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How to Apply For a Boating License in New Mexico

Updated on Fri, 6/3/2011

There is no restriction on the age of boat operators. If you are under 13 years of age, you must have your Boater Education Card onboard, and operate the boat under the direct, onboard supervision of an adult.

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

The following persons are exempt from the above requirements:

  • Boat operators possessing a valid boaters' license issued by the U.S Coast Guard or the Canadian Government.
  • Operators renting a motorboat for 30 days or lesser. The boat rental company must instruct such operators on how to operate the boat safely and give them a summary of the boating law.

BOATER EDUCATION COURSE

To obtain the Boater Education Card, you must complete a boater education course approved by the New Mexico State Parks, 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 New Mexico State Parks, the U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S military bases around New Mexico.
    • The course duration is a minimum of eight hours.
    • The courses taught by the State Parks are free. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary charges a fee of $15 for materials.
    • U.S. military bases may charge a small fee. You may take a course on a military base only if you have base privileges.
    • 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. Five approved online options offered by Boat New Mexico, Boater Exam New Mexico, Boat U.S. Foundation, PWC Safety School and American Boat Operators Course.
  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. Some providers charge a fee for exams or the card: check providers' websites for details.
  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 proctored exam. After you are done studying, you may walk into any New Mexico State Parks classroom course one hour before course completion time and take the exam.

RENEWAL

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

REPLACEMENT

To replace a card, write to New Mexico State Parks with proof of course completion, date of birth, hair color, eye color and a money order for $10. 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 New Mexico, it is a good idea to have liability insurance to tide over troubles if you or some one 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 New Mexico.
  • Check the contact information of New Mexico State Parks.