat on Alabama waters (15hp or more) need to obtain an Alabama Vessel License. You must be at least 12 years old to get your license.

Age Restriction: Minimum age to take the course and get a license is 12.

Residency Requirement: You do not have to be a resident of Alabama to take this online course.

Format: Online Only & Timed (3-hour min.)

Course Time: On average it will take 4-6 hours to complete.

Course Time Limit: You have 90 days to complete the course.

Chapters: 6 Chapters in total.

Quizzes and/or Exams:

• Quizzes: Each quiz is 10 questions. If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 70% on the unit quizzes to pass.
• Exam: The Boating License Certification Exam is the 60 question exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.

Post Course:

No temporary certificate is issued for Alabama. If you need proof of certification ASAP, please contact the ALEA. The Certificate of completion arrives within 3-5 weeks (mailed by Alabama Marine Police Division).

After receiving your Alabama Boating Course Certificate of Completion by mail, follow these steps below:

1. Take your Alabama Boating Course Certificate of Completion to an ALEA License Examining Office
2. At an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, complete an application, pay the boating license application fees There is a cost. $5+ $23, subject to change), and take an eye exam

Additional information can be obtained at www.outdooralabama.com or by contacting the ALEA Marine Police Division, Operator Certification Section at 334-517-2950

Replacement Cards: 

Send a written request and $5 fee (cash, certified check, or money order) to:

Alabama FAQ:

Do I have to complete the course all at once? : You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay-up-front courses are available for 90 days from time of registration and payment.

Is the Alabama Boat Ed Course approved by the ALEA Marine Police Division?

The Alabama Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the ALEA Marine Police Division.

Is my Alabama Alabama Boating Course Certificate of Completion accepted elsewhere?

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)

Then they will need to take the Alabama Boating Course Certificate of Completion to the Department of Public Safety Drivers License Examining Office in your county to obtain the V (for vessel) endorsement placed on your driver's license or obtain a Vessel Only license. (Note: There is a cost. $5+ $23 unless it has changed).

How long does my Alabama Boating card take to arrive?

The card will take 3-5 weeks to arrive in the mail however any card related question should be directed to the ALEA Marine Police Division as they send out the card