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How to Apply For a Boating License in West Virginia

Updated on Fri, 6/3/2011

West Virginia requires a Certificate of boating safety education for boaters, and not a boating license. The regulatory authority for the card is West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). The card is mandatory for all boat operators born after December 31, 1986 to operate a vessel with a motor higher than 10 HP. The owner or person in charge of a motorboat or personal watercraft cannot authorize or knowingly permit its operation unless the person operating it possesses the certificate as required by law.

If you are between 12 and 14 years of age, you must have your Boater Education Card onboard, and operate the boat under the direct, onboard supervision of an adult who is 18 years or older.

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:

  • Nonresidents of this state and who are visiting the state for 60 days or less in a motorboat or personal watercraft from another state if they fall into the following categories:
    • Is 15 years of age or older;
    • Has obtained a boating safety education certificate from his or her state of residence, which is in accordance with the criteria listed by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.
  • Visitors to the state for 90 days or less in a motorboat or personal watercraft from a country other than the United States.
  • Persons operating motorboats or personal watercrafts for commercial purposes.
  • Persons operating motorboats or personal watercraft which are in the first 45 day period after purchase and who have not been charged previously with violating any provision of chapter 20 of the West Virginia Code involving the use or registration of a motorboat or personal watercraft.

BOATER EDUCATION COURSE

In order to obtain a Boating Safety Education certificate, you have to pass a course on safe boating or pass an equivalency examination administered by an authorized person.

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 courses offered by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the United States Power Squadron or the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
    • The course duration is a minimum of eight hours.
    • The courses taught by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources are free. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary charges a fee of $15 for materials.
  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 West Virginia and Boat Safe.
  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.

RENEWAL

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

REPLACEMENT

To replace a card, complete the Duplicate Safety Card Application and send it to the nearest DNR Law Enforcement office along with a check or money order for $10 and proof of completion of the safety course.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • While liability insurance is not mandatory for boating in West Virginia, 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 West Virginia.
  • Check the contact information of West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.