Am I required to have a license to operate a boat in New York?

What the Law Says

New York does not issue a traditional 'boat license,' but requires a Boating Safety Certificate for certain operators under the Navigation Law.

You must carry a NYS Boating Safety Certificate if you were born on or after May 1, 1996, and operate a motorized vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater on New York waters.

The requirement applies to all motorized vessels—including personal watercraft (e.g., Jet Skis), powerboats, and sailboats with auxiliary motors—regardless of length or use (rental, private, or commercial).

There are limited exemptions: non-residents operating for fewer than 60 days may use a valid certificate from another state or country; operators of vessels used solely for law enforcement, firefighting, or military purposes are also exempt.

Statutory Text

Every person who operates a motorboat on the waters of this state and who was born on or after May first, nineteen hundred ninety-six shall have in his or her possession a boating safety certificate issued by the commissioner or a certificate issued by another state or a foreign country that is approved by the commissioner.

— N.Y. Nav. Law § 49-a(1) — Operation of motorboats by persons born on or after May 1, 1996

Statutory Text

The term 'motorboat' means every vessel propelled by machinery, whether or not such vessel is also propelled by sail.

— N.Y. Nav. Law § 2(22) — Definition of motorboat

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