What Arkansas requires to operate a boat
Arkansas requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, to hold a boating safety certificate before operating a motorboat on state waters. This is not the same as boat registration — you need both. The certificate shows you have passed a boating safety course that covers Arkansas-specific rules, equipment requirements, and safe operating practices.
If you were born before January 1, 1986, you are not required to hold a certificate, but you still must register your boat with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Boat registration is separate from the safety certificate and is required for all motorboats regardless of the operator's age.
The safety certificate is valid for the lifetime of the person who earned it — you do not renew it. However, you must carry proof of the certificate with you whenever you operate a boat.
Key Takeaways
- Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, must hold an Arkansas boating safety certificate before operating a motorboat on state waters.
- The safety certificate comes from completing an approved boating safety course, either in person or online, and passing a test.
- Boat registration through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is required for all motorboats and is separate from the safety certificate.
- Your safety certificate is valid for life once earned, but you must carry proof of it on the water at all times.
- The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website lists all approved course providers and allows you to register your boat online.
How to take the boating safety course
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approves two types of boating safety courses: in-person classroom courses and online courses. Both cover the same material and lead to the same certificate if you pass the final test.
For in-person courses, you can find a list of approved instructors and course dates on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website. These courses typically run four to eight hours and are offered year-round at various locations across the state. You will take a written test at the end of the course, and if you pass, you receive your certificate on the spot.
Online courses let you complete the material at your own pace, usually within 24 hours of starting. After finishing the course content, you take a proctored test — some online providers require you to take the test at a testing center, while others allow you to test at home with a proctor watching through your webcam. Once you pass, you can print your certificate when ready or have it mailed to you.
The cost of courses varies by provider, but typically ranges from $15 to $50. Check the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's approved provider list to compare prices and schedules before you register.
Registering your boat with the state
All motorboats used on Arkansas waters must be registered with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, regardless of whether the operator holds a safety certificate. Registration is separate from the safety course and is required by state law.
You can register your boat online through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website, by mail, or in person at a Game and Fish office. To register, you will need the hull identification number (HIN), the boat's length, the engine horsepower, and proof of ownership such as a bill of sale or title.
Registration is valid for one year from the date of issue. You will receive registration decals that must be displayed on your boat. Renewal is due on the anniversary of your registration date, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person.
The registration fee depends on the length and type of your boat. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website shows the current fee schedule, or you can call their office to ask about your specific boat.
What to carry on the water
When you operate a boat in Arkansas, you must have your boating safety certificate with you at all times. This can be the physical certificate card or a digital copy on your phone — either form is acceptable as proof.
You must also display your registration decals on the boat itself. These decals show that your boat is registered and current with the state. Game and Fish officers check for both the certificate and the decals during water patrols.
Beyond the certificate and registration, Arkansas law requires certain safety equipment on board depending on your boat's size and type. Life jackets, fire extinguishers, and signaling devices are common requirements. The boating safety course covers which equipment you need for your specific boat, and the course materials include a checklist you can use before each outing.
Age restrictions and special rules
Children under 12 years old must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times while the boat is underway, regardless of whether they are the operator or a passenger. This is a state law, not just a recommendation.
Operators under 18 years old must hold a boating safety certificate even if they were born before January 1, 1986. This means younger operators cannot use the age exemption that applies to older boaters.
Arkansas also has rules about operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal limit for blood alcohol content is the same as for driving a car (0.08%), and the penalties for boating under the influence are similar to those for driving under the influence.
Renewing or replacing your certificate
Your boating safety certificate does not expire and does not need to be renewed. Once you pass the course and earn the certificate, it remains valid for your lifetime.
If you lose your certificate card, you can request a replacement from the course provider who issued it or contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission directly. Replacement certificates usually take one to two weeks to arrive by mail. Some providers can issue a temporary digital certificate while you wait for the replacement card.
If you took your course outside of Arkansas and want to operate a boat in Arkansas, you can transfer your out-of-state certificate. Contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to learn whether your certificate is recognized and what documentation you need to provide.
Where to find more information
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission maintains the official list of approved boating safety course providers on their website. You can search by location, course type (in-person or online), and provider name.
The Game and Fish Commission also publishes the Arkansas Boating Guide, which covers state boating laws, safety equipment requirements, and rules for different types of waters. This guide is free and available on their website or in print at Game and Fish offices.
If you have questions about your specific situation — such as whether your boat needs registration, what equipment is required, or whether your out-of-state certificate is valid — contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission by phone or email. Their contact information is on their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boating safety certificate if I was born before 1986?
No, you are not required to hold a certificate if you were born before January 1, 1986. However, you must still register your boat with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Anyone born on or after that date must hold a certificate to operate a motorboat.
Can I take the boating safety course online?
Yes. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission approves online courses that you can complete at your own pace. You will take a proctored test at the end, either at a testing center or at home with a proctor watching through your webcam. Once you pass, you receive your certificate when ready or by mail.
How much does boat registration cost in Arkansas?
The registration fee depends on your boat's length and type. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website lists the current fee schedule. You can also call their office to ask about the fee for your specific boat before you register.
What happens if I operate a boat without a safety certificate?
If you are required to hold a certificate and do not have one, you can be cited by a Game and Fish officer. Penalties include fines and possible court action. It is faster and less expensive to take the course than to deal with a citation.
Is my out-of-state boating certificate valid in Arkansas?
Some out-of-state certificates are recognized in Arkansas, but not all. Contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission with your certificate details to find out whether it is valid and what documentation you need to provide to operate a boat in Arkansas.