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North Dakota Boating License Requirements

In North Dakota, the requirement applies to anyone born on or after 1 January 1988 operating a vessel of 10 hp or more. The credential is the North Dakota Boating Safety Certificate, issued by North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Who needs itborn on or after 1 January 1988
Applies to10 hp or more
What it is calledNorth Dakota Boating Safety Certificate
Issued byNorth Dakota Game and Fish Department

Buying a boat in North Dakota?

A licence makes you legal to operate. It tells you nothing about the boat itself. Run the hull number free — it decodes the builder and model year, and flags any US Coast Guard recall campaign on record for that manufacturer.

Frequently asked

Do I need a boating license in North Dakota?

North Dakota requires the North Dakota Boating Safety Certificate for anyone born on or after 1 January 1988 operating a vessel of 10 hp or more.

Official source: North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Compiled September 2026 from North Dakota Game and Fish Department and NASBLA-aligned sources. Boating law changes, and this page is a summary rather than the regulation — confirm with the agency before relying on it. See the states covered here.