Many parks have been affected by winter weather and storms. Please check for alerts before heading out.
Many parks have been affected by winter weather and storms. Please check for alerts before heading out.
Many recreational boaters in Washington are required by law to complete a boating safety course and carry a Washington State Boater Education Card.
Whether you cruise, sail, kayak, fish, or do yoga on a stand-up paddleboard, you are responsible to know the laws and basics of boating safety. You are encouraged to take a boating safety course, whether required by law or not.
The Washington State Boater Education Card is valid for your lifetime and meets requirements for recreational boating in Canada and many other states.
You do not need a Boater Education Card if you are visiting from another state or country and boating for less than 60 days. After 60 days you must have a Washington state Boater Education Card.
If you have a boater education card from another state, contact our office to verify it's valid in Washington. If it's valid, then submit a Boater Education Card Application (PDF) with a copy of your card and a $10 check or money order and you will be issued a Washington State Boater Education Card.
Your card will be mailed within two to four weeks of receipt of your submission. Email our staff or call (360) 902-8555 if you have not received your card within 30 days.
You have up to 60 days from the date of mailing in your application materials to notify us if the information on your card has an error or you have not received your card. The information on your card has an error.
After 60 days, you may be required to resubmit your application materials.
You may apply for a replacement card if you were previously issued an official Washington State Boater Education Card, and your legal name has been changed, you need to correct personal information, or your card was lost, stolen, or destroyed. The fee for a replacement card is $5.
Please allow four weeks to process an affidavit and receive your replacement card.
No temporary card is available while you wait to receive your replacement. No online or electronic process is available for replacement cards.
Department | Recreational Boating Safety Program |
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Phone | 360-902-8555 |
boating@parks.wa.gov | |
Address | P.O. Box 34333 Seattle , WA 98124 |