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

There is a restriction on the age of boat operators. You cannot operate any vessel is you are less than 10 years old. If you are between 12 and 18 years of age, you must have your Boating Education Certificate of Competency onboard or operate the boat under the direct, onboard supervision of an adult at least 18 years of age.

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 Illinois Department of Natural Resources, 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. Classroom options offered by the U.S. Power Squadron, civic organizations, park districts, schools, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, other interest groups and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
   • The course duration is a minimum of eight hours.
   • You will receive a boating education certificate of competency upon passing the course along with an Illinois graduation patch.
   • Only the card issued after a classroom course is recognized in most other states, and by many insurance companies for insurance discounts.
2. Online and classroom setting options offered by the U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary through Southwest Illinois College Community Education office.
   • U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary charges a fee of $40 for materials.
3. The Boater Education Card is either handed out at the end of class, or mailed to you within 45 days.
4. Contact the unit at (800) 222-5131, ext. 5393 to pre-register.
5. An approved online option offered by Boat Illinois.
6. These courses may take up to 8 hours to complete; some options require you to complete the course in one sitting.
7. Course materials are free. Some providers charge a fee for exams or the card: check providers' websites for details.
8. A temporary card may be printed after passing the online exam; the permanent card will be mailed to you.

RENEWAL

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

REPLACEMENT

To replace a card call the Illinois DNR at (800) 830-2268 or (214) 351-0461. If you completed your course online, you can access the DNR's online database and your certification number with your name and date of birth. Additionally, you may also fill out the online email form to request a replacement card.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• While liability insurance is not mandatory for boating in Illinois, 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 Illinois.
• Check the contact information of Illinois DNR.