Boater safety card
The Water Patrol Division charges a $15.00 fee for the boater safety card. A card may be ordered online, or by mail with a check or money order.
Ordering online opens on the Patrol's services site in a new tab.
If you lose your boater safety card, you may order a replacement online using the same link. If you are not listed in the system, contact the Water Patrol Division Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at (573) 751-5071, or by emailing BoatEducation@mshp.dps.mo.gov.
Find a boating safety course
To obtain a Missouri boater safety card you need to take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved course. This includes courses provided by marine troopers of the Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadron, and Boat-Ed's online course for Missouri.
Trooper-taught classes usually run between October and May. There is no fee to take a classroom course conducted by a marine trooper; Boat-Ed assesses additional fees for those who choose to take the online course.
Opens on the Patrol's services site in a new tab.
If you need help locating an approved course, contact the Water Patrol Division Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at (573) 751-5071.
Boating Laws and Responsibilities
Documents and external sites open in a new tab.
Resources
Watercraft registration
For watercraft registration and motor vehicle matters, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Bureau.
External resources
911 Dock Addressing Requirements
On January 1, 2010, a new state law took effect, requiring dock owners on Missouri lakes to post the closest emergency address for their dock. The goal is faster response times by emergency services to incidents on the water. Emergency address postings on docks will also aid in non-emergency calls for services for lost or disabled boaters.
The new law affects docks on Lake of the Ozarks and all Missouri lakes managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The law states that "the appropriate '911' address or in the absence of a '911' system, the physical address nearest to the dock by land," must be posted. It is suggested that the sign be posted so that it is visible when looking at the dock from the water. The Missouri State Highway Patrol recommends a minimum of three inch letters be used when posting addresses on docks. For maximum visibility, the address should be in a color that contrasts with the backing. Reflective paint or material is preferred for the lettering.
If you are unsure of the closest emergency or 911 address for your dock, please contact your local emergency services office or sheriff's department. Many local sign shops are now printing dock signs that conform to the new law. Owners who wish to make their own signs can purchase reflective lettering at most hardware stores. The Highway Patrol suggests that the posted address include the street number and street name and the zip code, or 911 address and zip code. For convenience, the dock permit number, which in most instances must already be displayed, can be posted alongside the emergency address.
Dock owners at Lake of the Ozarks can see a recommended example for a dock sign at the Ameren UE website: Ameren dock requirements and safety.
The posting of emergency addresses on docks will enhance safety on Missouri's lakes. You can call the Missouri State Highway Patrol with any questions regarding the new law at 573-751-3313.
Missouri expands boater safety education requirements to all waters of the state
On August 28, 2026, RSMo. 306.127 will be amended to require anyone born after January 1, 1984, and before January 1, 2006, who operates a motorized boat or sailboat over 12 feet on the lakes of this state to carry a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved boater safety card, or have a boater safety endorsement on their driver's license, and to have that card or license on the boat.
Effective January 1, 2027, anyone born on or after January 1, 2006, who operates a motorized boat or sailboat over 12 feet on the waters of this state must carry a NASBLA-approved boater safety card on the boat, or have a boater safety endorsement on their driver's license and have that license on the boat.
The Water Patrol Division charges a $15.00 fee for the boater safety card, but there is no fee to take a classroom course conducted by a marine trooper. The Water Patrol Division has also contracted Boat-Ed to provide an approved online boating safety course; additional fees are assessed by Boat-Ed for those who choose to take the online course.
Frequently asked questions
How do I obtain a Missouri boater safety card?
You need to take a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved course. This includes courses provided by marine troopers of the Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadron, and Boat-Ed's online course for Missouri. For additional information on boater safety courses, visit the link below.
Find a boating safety course — Opens on the Patrol's services site in a new tab.
Trooper-taught classes usually run between October and May. The online course can be accessed from the link above. If you need help locating an approved course, contact us Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at (573) 751-5071.
Who can take the Missouri boater education courses?
Any person may take one of the Missouri boater safety courses. There is no age limit on who can take the course; however, that person should be able to follow the course material and understand the content. Missouri law states the operator of a boat must be 14 years of age unless accompanied by an adult on board the vessel. A child under 14 years of age operating a vessel on the lakes of the state with adult supervision would still need a boater safety card.
How do I order a card by mail?
A boater safety card may be ordered by mail with a check or money order.
How do I order a card online?
A boater safety card may be ordered online.
Order a card online — Opens on the Patrol's services site in a new tab.
Does Missouri have a temporary boater safety card?
Any person who rents or sells vessels may participate in the temporary boater certification program. The temporary card is valid for seven days and is a one-time acquisition for a boater.
Obtain a temporary boater safety card — Opens on boat-ed.com in a new tab.
Does the mandatory education law apply to the operation of a PWC (personal watercraft)?
Yes.
If I lose my boater safety card, how do I obtain a new card?
You may obtain a new card online using the link below.
Order a replacement card — Opens on the Patrol's services site in a new tab.
If you are not listed in the system, contact the Water Patrol Division Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at (573) 751-5071, or by emailing BoatEducation@mshp.dps.mo.gov.
If I am an out-of-state resident, how do I comply with Missouri's mandatory education law?
Missouri's mandatory education law does apply to out-of-state boaters operating a vessel on our lakes. Out-of-state boaters may obtain a Missouri boater safety card by taking one of the courses approved in Missouri, or by providing proof of a NASBLA-approved course provided by their home state. Carrying a boater safety card from their home state on board the vessel is sufficient as well.