How do I get my boating license in VA?

Asked by: Dennis Swiniarski

Pay the one-time fee of $34.95 – free unlimited retries of chapter quizzes. Study the Virginia Boating Safety Course, and pass the end-of-chapter quizzes. Print your Certificate of Completion, and receive your permanent Virginia Boating Safety Education Certificate in the mail within 3-4 weeks.

Do you need a license to drive a boat in Virginia?

All PWC operators age 14 and older and all operators (regardless of age) of motorboats with a 10 hp or greater engine need to take a boating safety course. Once you complete the course, the course completion certificate or card that is provided by the course provider is what is required to operate a vessel.

How long is the Virginia boating license test?

Virginia Proctored Challenge Exam
If you are an experienced boater and have a good working knowledge of the navigation rules and Virginia boating laws, you may opt to take an 80-question challenge exam. These exams will be scheduled throughout Virginia.

How long does a Virginia boating license last?

The Lifetime Virginia Boating Safety Education Card is available to those who meet the boating safety education requirement. This durable, driver’s license styled card is available for a fee of $10.00.

What is needed on a boat in Virginia?

Required Equipment

Can you drink on a boat in VA?

Unlike the laws for cars and trucks, having an open container of alcohol on your boat is not illegal. Further, your passengers can legally drink alcohol while the boat is in motion. However, despite this discrepancy, Virginia’s BUI laws are just as strict for boaters as they are for drivers.

Can you carry a gun on a boat in Virginia?

Any person who may lawfully possess a firearm and is carrying a handgun while in a personal, private vessel and such handgun is secured in a container or compartment in the vessel is not required to possess a CHP.

Does a Virginia boating license work in all states?

Yes. All states that have mandatory boater education requirements will accept the your state’s Boater Education Card. Likewise your state will accept boating education cards that are issued by states that meet NASBLA requirements.

How old do you have to be to drive a boat in Virginia?

For a personal watercraft, the minimum operator age continues to be age 16, except those 14 or 15 year olds who have completed and passed a course can operate. This has been the law since 1999 and has not changed.

What is every vessel operator required to do?

Every operator must keep a proper lookout, using both sight and hearing, at all times. Watch and listen for other vessels, radio communications, navigational hazards, and others involved in water activities. Maintain a safe speed.

Is boat insurance required in VA?

Boat Insurance Requirements
Although the law in VA does not mandate that you carry boat insurance, it does require that you register your vessel with the state and take a boating safety course at the completion of which you will receive a certification.

Do you have to wear a life jacket on a boat Virginia?

LIFE JACKET REQUIREMENTS IN Virginia
In Virginia, children 13 years of age and under are required to wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket when underway on any boat, unless the the child is below decks or in an enclosed cabin. It’s the law for kids to WEAR IT!

What size boat do you have to register in Virginia?

18 feet

Do I need to register my boat in Virginia? The DGIF requires titling and registration for all: motorized vessels and. sail-powered vessels (without a motor) greater than 18 feet in length.

What does it cost to register a boat in VA?

Motorboat Registration Fees

What vessels are exempt from Virginia registration?

Virginia Boat Registration
Exemptions for boat registration include: Vessels used only on private waters. Canoes and other manually or sail powered vessels(excludes sail powered vessels less than 18 feet in length even without propulsion)