What Maryland calls a boat driver license and who needs one
Maryland does not issue a separate "boat driver license." Instead, the state requires anyone operating a motorboat to hold a Boating Safety Certificate, which is not a license but proof that you have passed a boating safety course. This certificate shows you understand Maryland's boating laws, safe operation practices, and what to do in an emergency on the water.
You need this certificate if you operate a motorboat with a motor of 25 horsepower or greater on Maryland waters. If you rent a boat, the rental company may require you to show the certificate before they hand over the keys. Some insurance companies also ask for it when you insure a boat.
The certificate is issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which oversees all boating on state waters. You do not need a separate certificate for each boat — one certificate covers you on any boat you operate.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland requires a Boating Safety Certificate to operate a motorboat with 25 horsepower or more, not a traditional driver license.
- You can earn the certificate by taking an in-person course through a Maryland DNR-approved provider or by completing an online course and passing a proctored exam.
- The certificate costs between $15 and $50 depending on the course provider and format you choose.
- Your certificate is valid for life in Maryland, though some states and insurance companies may require renewal every five or ten years.
- If you were born before January 1, 1978, you are exempt from the certificate requirement but may still want to take a course for safety and insurance discounts.
Who is exempt from the boating safety certificate requirement
If you were born on or before January 1, 1978, you do not need a Boating Safety Certificate to operate a motorboat in Maryland. This exemption applies only to your age at the time you operate the boat — it is not based on when you got your driver license or how long you have been boating.
Even if you are exempt, taking a boating safety course is still a good idea. Many boat insurance companies offer discounts of 5 to 15 percent if you hold a certificate, which can offset the cost of the course in one or two years. You will also learn about Maryland-specific regulations, weather patterns on local waters, and how to handle common emergencies.
How to get your boating safety certificate: in-person courses
The most common route is to take an in-person boating safety course through a Maryland DNR-approved provider. These courses are usually offered by the Maryland DNR itself, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the United States Power Squadrons, and local community colleges and recreation departments.
A typical in-person course runs four to eight hours, often spread across two or three evenings or a single Saturday. You will learn Maryland boating laws, how to read navigation charts, what safety equipment you must carry, how to handle your boat in different weather, and what to do if someone falls overboard. At the end, you take a written test — most courses require a score of 80 percent or higher to pass.
Once you pass, the course provider issues your certificate on the spot or mails it to you within a few days. You can then register your boat with the Maryland DNR if you own it, or straightforward carry the certificate with you when you boat. The cost ranges from $15 to $40 depending on the provider.
How to get your boating safety certificate: online courses
If you cannot attend an in-person class, Maryland allows you to take an online boating safety course through a DNR-approved provider. The course is self-paced — you can start and stop as you need, and most people finish in two to four hours spread across a few days.
After you complete the online course, you must pass a proctored exam, meaning someone watches you take the test to make sure you are not cheating. Some online providers offer proctoring at their own testing centers, while others use a third-party service like ProctorU that you can access from home. You will need a webcam, microphone, and a quiet space for the exam.
Once you pass the proctored exam, the provider issues your certificate when ready or within a few business days. Online courses typically cost $20 to $50, which is slightly more than in-person courses because of the proctoring fee. The Maryland DNR maintains a list of approved online providers on its website.
How long your certificate is valid and what happens if it expires
Your Maryland Boating Safety Certificate is valid for life — you do not have to renew it to boat in Maryland. Once you pass the course and receive the certificate, you can use it indefinitely on Maryland waters.
However, if you plan to boat in other states, check their rules before you go. Some states accept Maryland certificates for life, while others require renewal every five or ten years. A few states do not recognize out-of-state certificates at all and require you to take their own course. If you are unsure, contact the boating authority in the state where you plan to boat.
If you lose your certificate, the Maryland DNR can issue a replacement. Contact the DNR's boating program office with proof of your original course completion — usually the provider can confirm this in their records — and they will send you a new one for a small fee.
Boat registration and title in Maryland
Having a Boating Safety Certificate is separate from registering your boat. If you own a motorboat in Maryland, you must also register it with the Maryland DNR, which is a different process and costs between $25 and $75 depending on the boat's length and whether you own it year-round or seasonally.
Registration requires proof of ownership (a bill of sale or title), proof of your identity, and proof that your boat meets Maryland's safety equipment standards. You can register your boat online through the Maryland DNR website, by mail, or in person at a DNR office. Registration is valid for one or two years and must be renewed.
If you buy a used boat in Maryland, the seller should transfer the title to you. If the boat was registered in another state, you will need to explore for a Maryland title and registration. Bring the out-of-state registration or title, proof of purchase, and your ID to a DNR office or submit them by mail.
What safety equipment you must carry on your boat
Maryland law requires every motorboat to carry certain safety equipment, regardless of whether you have a Boating Safety Certificate. A personal flotation device (PFD) — a life jacket or life vest — must be on board for each person on the boat, and children under 13 must wear one at all times while the boat is moving.
You must also carry a throwable flotation device (like a ring buoy), a fire extinguisher if your boat has an engine, a sound-producing device (whistle or horn), and a visual distress signal (flares or a flag). If you boat at night, you need navigation lights. The boating safety course covers what type and size of each item you need based on your boat's length and use.
The Maryland DNR publishes a full equipment checklist on its website. Before you launch, walk through the checklist to make sure you have everything. If you are stopped by a boating officer and are missing required equipment, you can be fined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the boating safety course online if I live outside Maryland?
Yes, you can take an online course approved by Maryland even if you live in another state, as long as you plan to boat in Maryland. However, check whether your home state recognizes Maryland certificates. If you boat primarily in your own state, you may need to take that state's course instead.
What if I fail the boating safety test?
If you fail the written exam, most course providers let you retake it at no extra cost or for a small fee. In-person courses often let you retake the test the same day or within a week. Online courses usually allow you to retake the proctored exam after a waiting period of a few days.
Do I need a boating safety certificate to operate a sailboat or a kayak?
No. Maryland's certificate requirement applies only to motorboats with 25 horsepower or greater. Sailboats without a motor and human-powered boats like kayaks and canoes do not require a certificate. However, you still must follow all other Maryland boating laws and carry required safety equipment.
How much does a boating safety course cost?
In-person courses typically cost $15 to $40, while online courses cost $20 to $50. Some community colleges and recreation departments offer courses at the lower end of that range. The Maryland DNR website lists approved providers and their current prices.
Can I use my boating safety certificate in other states?
Many states recognize Maryland certificates, but not all. Some states accept it for life, others require renewal every five or ten years, and a few require their own course. Before you boat out of state, check the boating authority's website for that state or call them to confirm whether your Maryland certificate is accepted.