Since a dedicated jet ski license doesn’t exist, you have to take a boating safety course if you want to operate a jet ski (PWC) legally in most states. Whether or not you need a license for a jet ski depends on many factors like your age and local regulations.
If you want to know where and how to get a “jet ski license,” this post is for you.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know under one roof!
Do You Need a License to Drive a Jet Ski?
As a rule of thumb, you need a license to drive a jet ski in many states in the US. Whether or not you need a license for a jet ski depends on your age and the state’s regulations. Surprisingly, while there is a requirement to be licensed in most states, in others there’s no requirement at all.
But jet skiing can be dangerous in a lot of ways, so it’s highly recommended that you get the license, even if your state doesn’t require it.
Passing the exam can keep you and others safe on the water, and help you properly operate the ski. This will result in a hassle-free riding experience and at the very least, it will save you time and money!
On top of that, it could be difficult to get insurance on your jet ski if you aren’t licensed.
Do You Need a Boating License to Drive a Jet Ski?
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no separate license for jet skis. The main reason behind this: although a jet ski differs from a boat in many ways, it’s legally classified as a boat.
Yes, you read correctly, a jet ski is subject to the same legal regulations as a 100-foot yacht!
Since there is no dedicated safety course to take to get a jet ski license, if you want to drive a jet ski legally, in most states you have to take a NASBLA-approved boating safety course.
Every state has its regulations for who has to have this license and these are mostly determined by age. Despite its importance, some states don’t require a license for jet skis.
To stay safe and legal, always check the laws in your state before hitting the water!
How do You Get a Jet Ski License?
The easiest way to get a jet ski license is to take the boating safety course online. All you need to do is visit Boat-Ed, choose your state, and sign up.
You can take the safety course on your computer or any mobile device like a tablet or smartphone.
Once you’ve successfully passed the course, your boater safety card will arrive by mail, which will literally be your “jet ski license.”
Besides this permanent license, many rental shops offer a temporary jet ski license (boating safety course), which can be obtained onsite.
Which States Require a Jet Ski License?
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about the jet ski license regulations in each state!
Florida Jet Ski License
Do you need a license to drive a jet ski in Florida?
Yes, you have to complete a boating safety course to operate a jet ski in Florida if you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1988. This course has no minimum age requirements and you don’t have to be a resident of Florida to be eligible to take this course.
How do you get a jet ski license in Florida?
You can get a jet ski license in Florida by taking the Official Florida Boating Safety Course here.
Do you need a license to rent a jet ski in Florida?
Yes, you will need a license to rent a jet ski in Florida if you were born on or after January 1, 1988. Depending on their policy, rental shops may require you to obtain a boating license even if it’s not mandatory for you.
Fortunately, many of them offer a temporary license that can be obtained onsite.
New York Jet Ski License
Do you need a license to drive a jet ski in New York?
Yes, according to Boat-Ed, all persons operating a motorized vessel (including a jet ski) must have obtained a Boating Safety Certificate by January 1, 2025. Also, keep in mind that you have to be at least 14 years old to legally operate a jet ski in New York!
How do you get a jet ski license in New York?
You can get a jet ski license in New York by successfully passing the Official New York Boating Safety Course here.
California Jet Ski License
Do you need a license to drive a jet ski in California?
If you want to drive a jet ski legally in California, you will need a license (a.k.a. boating safety card.)
How do you get a jet ski license in California?
You can get a California jet ski license by passing an Official California Boating Safety Course.
The good news is that you don’t have to be a resident of California to take this course, and there is also no minimum age requirement for it.
Texas Jet Ski License
Do you need a license to drive a jet ski in Texas?
If you were born on or after September 1, 1993, you will need a boating license to operate a jet ski in Texas.
How do you get a jet ski license in Texas?
You can get a jet ski license in Texas by passing the Official Texas Boating Safety Course Online.
Keep in mind that you have to be at least 13 years old to take this course, although you don’t have to be a resident of Texas.
New Jersey Jet Ski License
Do you need a license to drive a jet ski in New Jersey?
New Jersey law requires all jet ski and boat drivers to pass a state-specific boater safety course and to carry the boater education card onboard.
How do you get a jet ski license in New Jersey?
You can get a jet ski license in New Jersey by taking the Official New Jersey Boating Safety Course.
After taking this course, you will have to take another In-Person Exam to complete your safety education.
You have to be at least 12 years old, but you don’t have to be a resident of the state of New Jersey to take this course.
Georgia Jet Ski License
Do you need a license to drive a jet ski in Georgia?
If you were born after January 1, 1998, you have to pass a Georgia-approved boater safety course and carry a boater education card onboard to legally drive a jet ski in Georgia. To complete this course, you’ll need your GA DNR Customer ID Number, but you don’t have to be a resident of Georgia.
How do you get a jet ski license in Georgia?
You can get a jet ski license in Georgia by passing the Official Georgia Boating Safety Course here.
North Carolina Jet Ski License
Do you need a license to drive a jet ski in North Carolina?
You need a jet ski license (boating safety card) to drive a jet ski legally in North Carolina if you were born on or after January 1, 1988. Anybody can take this course (no minimum age requirements) including non-North-Carolina residents.
How do you get a jet ski license in North Carolina?
You can get a jet ski license in North Carolina by passing the Official North Carolina Boating Safety Course here.
Minnesota Jet Ski License
Do you need a license to drive a jet ski in Minnesota?
If you are 14 to 17 years old and want to drive a jet ski you will need a license and you have to be supervised as well. If you are 18 years or older, you can operate a jet ski or a boat in Minnesota without any restrictions.
How do you get a jet ski license in Minnesota?
You can get a Minnesota jet ski license by passing this state-approved boating safety course here.
Pennsylvania Jet Ski License
Do you need a license to drive a jet ski in Pennsylvania?
You will need a license (boater education card) to legally drive a jet ski in Pennsylvania, regardless of your age. There are no minimum requirements for this course, and even non-residents can take it.
How do you get a jet ski license in Pennsylvania?
You can get a Pennsylvania jet ski license by passing the Official Pennsylvania Boating Safety Course here.
Virginia Jet Ski License
Do you need a license to drive a jet ski in Virginia?
You can get and carry a license (boater education card) to operate a jet ski legally in Virginia, regardless of your age. There are no minimum requirements for this course, and even non-residents can take it.
How do you get a jet ski license in Virginia?
You can get a Virginia jet ski license by passing the Official Virginia Boating Safety Course here.
Tennessee Jet Ski License
Do you need a license to drive a jet ski in Tennessee?
If you were born after January 1, 1989, you must take an In-Person Exam at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to drive a jet ski legally in Tennessee. If you were born on or before January 1, 1989, you won’t need a license to operate a jet ski in this state. However, it’s always wise to complete the online boating safety course!
How do you get a jet ski license in Tennessee?
If you were born after January 1, 1989, you must take this in-person exam here to get a Tennessee jet ski license to operate a jet ski in Tennessee:
If you were born on or before January 1, 1989 and are looking for a Tennessee-approved Boater Education Certificate (which is not mandatory), you can apply for the course here.
Washington Jet Ski License
Do you need a license to drive a jet ski in Washington?
You will need a license (boater education card) to operate a jet ski legally in Washington. You have to be at least 12 years old to take this course, but you don’t have to be a resident of Washington.
How do you get a jet ski license in Washington?
You can get a Washington jet ski license by passing the Official Washington Boating Safety Course here.
Michigan Jet Ski License
Do you need a license to drive a jet ski in Michigan?
You need a jet ski license (boating safety card) to drive a jet ski legally in Michigan, if you were born after December 31, 1978. Anybody can take this course (no minimum age requirements), even non-residents of Michigan.
How do you get a jet ski license in Michigan?
You can get a jet ski license in Michigan by passing the Official Michigan Boating Safety Course here.
Wisconsin Jet Ski License
Do you need a license to drive a jet ski in Wisconsin?
You need a jet ski license (boating safety card) to drive a jet ski legally in Wisconsin if you were born on or after January 1, 1989. Anybody can take this course, even non-Wisconsin residents with no minimum age requirements.
How do you get a jet ski license in Wisconsin?
You can get a jet ski license in Wisconsin by passing the Official Wisconsin Boating Safety Course here.
Illinois Jet Ski License
Do you need a license to drive a jet ski in Illinois?
You need a jet ski license (boating safety card) to drive a jet ski legally in Illinois, if you were born on or after January 1, 1998. You have to be at least 11 years old to take this course, but you don’t have to be a resident of Illinois.
How do you get a jet ski license in Illinois?
You can get a jet ski license in Illinois by obtaining the Official Illinois Boating Safety Course here.
Alabama Jet Ski License
Do you need a license to drive a jet ski in Alabama?
You will need a license (boater education card) to operate a jet ski legally in Alabama. Keep in mind that you have to be at least 12 years old to take this course, but you don’t have to be a resident of Alabama to take this online course.
How do you get a jet ski license in Alabama?
You can get an Alabama jet ski license by passing the Official Alabama Boating Safety Course here.
Mississippi Jet Ski License
Do you need a license to drive a jet ski in Mississippi?
You need a jet ski license (boating safety card) to drive a jet ski legally in Mississippi, if you were born after June 30, 1980. Anybody can take this course (no minimum age requirements), even non-Mississippi residents.
How do you get a jet ski license in Mississippi?
You can get a jet ski license in Mississippi by passing the Official Michigan Boating Safety Course here.
Takeaways – FAQs About the Jet Ski License
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions on the topic!
Is There a License for Driving Jet Skis?
There’s no separate jet ski license since in most states you need to take a state-specific boating safety course to legally drive a jet ski.
Do You Need a License to Rent a Jet Ski?
Yes, you’ll need a boating license to rent a jet ski in most rental shops. Keep in mind that the rental shop may require you to have a license even if the state doesn’t require it!
But don’t worry, most rentals offer a temporary boating safety card that you can obtain on-site, right before renting the jet ski.
How Much is a Jet Ski License?
A jet ski license costs around $30-$50 depending on the state and the course provider.
Note that some states may charge a small extra fee beyond the price of the course.
Can You Drive a Jet Ski Without a License?
You can operate a jet ski without a license if your state doesn’t require it.
But even if it’s not mandatory in your state, it’s highly recommended that you take the state-specific boating safety course. It will help you to operate your jet ski safer, and more economically.
Do You Need a License to Own a Jet Ski?
You don’t need any license to purchase and own a jet ski, just like you don’t need a driver’s license to own a car.
But if you want to ride on public waterways, you may have to have a license if the local law requires it.
Disclaimer: We try our best to keep this post up-to-date. However, we cannot guarantee that there will be no errors. To stay safe and legal, make sure to check the local laws before you ride your jet ski on public waterways!
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