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How to Apply For a Boating License in Kansas

Updated on Fri, 6/3/2011

Kansas requires a Boater Education Card for boaters, and not a boating license. The regulatory authority for the card is Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (DWP). The card is mandatory for all boat operators born after January 1, 1989; older boaters do not require the card.

There is no restriction on the age of boat operators. If you are under 12 years of age, you may operate a boat only under the direct, onboard supervision of an adult, 17 years or older with a Boater Card. If you are under 18 years of age, you must have your Boater Education Card onboard, and operate the boat under the direct, onboard supervision of an adult. Out-of-state residents must have a Kansas-approved boat education safety card on board when operating a boat or watercraft as well.

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 Kansas DWP, 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. Two classroom options offered by Kansas DWP and the U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary.
    • The course duration is a minimum of eight hours.
    • The courses taught by the DWP are free. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary charges a fee of $15 for materials.
    • 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 Boat Kansas and Boater Exam Kansas
  5. These courses may take up to 8 hours to complete; some options require you to complete the course in one sitting.
  6. Course materials are free but both providers charge a $24.95 fee for taking the test, payable only when you pass.
  7. A temporary card may be printed after passing the online exam; the permanent card will be mailed to you.
  8. One home study option offered by the Kansas DWP. Contact Erika Nighswonger, Boating Education Coordinator to request study material. You can contact her by filling out the email form with your name and address or calling : (620) 672-5911 or mailing to the following address: 
    KDWP Pratt Operations Office
512 SE 25th Ave
Pratt, KS 67124-8174

RENEWAL

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

REPLACEMENT

To replace a card, call the Kansas DWP's Pratt Operations office at (620) 672-5911, extension 170 with proof of course completion, name and date of birth. There is an $11 fee for a replacement and the request can be made over the phone via a credit card or by writing to the DWP with your details and the fee at: 
KDWP Boating Education
512 SE 25th Ave
Pratt, KS  67124
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 Kansas, 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 Kansas.
  • Check the contact information of Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.