Starting on July 1, 2025, a new law will require some adults and youth who operate motorboats—including personal watercraft—to have a valid watercraft operator’s permit, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

People who already have a watercraft operator’s permit are not affected by the law, which is designed to make boating safer by ensuring everyone operating a motorized watercraft knows the rules and is properly trained.

The new law initially applies to people who are at least 12 years of age and born after June 30, 2004. When the law is fully implemented on July 1, 2028, anyone who is at least 12 and born after June 30, 1987, will need a permit.

Key changes to the new law include:

• Adult and youth permits: Young operators and some adults need a valid operator’s permit to operate certain motorized watercraft. For adults born after June 30, 2004, the requirement starts in 2025. The law will extend to older age groups over time.
• Youth restrictions: Young operators can’t operate boats with more than 75 horsepower. They can operate boats (that are not PWC) with less than 75 horsepower if they’re with an accompanying operator.
• Gradual rollout: The law will phase in over the next few years. The operator permit requirement starts in 2025 and gradually expands through 2028.

For complete details on the new law, go to: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/boater-education-law.html