California Boater Card

I think it took about 3 weeks to get mine

You know what’s crazy. I just rented a power boat (Jon boat with 5hp motor) at Pinecrest lake and I the law doesn’t require rental boat operators to have a boater card. The people who would probly need  go over the rules the most don’t need to apparently lol.

I know right this is silly.

You can rent a high powered ski boat on lake Tahoe and you don't need a card. I'm all for boater safety but think this initiative kinda missed the mark.

According to Google


A California Boater Card is required to operate any motorized vessel, including personal watercraft (PWCs), on California waterways, regardless of age or the size of the motor, with the exception of non-motorized vessels like kayaks, canoes, and non-powered sailboats. The card ensures boaters have completed a required boating safety course and are familiar with California's boating laws and safe operating practices.

FYI, I got my card a few years ago after a few years of not having a power boat. At the very end of the course it told me that the car only applied to boats with more than 10hp (15hp and above). My boat has a 9.9, so i don't need a boater card. Based on that, I would assume that unless you throw a 20hp outboard on your AI you should be fine without one on a kayak.

Phil

They changed the rule!
"As of January 1, 2025, California boating law requires all boaters, regardless of age, to obtain a boater education certificate and carry a California Boater Card (CBC) while operating a recreational motorized vessel on California waterways"
"

If only they send mine that would be great! I ask 2x already nothing received.

Did you get the email receipt? I got my card in the mail a couple days ago about two weeks after I paid.

If only they send mine that would be great! I ask 2x already nothing received.

Did you get the email receipt? I got my card in the mail a couple days ago about two weeks after I paid.

Yup. Got the 90 days temp and confirmed they will be sending me new one. NADA

I believe there's a number somewhere in the literature that you can call. It seems he's a one-man show. When I called he was very helpful and told me the sequence of things to do. I got mine last year fairly quickly after talking to that contact.

I got mine even I don’t own a motor! But I did learn things I didn’t know about boating. Good info and I don’t remember a dam thing!😆
Be safe out there and watch out for the boobies!

They are starting to enforce the boater card next year. Better to get it done sooner than later. Seems like another money grab from California to fine people.

Here's what I did so it was only $10 for getting the boater card, you can always use the paid education classes but why?:

https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30826

1.Request a test from [email protected].
Please include your name and current, complete home or office address. Please indicate in your request if you would like to receive your answer sheet in Spanish.

2. Send back test to

California Course for Safe Boating
Boating Education Unit
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001

3. If you pass they will send you a certificate showing you completed the boating education.

4. Go to boater card website and apply for the card. You'll need to scan or take a picture of the certificate to show proof that you finished the application. Pay the $10 for the lifetime license and you're good.

https://boatercard.parks.ca.gov/Application

Hi Fishcomb,
I followed your instructions and asked for the test in Spanish and they sent me the test in Spanish only. What to do next as I can't read Spanish?
Sonny

They are starting to enforce the boater card next year. Better to get it done sooner than later. Seems like another money grab from California to fine people.

Here's what I did so it was only $10 for getting the boater card, you can always use the paid education classes but why?:

https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30826

1.Request a test from [email protected].
Please include your name and current, complete home or office address. Please indicate in your request if you would like to receive your answer sheet in Spanish.

2. Send back test to

California Course for Safe Boating
Boating Education Unit
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001

3. If you pass they will send you a certificate showing you completed the boating education.

4. Go to boater card website and apply for the card. You'll need to scan or take a picture of the certificate to show proof that you finished the application. Pay the $10 for the lifetime license and you're good.

https://boatercard.parks.ca.gov/Application

Hi Fishcomb,
I followed your instructions and asked for the test in Spanish and they sent me the test in Spanish only. What to do next as I can't read Spanish?
Sonny

Sounds like you need to learn Spanish straight away

They are starting to enforce the boater card next year. Better to get it done sooner than later. Seems like another money grab from California to fine people.

Here's what I did so it was only $10 for getting the boater card, you can always use the paid education classes but why?:

https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30826

1.Request a test from [email protected].
Please include your name and current, complete home or office address. Please indicate in your request if you would like to receive your answer sheet in Spanish.

2. Send back test to

California Course for Safe Boating
Boating Education Unit
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001

3. If you pass they will send you a certificate showing you completed the boating education.

4. Go to boater card website and apply for the card. You'll need to scan or take a picture of the certificate to show proof that you finished the application. Pay the $10 for the lifetime license and you're good.

https://boatercard.parks.ca.gov/Application

Hi Fishcomb,
I followed your instructions and asked for the test in Spanish and they sent me the test in Spanish only. What to do next as I can't read Spanish?
Sonny

Sounds like you need to learn Spanish straight away

Maybe I ask AI to translate 🤔

They are starting to enforce the boater card next year. Better to get it done sooner than later. Seems like another money grab from California to fine people.

Here's what I did so it was only $10 for getting the boater card, you can always use the paid education classes but why?:

https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30826

1.Request a test from [email protected].
Please include your name and current, complete home or office address. Please indicate in your request if you would like to receive your answer sheet in Spanish.

2. Send back test to

California Course for Safe Boating
Boating Education Unit
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001

3. If you pass they will send you a certificate showing you completed the boating education.

4. Go to boater card website and apply for the card. You'll need to scan or take a picture of the certificate to show proof that you finished the application. Pay the $10 for the lifetime license and you're good.

https://boatercard.parks.ca.gov/Application

Hi Fishcomb,
I followed your instructions and asked for the test in Spanish and they sent me the test in Spanish only. What to do next as I can't read Spanish?
Sonny

Sounds like you need to learn Spanish straight away

Maybe I ask AI to translate 🤔

Google Lens could probably do that for you.

Google Lens could probably do that for you.

Thanks SS, will give it a try when I got home tonight.

Google Lens could probably do that for you.

It works, thanks Kevin,

I did a free online course. I think it was like Boater USA and then submitted that certificate for the boater card and paid the fee. I thought it was actually pretty good because I definitely learned a few things and have just acquired a small boat so it makes it more relevant.

I didnt need to mail anything and it was all electronic and I received an email license and then teh physical card a couple weeks after.

Also- my buddy lost his and said he ordered a replacement and they sent him a new one (for a fee). Just fyi.