
- Proof of boat ownership
- Proof of identity
- Bill of sale certificate, if applicable
What are the requirements for a boating license in Oregon?
Oregon Boating License Requirements. For Oregon boaters, age, residency status and education level is used to determine eligibility for boating permits. Residents 12 years of age and older must obtain licenses if they would like to operate a watercraft or boat at over 10 horsepower.
Can a 12 year old drive a boat in Oregon?
Residents younger than 12 years of age cannot operate personal watercraft or boats. Kids age 12 to 15 can only operate watercraft under the supervision of an adult age 18 or older or driver age 16 with a valid education certificate. The boat license requirement is waived for certain groups in Oregon, such as:
What equipment do I need to operate a boat in Oregon?
NOTE: Boats operating on federally controlled waters must be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard-approved visual distress signals. In Oregon, federally controlled waters include the mouth of the Columbia River and all coastal waters. All vessels, regardless of length or type, are required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise.
How old do you have to be to operate a boat?
Youth 12-15 can operate a boat of 10 hp or less without an adult. Youth 12-15 may operate a boat of more than 10 hp if accompanied by an adult 16 or older (18 or older for personal watercraft) who has a boater education card. A person 16 or older will need a boater education card to operate a powerboat (including a PWC) greater than 10 hp.

What do you need to operate a boat in Oregon?
Oregon law requires all motorized boat and PWC operators who are at least 16 years old and will be operating a boat over 10 hp to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.
What size boat needs a license in Oregon?
All Motorboats and Sailboats 12' and Longer Operators must carry a valid boat registration card (Certificate of Number) on Board. The boat registration number (e.g. OR 123 ABC) and registration stickers belong on the right and left sides of the front of the boat.
How much does it cost to get a boating license in Oregon?
A. You can obtain your Oregon Boating Education Card in 3 easy steps: Pay the one-time fee of $34.95 ($34.95 + $20.00 state fee for the card) – free unlimited retries of the final exam.
How long does it take to get a boating license in Oregon?
You should receive your boater's education card within 2-3 weeks from the date you passed and paid for your card. Or, you can print out your certificate of completion and mail it with a completed application plus $20 to the Marine Board.
Is a boater license required in Oregon?
All boaters who operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower (hp) and youths 12-15 years old operating a motorboat of any size are required to take an approved boating safety course and apply/carry a boater education card. Youth must be 12 or older to get a boater education card.
Do I need a captains license for my personal boat?
While a captain's license is not required for personal use, some boaters seek out courses to brush up on their skills and feel the pride that comes with getting a USCG license.
How do you get your boating license?
Follow these simple steps to get your boating license:Research the boater education requirements for your state.Complete an online, or in-person, boating safety and education course.Successfully pass the boating license test at the end of the course.Submit payment after course completion.More items...
Can you drink on a boat in Oregon?
Under Oregon boating laws, boaters are allowed to drink alcohol if they otherwise are legal to drink, and they may also have open containers of alcohol on board. However, they are not allowed to be intoxicated while operating a boat — and that includes being one of several paddlers on a raft, according to the law.
Does an Oregon boaters license expire?
The boating education card does not expire and does not need to be renewed.
Do I need a permit for a kayak in Oregon?
Anyone using a non-motorized boat 10 feet or longer will need to purchase an access permit. That applies to most kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, as well canoes, fishing boats and small sailboats. Permits can be purchased online from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Oregon State Marine Board.
Do I need to register my drift boat in Oregon?
All drift boats with auxiliary motors are required to be titled and registered. Motorized boats such as these are not required to purchase a Waterway Access Permit because their 2-year registration already makes them compliant with state law.
Can you sleep on your boat in Oregon?
Boater may also stay overnight on your boats on the water in accordance with Oregon State regulations.
Can you drink on a boat in Oregon?
Under Oregon boating laws, boaters are allowed to drink alcohol if they otherwise are legal to drink, and they may also have open containers of alcohol on board. However, they are not allowed to be intoxicated while operating a boat — and that includes being one of several paddlers on a raft, according to the law.
What do you need to have on board a boat in Oregon?
What you need to have on board your boat. To be safe and comply with Oregon law, you’ll need the right equipment and to know the regulations that were designed for your safety. Equipment varies based on boat type, boat length, and sometimes by a waterbody’s inherent conditions (e.g. whitewater rivers and the Pacific Ocean/coastal bars).
What are the federally controlled waters in Oregon?
Coast Guard-approved visual distress signals. In Oregon, federally controlled waters include the mouth of the Columbia River and all coastal waters.
How long are nonmotorized sailboats?
Nonmotorized open sailboats that are less than 26 feet in length, and; Manually propelled (nonmotorized) boats like kayaks, stand up paddleboards, etc. Visual Distress Signals must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved, in serviceable condition, and readily accessible.
When will the cutoff switch on a boat go into effect?
A Federal boat engine cutoff switch law went into effect on April 1, 2021. This BoatUS article helps explain the new federal regulation for boats under 26 feet operating on plane or displacement speed. The USCG has an FAQ page.
Can you use an ECOS on a boat in Oregon?
Because there is no rule requiring the use of ECOS for any boat other than personal watercraft , Oregon marine officers cannot enforce their use except for personal watercraft. The Oregon State Marine Board may consider additional requirements for ECOS in the future but is not doing so at this time. Help us improve!
How old do you have to be to drive a motorboat?
All boaters who operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower (hp) and youths 12-15 years old operating a motorboat of any size are required to take an approved boating safety course and apply/carry a boater education card.
How many students are needed to take the boating safety class?
If you would like to participate, here are the things you need to know: 20 students or less; reservations based on first come, first served.
How old do you have to be to get a boater education card?
Youth must be 12 or older to get a boater education card. Youth ages 11 and under cannot operate a motorboat. Youth 12-15 can operate a boat of 10 hp or less without an adult. Youth 12-15 may operate a boat of more than 10 hp if accompanied by an adult 16 or older (18 or older for personal watercraft) who has a boater education card.
How much does it cost to replace a boater's education card?
The fee for a replacement boater education card is $16. If you have any issues locating your account information, please call 503-378-2635 or request assistance online.
How to contact Boat US Foundation?
Boat US Foundation - 1-800-245-2628. If you took a classroom course, please call the Marine Board at 503-378-8587 and we can help locate your records if they are on file.
How to contact the Marine Board?
Call the Marine Board at 503-378-8587 and ask for the Education Section. We can look up your account and help you either apply for a new card, locate your account and help you order a replacement, or help you find an education option that's right for you.
Do you need a boater's license to go to Oregon?
Yes. You will need to either obtain an Oregon Boater Education Card, or have a card from any state that issues cards for NASBLA-approved courses. Check here to see if your card is approved: https://www.nasbla.org/nasblamain/education/reciprocity
How old do you have to be to operate a boat in Oregon?
The Oregon State Marine Board imposes the following age restrictions when it comes to operating watercraft on state waters. If you are: 11 years old or younger, you CANNOT operate motorboats or personal watercraft of any kind.
How long does it take to get a boat title in Oregon?
In Oregon, you must apply for a vessel title and registration within 30 days of purchasing a boat. Title and registration applications received after 30 days are subject to a $25 penalty fee.
How long is a boat registration valid?
All boat registration certificates are valid for 2 calendar years and expire December 31 of the final registration year. The OSMB will mail you a renewal notice before you registration expires.
What type of boat requires hull identification number?
The following types of watercraft require a hull identification number (HIN) inspection from your local law enforcement agency's marine unit BEFORE they can be titled and registered: Homebuilt boats. Vessels never titled or registered in any state. Boats previously registered in a non-titling state.
Do you need a boat title in Oregon?
Boat Registration and Licenses in Oregon. If you recently purchased a boat or moved to Oregon from out of state, you'll probably need to title and register it with the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB).
Alabama
Alabama requires you to have a boating license and to undergo a mandatory boating course. You can get your learner license at the age of 12 but will be unable to drive a boat unsupervised until you’re 14.
Alaska
The state of Alaska is the wild west of boating. There are no licensing requirements, age restrictions, or educational requirements to operate a boat in Alaska.
Arizona
Much like the state of Alaska, Arizona currently has no boating restrictions or licensing requirements.
Arkansas
According to Arkansas law, anyone born on or after the date of January 1, 1986, is required to have a boating license and perform a course in boating. This can be done online or in person.
California
California has one of the most unique boating systems in the U.S. According to their rules, only those who have been convicted of a boating violation have to receive their licensing. However, all boaters under the current age of 23 are required to receive a California Boater Card.
Colorado
Anyone under the age of 16 is required to complete a state-approved safety training course for boating. After 16, however, no licensing or certification is required.
Connecticut
Connecticut requires everyone to have a boating license and to receive a boating education. There are special stipulations, however, for non-residents such as tourists who are not required to receive any licensing or education.
