Updated July 2026: Minnesota's boating education requirements changed beginning July 1, 2025, and expanded again on July 1, 2026. This article has been updated to reflect current Minnesota watercraft operator permit requirements.
Find out everything you need to know about boating licenses in this post from the bimini top experts at Canvasworks in Cokato, Minnesota.
There’s nothing like the excitement of a new boat purchase. It opens a whole new world of adventure, especially in Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes! But before you plan that first outing, it’s essential to have everything you need to ensure a perfect day on the lake.
We’re sure you’ve already spoken with your insurance agent about boat insurance and, if you haven’t, that’s a good step to take before making plans. Making sure the boat was in good operating condition is also an important a part of the process of buying a boat, so you’re covered on that end. If you’re a follower of our blog, you're already familiar with the importance of purchasing a cover for your boat and staying comfortable on the lake, so you’ve purchased a boat cover and picked out accessories like bimini tops. But you may still be wondering whether you need a license or permit to operate a boat. The answer depends on where you live, your age, the type of watercraft you're operating, and, in Minnesota, when you were born.
State by State Regulations
The first thing to know about getting a boating license or watercraft operator's permit is that requirements vary from one state to the next. Some states require boating safety education or an operator's permit based on age, while others have different rules for specific types of watercraft.
Before operating a boat, check the requirements for the state where you'll be boating. Your state's natural resources, wildlife, or boating agency is usually the best source for current regulations.
In Minnesota, the laws changed beginning July 1, 2025, when new watercraft operator permit requirements took effect. The requirements are being phased in based on an operator's date of birth, so Minnesota boaters should review the current Minnesota Department of Natural Resources boating regulations before heading out on the water.
Boat Operators Age 12-17
Minnesota's current watercraft operator permit law applies to operators age 12 and older based on their date of birth. As of July 1, 2026, anyone born after June 30, 2000 falls under the permit requirement.
Because everyone between ages 12 and 17 was born after that date, operators in this age group generally need a valid Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit to operate motorized watercraft covered by the law. A person who does not have a permit may operate certain motorboats when an accompanying operator is on board.
An accompanying operator must be at least 21 years old, be within immediate reach of the motor controls, and have a valid operator's permit or qualify as an exempt operator.
There is an exception for low-powered motorboats. A person of any age may operate a motorboat with a factory-rated motor of 25 horsepower or less without a watercraft operator's permit or accompanying operator, as long as the watercraft is not a personal watercraft.
Minnesota accepts qualifying watercraft operator permits from other states, so someone who already holds a valid permit may not need to complete the Minnesota course again.
Boat Operators Under 12
Minnesota has separate rules for boat operators younger than 12. A child under 12 may not operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat with more than 75 horsepower.
Children under 12 may operate a motorboat other than a personal watercraft with less than 75 horsepower when an accompanying operator is on board. However, motorboats with a factory-rated motor of 25 horsepower or less may be operated without a watercraft operator's permit or accompanying operator.
These horsepower exceptions do not apply to personal watercraft. Operators under 12 may not operate a personal watercraft, even with an adult present.
Adult Boat Operators
Minnesota now requires some adult boat operators to hold a valid watercraft operator's permit. The requirement is being introduced gradually based on date of birth.
As of July 1, 2026, operators born after June 30, 2000 are covered by the requirement. The law is scheduled to expand as follows:
July 1, 2025: Operators born after June 30, 2004
July 1, 2026: Operators born after June 30, 2000
July 1, 2027: Operators born after June 30, 1996
July 1, 2028: Operators born after June 30, 1987
An affected operator can legally operate a covered motorboat by possessing a valid watercraft operator's permit, qualifying for an exemption, or having a qualified accompanying operator on board. The low-powered motorboat exception also allows people of any age to operate a non-personal-watercraft motorboat rated at 25 horsepower or less without a permit or accompanying operator.
Once the phase-in is complete, people born before July 1, 1987 generally will not be required to obtain a watercraft operator's permit for ordinary operation. There are exceptions, including certain rental situations and serving as the accompanying operator for another boater.
To obtain a Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit, boaters can complete a state-approved boating safety education course. Even boaters who are not required to obtain a permit can benefit from taking the course, and some insurance companies offer discounts for completing an approved boating safety course.
Is a Boating License the Same as a Watercraft Operator's Permit?
People often use the term "boating license," but Minnesota officially refers to the qualification for an individual operator as a Watercraft Operator's Permit. This is different from the license and registration requirements that apply to the boat itself.
If you're trying to determine whether you're legally allowed to operate a motorboat in Minnesota, the watercraft operator permit rules are the ones you'll want to review.
Reporting an Accident
In addition to understanding Minnesota's watercraft operator permit requirements, boaters need to know what to do if an accident occurs.
If you are involved in a boating accident, stop at the scene and provide assistance to anyone in trouble if you can do so safely. If another boat or other property is involved, exchange your name and boat registration number with the other operator or property owner.
Minnesota law requires boating accidents to be reported to the county sheriff when they involve:
- Property damage of $2,000 or more
- Personal injury
- A fatality
The county sheriff investigates watercraft accidents, so boaters should follow the sheriff's instructions after reporting an incident.
Minnesota Heavy-Duty Boat Covers and More
Once you’ve made sure everyone is ready to go and reviewed the boating laws that apply to you, it’s time to make sure your boat is properly equipped and protected.
At Canvasworks, we custom manufacture a complete range of marine products, including boat canopies, boat upholstery, bimini tops, and heavy-duty custom boat covers. Whether you're protecting your boat between trips or looking for added comfort on the water, our team can create marine products built around your boat and how you use it.
To learn more or order a custom marine product, call 320-559-0165 or contact Canvasworks online.