For more information on the boating laws in the state of Minnesota visit: www.dnr.state.mn.us
- For operators less than 12 years of age with boat motors:
- 25 hp or less, there are no restrictions
- 25 hp thru 75 hp must have someone at least 21 years of age on board within reach of the controls
- Over 75 hp cannot operate even with an adult on board
- For operators 12 - 17 years of age with boat motors:
- 25 hp or less, there are no restrictions
- Over 25 hp must have one of the following:
- a watercraft operator's permit, or
- someone at least 21 years of age on board within reach of the controls
- For operators less than 13 years of age:
- Cannot operate, even with an adult on board
- For operators 13 years of age:
- Must either have someone at least 21 years of age on board, or
- Possess a watercraft operator's permit and be in visual supervision by someone at least 21
- For operators 14-17 years of age:
- Must either have a watercraft operators permit, or
- Have someone at least 21 on board
- Persons under 18 wishing to rent a PWC must show their watercraft operator's permit
Minnesota suggests that all boaters take an approved boating safety course. However, there are certain age and horsepower restrictions for some motorboat operators (see PWC Operator Restrictions for age and horsepower restrictions)
Motorboat Operator Age Restrictions:
Youth aged 12-17 visiting Minnesota may operate a motorboat if they already possess a valid operator's certificate issued by their home state. A watercraft operator's permit may be obtained by successfully completing the MN DNR's home study course. Contact them for more information by emailing info@dnr.state.mn.us.
PWC Operator Age Restrictions (regardless of hp):While NASBLA approved, the BoatUS Foundation Online Course does not fulfill the course requirements for the Minnesota Youth Watercraft Operators Permit. Please contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (651) 296-6157 for more information.
We provide this information as a service and strive to keep this website up to date. Please let us know of any inconsistencies by bringing them to our attention at once at onlinecourse@boatus.com. Resources for these pages include state statutes, state web pages and state approved boating guides. BoatU.S. is not responsible for any misinterpretation of the law or any change in the law that is not adequately reflected in these pages. Damages as a result of failing to abide by stated law shall not be the responsibility of BoatU.S., BoatU.S. Foundation or its employees.
