Minnesota Boating Law Leaves Questions Afloat

Do you own or operate a boat in Minnesota? One of Minnesota's new laws will be enacted on July 1st, 2025.

Before heading out to the lake, read on to understand if you are affected by it. It also has quite a few working parts that you'll need to understand. Right now, it's clear as mud to me. I'm going to try to explain this the best I can.

GETTING YOUR VALID WATERCRAFT OPERATOR'S PERMIT

Beginning July 1st, there is a new boating law. According to the Minnesota DNR, the law requires 'both adults and youth who operate motorboats-including personal watercraft, to have a valid watercraft operator's permit.'

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DO ADULTS NEED A PERMIT?

The answer is YES. You may have been driving a boat for 50 years, but eventually you will need a one-time permit. There are some exemptions, but everyone who drives a motorboat needs one. The law also says that a person can still operate a boat without a permit if there is one person on the boat with a valid permit.

REGARDING KIDS DRIVING MOTORBOATS

The law states that individuals under the age of 12 years old are not allowed to operate any personal watercraft if the motor is over 75 horsepower. However, they can operate a low-powered motorboat under 75 horsepower if there is someone 21 years of age or older with them in the boat.

WHO NEEDS A PERMIT IN 2025?

People who were born on or after July 1st of 2004 will need a permit to operate a boat starting in July 2025. That doesn't mean that if you are 75 years old that you don't need a permit. The permit requirement is going to gradually roll out and apply to older age groups over the next few years through 2028.

HOW TO GET YOUR MINNESOTA WATERCRAFT PERMIT

Go to the MN DNR's boat and water safety page by clicking HERE.

You will pay a one-time fee of $34.95 and get 'free unlimited retries' of the final exam. So just keep guessing until you get it right. Or, be a good steward and study the Minnesota Boater's safety course before you take it. Then you print your Certificate of Completion. Your permit should come to you in the mail within about 3 weeks.

Once you pay for your permit, it is good for life; so put your permit somewhere safe because you'll be hanging on to that baby for a long time.

THERE ARE BENEFITS TO GETTING A PERMIT

You're probably now wondering why we need a permit. Insurance companies might offer you lower premiums if you've completed a certified boating safety course, much like if you do for your driver's license. Older drivers can get a discount if they take a refresher course online.