Minnesota’s New Boating Law Requirements Begin July 1
June 20, 2025 | Adriel B. Villarreal
Starting on July 1, a new law will require some Minnesota boaters to have a valid watercraft operator’s permit in order to operate a motorboat. The new law, passed in 2023, is designed to increase safety on Minnesota’s lakes and rivers as well as educate people on the environmental impacts of boating. Here’s what you need to know.
Who Is Affected?
Boaters born after June 30, 2004, aged 12 years or older, will need a valid watercraft operator’s permit to drive any motorboat or personal watercraft. This requirement goes into place on July 1, 2025, but the requirement will gradually extend to older age groups through 2028.
People without a permit can still operate a boat as long as there is an accompanying operator on board who does have a permit and is at least 21 years old.
Those born before June 30, 1987, will never be required to have a permit unless they rent a motorboat or are serving as an accompanying operator for another person.
People younger than 12 years old cannot operate a personal watercraft or motorboat with a motor over 75 horsepower. They can, however, operate a motorboat that is not a personal watercraft and is under 75 horsepower as long as there is an accompanying operator on board.
How to Get the Permit
To get the watercraft operator’s permit, you’ll need to pay a one-time fee of $34.95, take an online course, and pass the final exam. You will then receive your permit in the mail within three weeks. There are unlimited attempts for the final exam, and once you receive your permit, it is valid for life.
Stay Safe This Summer
This new boating law is designed to teach people important boating safety standards, regulations, and more. The hope is that this additional training and education will reduce boating accidents and protect our lakes and rivers.
Learn more about the details of this law on the MN DNR website. If you do experience a boating accident and sustain injuries due to someone else’s negligence, contact Barna, Guzy & Steffen. We will work diligently to understand your case and settle your claim quickly.