Statewide licensing of boat operators began in all Alabama counties July 17, 1997 under the Boating Safety Reform Act. You must be at least 12 years of age to operate a motorized vessel on Alabama's waterways. You also must be licensed. A written examination is required for applicants, except those who were 40 or older on April 28, 1994, or those who have successfully completed boating courses given by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadron or the Alabama Marine Police 'Boating Basics' course. The vessel class 'V' must be added to your license if you intend to operate a motorized vessel. This legislation, which also provides sanctions for drunken driving and other offenses, has been hailed as the toughest boating safety act in the country.
Applicants may apply and be tested as necessary at Department of Public Safety Driver License Offices across the state.
*Under age 14, Vessel Learner License only. Must be accompanied by a Vessel Licensed driver that is 21 years old or older.
The Alabama vessel license is a required proof of boater education that must be included on your Alabama driver’s license if you would like to operate a boat or motorized vessel of any kind. This is sometimes called an “Alabama boating license.”. CERTIFICATION / LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALABAMA RESIDENTS: Must be 12 years old or older to be eligible for a vessel operator's license but cannot operate alone until the age of 14. To obtain a boating license in AL, you must show proof of age via a state-issued driver’s license or photo ID card. If these documents are unavailable, the clerk will accept a certified statement of the student’s school superintendent verifying his or her name, date of birth and address. All persons who operate a motorized boat on Alabama waters need to obtain an Alabama Vessel License. You must be at least 12 years old to get your license. Alabama Boat License Requirements. The minimum boating license age in Alabama is 12 years of age for motorized water vessels. No one under 12 years of age can independently operate a water vessel or PWC in Alabama. The requirements for drivers who are 12 or 13 years of age include being supervised at all times by a licensed boater over 21 years of age.
Boating Education and Operator Certification/License
NO ONE UNDER THE AGE OF 12 YEARS MAY OPERATE ANY MOTORIZED VESSEL (INCLUDES PERSONAL WATERCRAFT, SUCH AS A SEA DOO, WAVERUNNER ETC.) ON ALABAMA'S WATERWAYS. CERTIFICATION / LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALABAMA RESIDENTS:
Boat registrations are not pro-rated; the full registration fee will be charged regardless of when the registration is renewed. No refunds will be issued for registrations renewed prior to the designated 'renewal month.' Please be advised that the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen decals. Boat/Vessel License Requirements Statewide licensing of boat operators began in all Alabama counties July 17, 1997 under the Boating Safety Reform Act. You must be at least 12 years of age to operate a motorized vessel on Alabama's waterways.
- Must be 12 years old or older to be eligible for a vessel operator's license but cannot operate alone until the age of 14.
- Operators 12 or 13 years old, after obtaining the vessel operator's license, can only operate if there is someone 21 years old or older on board, who also has a vessel operator's license in possession, and is seated in a position to take immediate control of the vessel if necessary.
- Operators 14 years old or older, after obtaining the vessel operator's license, may legally operate without supervision.
NOTE: The operator certification/license must be in possession at the time of operation.
CERTIFICATION / LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTS:
Non-residents 12 years old and older, may operate on Alabama waters up to 45 days per calendar year without having to obtain a vessel operator's license. If operating a vessel for more than 45 days per calendar year, the non-resident must get an Alabama Non-Resident Vessel Operator's License. Non-residents who have obtained a vessel certification or license from their home state may use that in lieu of the Alabama Non-Resident Vessel Operator's License. HOWEVER: Non-resident vessel operators 12 or 13 years old, can only operate if there is someone 21 years old or older on board, who either has a valid vessel operator's license in possession or falls under the 45-day exemption period because of non-residency status, and who is seated in a position to take immediate control of the vessel if necessary.
- Non-residents 14 years old or older, may legally operate without supervision.
How to Obtain Boat Operators Certification/License:
- Applicant must go to the Department of Public Safety Driver’s License Examining Office in their county of residence.
- Make application and pay appropriate fee ($5).
- Answer medical questions.
- Successfully complete written/oral exam or show proof of exemption (boating course certificate of completion or age exemption).
- Take the proper form to an ALEA driver license exam office to have the “V” class placed on driver’s license.
Proof of Age: All minors must furnish a certified copy of their birth certificate, their original social security card, and a certified statement from the superintendent of the school which the person attends containing name, date of birth, and address.
Cost of Certification: A one-time application fee of $5.00 cash will be charged. There will be a $36.25 issuance fee for the license.
How To Obtain a Duplicate Boat Operator's Certificate:
Cost per duplicate is $5.00 payable by cash, certified check or money order.
Send written request to: Alabama Marine Patrol P.O. Box 301451 Montgomery, Al 36130 (Attention: Education Section).
Please contact the Alabama Driver License Division, Operator Certification Section at the phone number below to obtain the information you need in order to obtain a duplicate boating certificate.
Make money order, cashier’s check, certified check payable to Alabama Marine Patrol.
You may contact the Alabama Driver License Division, Operator Certification Section @ 1-800-272-7930 with questions on certificates or to verify information on certification database.
Exemptions From Examination Requirements:
1. Holder of a valid United States Coast Guard Motorboat Operator's License
2. Person submitting a valid certificate of successful completion of:
A) United States Power Squadron Boating Course
B) United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Course
C) Any State of Alabama Marin Patrol Division approved boating course:
i) Boat Alabama classroom course
ii) State approved online boating course: Boat-Ed.com and BoaterExam.com
3. Any boat operator who was born prior to April 28, 1954
NOTE: Boating course certificates or motorboat operator’s license must be presented to the license examiner at the time of making an application.
Alabama Boat License Test Study Guide
State Of Alabama Boating License
Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Alabama Driver License Division, Operator Certification Section, P.O. Box 301451, Montgomery, AL 36130. Course information can be obtained by calling (800) 272-7930.