Minnesota's New Boating Permit Law: What You Need to Know

by | Boats

Boat on Minnesota lake, summer day.

Last Updated on June 6, 2025

Minnesota is implementing a new law on July 1, 2025, requiring permits for many boat and personal watercraft operators. This phased rollout, aimed at enhancing boating safety, will eventually mandate permits for all operators born after June 30, 1987, by 2028. The initiative marks a significant shift in the state's boating regulations.

New Boating Permit Requirements Take Effect

Starting July 1, 2025, Minnesota will begin enforcing a new law that mandates watercraft operator permits for certain individuals. This legislation, passed in 2023, aims to improve safety on the state's numerous lakes and rivers. Previously, only minors were generally required to obtain such permits.

Key Takeaways

  • Initial Phase (July 1, 2025): Individuals born after June 30, 2004, who are at least 12 years old, will need a permit to operate motorized watercraft. This also applies to accompanying operators for those without a permit and anyone renting a watercraft.
  • Gradual Rollout: The law will be incrementally implemented over the next few years:
    • July 1, 2026: Applies to those born after June 30, 2000.
    • July 1, 2027: Applies to those born after June 30, 1996.
    • July 1, 2028: The law is fully in effect, requiring anyone born after June 30, 1987, to have a permit.
  • Exemptions: Operators born before July 1, 1987, are generally exempt unless they are renting a watercraft or serving as an accompanying operator for someone without a permit. Out-of-state residents are exempt if their home state's boating requirements are met and they operate in Minnesota for less than 60 consecutive days.
  • Permit Acquisition: To obtain a permit, individuals must pass an online boater safety course and pay a one-time fee of $34.95. The course typically takes 3-8 hours to complete, and the permit is issued immediately upon successful completion.
  • Enforcement and Penalties: Violating the law is a misdemeanor with a $100 fine. However, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and sheriff's offices will focus primarily on education during the initial years of the rollout.

Why The Change?

The new law is a proactive measure to enhance boating safety and reduce incidents on Minnesota's waters. The state ranks second-highest in recreational watercraft per capita, with over 800,000 registered boats. While boating fatalities and non-fatal incidents have decreased in recent years, the DNR believes this new requirement will further contribute to safer boating practices. The law mirrors regulations in other states that have seen a decrease in user conflicts and unsafe behavior after implementing similar permit requirements.

Impact on Boaters

Many long-time boaters, particularly those approaching the 1987 cutoff, may find the new requirement surprising. However, officials emphasize that the goal is education and safety. The permit, once obtained, does not need to be renewed unless revoked. Those who have previously completed a youth boating course in Minnesota or another state and hold a valid permit are not required to retake the test.

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