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Do I need a boater card to run a boat in Arkansas?
Yes, if you were born on or after January 1, 1986, you're of legal age to run a motorboat or sailboat, and you run one on Arkansas water. You have to pass a course the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) approves. Its classroom course is free. Once you have the certificate, it's good for life.
By State Cert GuideChecked against the sources listed below.Report a mistake
The rule, fact by fact
- Who needs it
- Born on or after Jan. 1, 1986 and of legal age to run a motorboat or sailboat in ArkansasThe rule names motorboats and sailboats on Arkansas water.
- Verified. www.agfc.com (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
- Free option
- AGFC lists free instructor-led classesThat section has a "Find a Class" link where you can pick one.
- Same source and date as above
- Cost
- One online course costs $29.99AGFC's page lists the Recademics Arkansas Boater Education Course at $29.99.
- Same source and date as above
- Course hours
- The traditional route is a 6-hour class with hands-on demonstration, ending with a testClasses may run a few hours a night for three to four nights, or a full Saturday.
- Same source and date as above
- Valid for
- Good for lifeAGFC says this holds once you have your boater education certification.
- Same source and date as above
How to get it done
Step 1. Check your birth date and your boat. The rule covers anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 who is of legal age to run a motorboat or sailboat and runs one on Arkansas water. If you were born before that date, AGFC's rule doesn't list you.
Step 2. Start with the free classroom course. Find a class with AGFC's class finder. To go online instead, sign up for a course on AGFC's page. It lists four, priced $19.99, $29.99, $44.95 and $74.95. The $19.99 one is the military and first responder course.
Step 3. Finish the course and pass the test. The classroom route is a 6-hour class with hands-on demonstration. Classes may run a few hours a night for three to four nights, or a full Saturday, and the final class ends with a test.
Step 4. When you pass, your digital certification appears on your AGFC profile. If you'd rather carry physical proof, you can buy a hard card through AGFC's licensing system. Either way, the certificate is good for life.
Before you pay
Start with the free classroom course if a class fits your schedule. AGFC lists free instructor-led classes.
If you go online, compare the four prices on AGFC's page before you pay.
Pick a course that is on AGFC's page.
Ask the provider whether it charges extra for the card or limits how long you have to finish.
We haven't confirmed whether Arkansas accepts a boater certificate from another state. If you hold one, ask AGFC before you buy a second course.
Questions
Is the Arkansas boater course offered in Spanish?
Yes. AGFC's page says Boat-Ed.com also provides the boater education course in Spanish, in the listing for the $44.95 course.
How old do I have to be to run a boat in Arkansas?
On a motorboat of 10 horsepower or more, the operator must be 12 or older, or have direct supervision from someone at least 18. Alone, a personal watercraft operator must be 16 or older. At 12 to 15, an adult at least 18 supervises. Under 12, the adult must be at least 21.
Who can take the cheaper online course?
AGFC's page lists a $19.99 online course for service members, veterans, first responders and their families. The listing describes it as the same AGFC and NASBLA approved course as the $29.99 one. Ask the provider how to show you qualify.
What to do next
Check your birth date against AGFC's rule first. If it covers you, start with the free classroom course or pick an online course from AGFC's boater education page.
Sources we read
- www.agfc.com › boater education · read Nov 13, 2026