Take a course
The following boating safety course providers are the only ones approved by the State of California and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. Click on the provider name for course details.
Successfully completing a course from one of the providers below, and passing the exam, meets the qualifications to apply for a California Boater Card.
California Division of Boating and WaterwaysBoatTests101US Sailing/US PowerboatingBoatU.S. FoundationBoater Exam AmericaAmerica's Boating Club/U.S. Power SquadronsU.S. Coast Guard AuxiliaryilearntoboatA Quick Boater CourseSafe2BoatBoat EdAce BoaterDrive A Boat USAA+ Approved Boating CourseBOATsmart!
The State of California does not grant reciprocity beyond 60 days for out-of-state boaters in possession of his/her state issued boater card. Please view our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for more details.