Iowa requires a Boater Education Card for boaters, and not a boating license. The regulatory authority for the card is Iowa's Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The card is mandatory for all boat operators 12 years and older.

If you are under 12 years of age, you cannot operate a watercraft without direct adult supervision. If you are between the ages of 12 and 18, you must have your DNR-approved boat education certificate on board when operating a watercraft and have adult supervision at all times.

The boating laws of the state require that the person operating a boat should not be under the influence of intoxicants. The legal limit of the blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% and if arrested for a higher BAC, harsh penalties may be imposed on the operator, based on the severity of the offense as well as the previous number of such convictions.

EXEMPTIONS

Boat operators possessing a valid boaters' license issued by the U.S Coast Guard or the Canadian Government are exempt from the above requirements.

BOATER EDUCATION COURSE

To obtain the Boater Education Card, you must complete a boater education course approved by the Iowa DNR, or pass an approved equivalency test.

In an approved course, students learn how to operate and maintain their boats, the legal requirements for boating, and what to do in emergencies. This ensures that boating remains a safe and fun experience.

There are various approved ways you can complete the course and obtain the card:

1. Three classroom options offered by the U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons and Iowa's DNR. You can search for all available courses and locations here or call (515) 281-5918 to pre-register for the course offered by the DNR.
   • The course duration is a minimum of six hours.
   • U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary charges a fee of $15 for materials.
   • The state charges a $5 fee for the certificate.
   • To pass the course, you must get 80% of the answers right on the exam administered at the end of the course.
2. The Boater Education Card is either handed out at the end of class, or mailed to you within 45 days.
3. Only the card issued after a classroom course is recognized in most other states, and by many insurance companies for insurance discounts.
4. Two approved online options offered by the Boat Ed and the Boat U.S. Foundation
5. These courses may take up to 8 hours to complete; some options require you to complete the course in one sitting.
6. DNR charges $5 for the certificate fee.
7. A temporary card may be printed after passing the online exam; the permanent card will be mailed to you.
8. The option of studying at home using approved course material, and passing a test. Call (515) 281-5918 or email the DNR at webmaster@dnr.state.ia.us to register and request the manual. After you are done studying, you will take the test included in the package and along with the $5 fee for the certificate send the test back for grading. You will receive the certificate in the mail.

RENEWAL

The card is permanent. There is no need to renew it.

REPLACEMENT

To replace a card, contact Iowa's Department of Natural Resources with proof of course completion. Students who took the exam online may obtain a duplicate card by contacting their providers, and for a fee - check the providers' websites for details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• While liability insurance is not mandatory for boating in Iowa, it is a good idea to have liability insurance to tide over troubles if you or someone operating your boat is involved in a boating accident.
• Read the course material for the Boater Education Course.
• See how to register your boat in Iowa.
• Check the contact information of Iowa Department of Natural Resources.