In Georgia, your driver's license allows you to operate boats on state waterways.

If you are too young to have a driver's license but you are at least 12 years old, you can earn a boater's “license” by successfully completing an approved boating safety course. This will allow you to be able to legally operate small boats and PWCs in Georgia.

Once the course has been passed, you can opt to print a temporary certificate. Your permanent license / certificate will be issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and mailed to you within about a week.

Reciprocity:

Georgia accepts Licenses / Certificates / Cards issued by those states whose courses meet the minimum requirements set by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Most states with a mandatory boater education requirement will accept a Georgia Boat Operator’s Card / Certification.

NOTE: Since some states require all boat operators to carry proof of having passed a NASBLA approved boating course and since the Georgia-issued card never expires, you might want to keep your card regardless of your age.