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State Cert Guide

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Do I need a boater card to run a boat in New Hampshire?

Yes, if you're 16 or older and you run a motorboat over 25 horsepower on New Hampshire waters. At 18 or older, you can take the final exam online. Under 18, it's in person. The state calls it a boating education certificate.

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The rule, fact by fact

Who needs it
Anyone 16 or older who runs a motorboat over 25 horsepower on New Hampshire watersThe rule is on the State Police's boating education page.
Verified. www.nhsp.dos.nh.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Online accepted
Adults 18 and older who take an online course also take the final exam onlineIf they fail, the re-test is an in-person proctored exam.
Same source and date as above
Cost
A re-test costs $10 and is taken in person with a state proctorThe fee is set on the State Police boating education page.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check your age and your boat. The rule covers anyone 16 or older who runs a motorboat over 25 horsepower on New Hampshire waters. If you hold a certificate issued by another state agency and NASBLA-approved, the State Police page says New Hampshire accepts it.

  2. Step 2. Pick how you want to take it. The State Police page links an online course, a classroom course schedule and a proctored exam schedule. A classroom course includes the final exam in its last hour. After an online course, adults 18 or older take the exam online, and under 18 it's in person with a state proctor.

  3. Step 3. Finish the course and pass the final exam. Every final exam has a minimum passing score of 80%. If you fail, the re-test is in person with a state proctor and costs $10.

  4. Step 4. After you pass, a card is mailed to the address you gave when you registered, whether you took a classroom or an online course. If you take a course at 15, it's mailed on or around your 16th birthday. If you lose it, the state's FAQ points you to www.ILostMyCard.com for a replacement.

Before you pay

Check the price before you pay for anything. We haven't confirmed what the online course, the classroom course or the proctored exam costs, and the State Police pages we read don't list one.

Under 18, plan for an in-person final exam even if you take the course online. Check the proctored exam schedule for a date near you.

Study before you sit the exam. A re-test is in person and costs $10.

Questions

Which other certificates does New Hampshire accept?

The State Police page lists a certificate issued by another state agency and NASBLA-approved, one from the US Power Squadron, and one from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. It also accepts an unexpired commercial boating license issued by the US Coast Guard or by the State of New Hampshire.

Is there a temporary boating education certificate?

Yes. A 14-day temporary certificate can be obtained through an agent, and you have to take and pass a boating safety exam to get it.

Do children need a life jacket on a New Hampshire boat?

Yes. The State Police FAQ says all children 12 years old and younger must wear a life jacket when they're transported in a boat.

How do I find my boat's capacity?

On most boats, the capacity is listed on a plate near the helm, where the operator sits. It gives the weight limit and the number of persons.

What to do next

Check your age and your boat against the State Police rule first. If it names you, pick your course from the State Police boating education page.

www.nhsp.dos.nh.gov

Sources we read