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.