Interactive Illinois Boating License Course
The fastest Illinois boaters safety course—no timers! ilearntoboat.com is a delegated boating safety provider for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
You need boating education in Illinois if you were born on or after January 1, 1998, and will be operating a motorized vessel over 10 hp on Illinois waters.
This course is approved by the state of Illinois and, once successfully completed, will result in your Illinois Boating License.
How to Get your Boating License in 4 Easy Steps
Step 1
est. 2–3 mins
Sign Up
Sign up for your ilearntoboat® student account, pay for the course, and get started right away.
Step 2
est. 2–3 hrs
Study & Pass the Online Course
Learn at your own pace on any device. We automatically save your progress, whether you take the course on desktop, tablet or mobile.
Step 3
est. 1–5 mins
Print Your Temporary Card Immediately
You're able to print your temporary boating license as soon as you've passed the online exam.
Step 4
est. 0 mins
Go Boating!
Time to make waves! You can now legally and confidently operate a boat.
Get Started
Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and get your boating certification 2–3 times faster than other courses.
Why Take This Course?
| Feature |
|
Other Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois-Approved boater education | ||
| No minimum time requirements | ||
| Complete the course in under 3 hours | ||
| Real-life situations | ||
| Role-playing simulations | ||
| Final exam |
The Boating Safety Certificate
The Boating Safety Certificate (often referred to as "Illinois Boating License" or "Illinois Boater Education Card") is proof that you have successfully completed all state-mandated boater education requirements.
Vessel operators who are required to have a Boating Safety Certificate must carry their card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by enforcement officers.
The Only Approved Interactive Boater Safety Course in Illinois
This interactive course was developed in accordance with the standards set forth by NASBLA as well as meets the requirements of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Official course provider approved by:
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702-1271
Get Started
Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and get your boating certification 2–3 times faster than other courses.
The Only Gamified Interactive Course
Illinois-Approved Boater Safety Education
Our interactive boater safety course satisfies all boater education requirements established by NASBLA and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
No Minimum Time Requirements
Students complete our interactive courses faster than our traditional courses. Why? There are no timers—ever!
Complete the Course in Under 3 Hours
Instruction that engages the brain using both words and images has been shown to significantly increase student retention and comprehension. When you combine interactive learning with no minimum time requirement, it’s easy to understand why many of our students complete their boater education in under 3 hours!
Real-Life Situations
Make choices for your character that will earn you awards and allow you to move through levels by applying what you’ve learned about boater safety throughout the challenges.
Role-Playing Simulations
We made sure to include plenty of mini-games and realistic simulations to keep you engaged along the way. Earn achievement badges as you master trip planning, emergency preparation, and safety operations. Crack all of the levels, and you will be awarded your boating education certificate.
Illinois Boating Laws and Regulations
Illinois law requires boater education for anyone born on or after Jan 1, 1988, operating a motorized vessel over 10 hp.
Illinois Age and Operator Restrictions
Persons 10 and 11 years of age may legally operate a vessel over 10 hp only if they have direct on-board supervision of a person over 18 who has an Illinois Boating Safety Certificate.
Persons 12 to 17 years of age may legally operate a vessel over 10 hp only if they have an Illinois Boating Safety Certificate or are under direct on-board supervision of a person over 18 who has an Illinois Boating Safety Certificate.
Supervising persons born on or after January 1, 1998, must have a valid Illinois Boating Safety Certificate.
Illinois Boater Education Requirement Enforcements
Illinois law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them by following the laws and guidelines.
Not carrying your Boater Education Card when one is required can result in a fine.
Get Started
Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and get your boating certification 2–3 times faster than other courses.
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Learn More
Boating Safety Resources
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Illinois Boating License FAQs
Price and Payment
- How much does the Illinois ilearntoboat Course cost?
-
The Illinois ilearntoboat Course fee is $59.95.
Taking the Course
- Do you need the Illinois boating license?
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You need education if you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1998, and will be operating a vessel powered by a motor of more than 10 hp in Illinois.
-
Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Illinois?
- What is the minimum age to take this online course?
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There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
- Do I have to be a resident to take the Illinois ilearntoboat Course?
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You do not have to be a resident of Illinois to take this online course.
Course Approval and Acceptance
- Is the Illinois ilearntoboat Course approved by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources?
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The Illinois ilearntoboat Course is approved and accepted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
- Is my Illinois Boating Safety Certificate accepted elsewhere?
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For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada's requirements.
Quizzes and/or Exams
- Do I have to take an online exam?
-
The Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.
About Your Certification
- What is the proof of online Illinois ilearntoboat Course completion?
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Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Temporary Boating Safety Certificate. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Temporary Boating Safety Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you. This certificate EXPIRES 60 days after course completion.
- What is the permanent Illinois Boating Safety Certificate?
-
The Boating Safety Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. The Boating Safety Certificate will arrive within 2-3 weeks after you complete all certification requirements.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents
- How do I replace my Boating Safety Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
-
To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Boating Safety Certificate, go to https://ilostmycard.com/.
Customer Service
Your ilearntoboat course comes with a dedicated customer service team made up of real people, not robots. We’re here to provide assistance to you through all channels—phone, email, and chat.
We’re available to help you:
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST, and
Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST
1-800-830-2268 (toll free)
