Indiana Boating License

No one under the age of 15 years old is permitted to operate a motor boat with a horsepower greater than 10 in Indiana. If you are at least 15 and do not have a driver's license, you must successfully complete an approved Boater Safety Education Course before obtaining a Boater's Card in Indiana.  Click Here for Indiana Boating Education Course Requirements.

Anyone who is 16 years of age or older is not required to carry proof of completing the Boating Education Requirement unless they do not have a driver's license. Boating Education Cards are issued by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BVM).

Your Boating License

Although it gives you “license” to legally operate a boat on Indiana waters, the boater's card is not considered a boating license because it never expires.

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

How to Obtain Your Boat Operator's Certification in Indiana

Upon completing an approved online course and paying the appropriate course fee, if any, you'll be able to print a temporary certificate on the spot. This certificate will allow you to operate a vessel legally on Indiana waters until you receive your permanent card. The card will be mailed to you from the BMV within a few days. Remember to always carry your card or driver's license with you when operating a boat.

If You Lose your Boat Operator's Certificate /License

A replacement Boater's Education Card is available for $10.00.

Please mail your request for a duplicate Boater's Education Card along with the required information to: 

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
100 North Senate Avenue
Room 411 
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Required Information:

Full Name
Birth Date
Address
$10 (check or Money Order made out to Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles)
OR
You may call Customer Service to request your replacement card and pay for it by credit card.
1-800-830-2268 (toll-free) or 214-351-0461.
Office hours are 8:30 to 5:30 Central Time, Monday through Friday, with extended hours during late spring and summer season.

After receiving your request, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles will mail your replacement card within ten days.

Reciprocity:

Indiana 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 Indiana 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 Indiana-issued card never expires, you might want to keep your card regardless of your age.