How to Get a Boating License in New York
All operators of motorized vessels in New York are required to carry a New York State Boating Safety Certificate, regardless of age, as of January 1, 2025, under Brianna's Law. Individuals should confirm whether they fall under this requirement and identify the appropriate course option by consulting the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Marine Services Bureau.
To obtain the certificate, an operator must complete a NASBLA-approved boating safety course. The course covers essential safety topics and prepares participants for the required test. Upon passing the exam, the operator receives the official New York State Boating Safety Certificate.
The certificate must be carried at all times while operating a motorized vessel. For current information on approved course providers, formats, and specific regulatory requirements, operators should visit the official Marine Services Bureau webpage or contact the state agency directly to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.
- Confirm whether you're in the population this state covers (cutoff / age band).
- Take the accepted course: New York State Boating Safety Certificate (NASBLA-approved course).
- Pass the test and receive your card or certificate.
- Carry it aboard whenever you operate, and confirm the current rule on the official state page.
Carry the card every time you operate
Once you’ve earned the card, keep it aboard whenever you operate — many states require you to show it on request, and a card from one state is usually honored in another. If you’ll boat across state lines, check each state’s rule, since the covered ages and accepted credentials differ. Always confirm the current requirement on the official state agency page.
Course & fees for New York → · Full requirements →
Compiled from the official state source, cross-referenced against NASBLA, and verified June 2026. Always confirm the current rule on the official New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Marine Services Bureau page before you rely on it — boating law changes and some states are mid-rollout. How we compile this. Informational only, not legal advice.