A new law goes into effect in Minnesota this summer that will require a watercraft operator’s permit for people operating a motorized watercraft.

The new law could be a little bit confusing because not everyone is required to have one of these permits, and the rules will change over the next few years as to who is required to have one.

With the new law going into effect at the beginning of July, here’s what you need to know if you plan on hitting the water in Minnesota on a motorized watercraft.

What is the purpose of this new watercraft permit law?

As the Minnesota DNR explains, the new law was created to make being on the water safer by making sure everyone operating a motorized watercraft (including boats and personal watercraft) knows the rules and has proper training

Currently, someone can operate a watercraft without any formal training about the rules and laws that govern safe watercraft operation.

Things like what different types of buoys/navigation markers mean, who has the right of way in certain situations, rules about meeting or passing other watercraft, safe operating distances between boats, and a variety of other topics are currently not required information to know before operating a watercraft.

While there is a lot of “common sense” to a lot of these things, making sure everyone is on the same page with all of the rules of the water is a good way to make sure everyone is as safe as can be.

Who will need a watercraft operator’s permit in Minnesota under this new law?

This is where things get a little confusing.

The Minnesota DNR says the law will require “both adults and youth who operate motorboats” to have one of these permits, but not all adults will need one. At least right away.

Phase 1 – Starting on July 1, 2025, anyone born on or after July 1, 2004, will need one of these permits. That means anyone 21 and younger as of July 1 of this year will need a permit to operate a watercraft.

There are some exceptions for youth (under the age of 12), who are not allowed to operate a motorized personal watercraft or any boat with a motor of over 75 horsepower. Lower-powered motorcraft (that aren’t a personal watercraft) can be operated as long as an accompanying (and properly-licensed) adult is in the watercraft with them.

Phase 2 – Starting on July 1, 2026, anyone born on or after July 1, 2000, will need a permit.

Phase 3 – Starting on July 1, 2027, anyone born on or after July 1, 1996, will need a permit.

Phase 4 – Starting on July 1, 2028, anyone born on or after July 1, 1987, will need a permit.

Who is exempt from this law?

There are a few different groups of people who are exempt.

Minnesota residents over a certain age: If you did the math above, anyone who is 38 or older by July 1, 2025, will be exempt from the requirement as the law is currently written.

While there is no legal requirement for these individuals to have a permit, you could still take the course and get your certification anyway to make sure you’re up-to-date on the safety rules and regulations in the state. The DNR says it might also make you eligible for discounted boat insurance rates.

Non-residents of Minnesota: If you are visiting Minnesota and will be operating a watercraft for less than 60 days, you can do so without a permit if you meet any applicable requirements for your home state or country or are operating the boat under a couple of specific circumstances.

You can learn more here about these instances, as well as a few more rare exemptions related to the US Coast Guard-granted licenses or Canadian government-issued marine certificates.

When does the new law go into effect? How do I get one of these permits?

The new law goes into effect on July 1, 2025, with the rollout dates (noted above) for older watercraft operators in the subsequent years.

If you are looking to get a permit, there is a one-time fee of $34.95 with free, unlimited tries on the final exam until you pass. There is a classroom course, but it can also be completed online. You can learn about course options here.