New Boating and Watercraft Law
As of July 1, 2025, in Minnesota, some adults and youth who operate motorboats, including personal watercraft, must have a valid watercraft operator’s permit. Those who were born after June 30, 2004, will need to have a permit to operate a boat as of July 1, 2025. A permit is required for anyone 12 years old or older and was born after these dates: June 30, 2024 (starts 7/1/25); June 30, 2000 (starts 7/1/26); June 30, 1996 (starts 7/1/27); and June 30, 1987 (starts 7/1/28). If you do not fall within the dates specified, you do not need a permit.
You are exempt from this requirement if you are 12 years or older and possess a valid license to operate a motorboat issued by the United States Coast Guard or a marine certificate issued by the Canadian government. You are also exempt if you are not a resident of the state, are temporarily using Minnesota’s waters for a period not to exceed 60 days and you meet any applicable requirements of the state or country of residency; or possess a pleasure craft operator’s card from Canada; are operating the motorboat under a dealer’s license or are operating a motorboat during an emergency.
Children under the age of 18 cannot operate boats with more than 75 horsepower unless they are with an accompanying operator. An accompanying operator is someone 21 years or older who: 1) is in the motorboat or personal watercraft; 2) is within immediate reach of the controls of the motor; and 3) possesses a valid operator’s permit or is an exempt operator.
Please be safe on the water. 10 people drown every day. Drowning is the leading cause of death for ages 1 – 4. Drowning does not happen as it is often depicted in movies. Please educate yourself on water safety.
The material contained herein is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to create or constitute an attorney-client relationship between Spangler and de Stefano, PLLP and the reader. The information contained herein is not offered as legal advice and should not be construed as legal advice.