MN Boater Education and Rental Law
Effective July 1, 2025
All renters must be 18 years of age or older AND possess a valid watercraft operator’s permit from Minnesota or another state.
The traditional watercraft operator’s permit course is available online (https://www.boaterexam.com/usa/minnesota/). It is a lifetime certification and allows for renting and/or operating any watercraft.
The names and ages of each operator who is authorized to operate the rental unit must also be listed on the rental agreement. The renter of the unit must ensure that only listed authorized operators operate the unit.
The additional operators must complete either the traditional watercraft operator’s permit course OR taking a shorter examination course that is valid for 180 days (mndnr.gov/safety/boatwater/education.html). Please note that completing the shorter course is NOT sufficient for people to rent motorized watercrafts – ONLY to operate them.
Proof of certification for the renter and all authorized operators will be required 7 days prior to rental start date.
For more information on the new laws, please reference the following links below.
86B.306 MOTORBOAT RENTAL BUSINESSES
2025 Minnesota Boating Guides
https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/boatwater/boatingguide.pdf