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How to Apply For a Boating License in Nevada

Updated on Fri, 6/3/2011

Nevada requires a Boating Safety Education Certificate for boaters, and not a boating license. The regulatory authority for the card is the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). The card is mandatory for all boat operators born after January 1, 1983.

There is no restriction on the age of boat operators. If you are under 13 years of age, you must wear a life jacket. If you are above 15 years of age you must complete a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) in order to operate a boat with a power of 15 HP and above.

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.

BOATER EDUCATION COURSE

To obtain the Boating Safety Education Certificate, you must complete a boater education course approved by the NASBLA.

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 Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S Power Squadrons and other agencies in Western Nevada, Southern Nevada and Eastern Nevada.
    • The course duration is a minimum of eight hours.
    • 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.
  3. Only the certificate issued after a classroom course is recognized in most other states, and by many insurance companies for insurance discounts.
  4. Online course offered by the Boat-Ed and America's Boating Course.
  5. Some providers charge a fee for exams or the certificate: check providers' websites for details. After completing the course you can take the online practice test.
  6. A temporary certificate may be printed after passing the online exam; the permanent certificate will be mailed to you within 3-4 weeks.
  7. Using Nevada Department of Wildlife approved correspondence courses for home-study and passing the Boat Nevada Practice Test. You can obtain the course material by mail from the NDOW by calling (775) 688-1548 or in person from your regional NDOW office.

RENEWAL

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

REPLACEMENT

To replace a card, local NDOW office in your area 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 Nevada, 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 boating handbook for the Boater Education Course.
  • See how to register your boat in Nevada.
  • Check the contact information of Nevada Department of Wildlife.