A. All Terrain Vehicle Operation in Wisconsin
All operators at least age 12 and born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 must complete an ATV Safety Certification course in order to operate on public ATV trails and areas in Wisconsin.
NEW! Operators of all terrain vehicles (ATV) now have a convenient online method to receive ATV Safety Certification through an Internet Web course recently introduced by the state Department of Natural Resources. The Internet course is available at www.offroad-ed.com/wi. As an alternative, check the DNR’s Upcoming Recreational Safety Education Classes Web page to find classroom courses available around the state.
B. Wisconsin Boating Safety Education Requirements
A Wisconsin Boating Safety Certificate is required for all boaters born after January 1, 1989 who operate a motorboat or Personal Watercraft (PWC) on Wisconsin’s waters. There is no minimum age to take the Wisconsin Boating Safety Course, however certificates are not valid until the operator reaches the age of 12.
DNR Number Required
DNR Number Required Anyone who holds a license or certificate that is issued by the Wisconsin DNR (including the boating safety certificate), holds a DNR Customer Number. Before you purchase your Wisconsin Boating Safety Certificate you must have a valid DNR number. If you hold a fishing license, hunting license, ATV or snowmobile registration for instance, then your DNR customer number is located on the license/certificate. If you do not have a DNR number or you are not certain whether you have one, you can contact the DNR office (open 7 days a week) for assistance.
More information on finding or obtaining a DNR number
Age Restrictions:
No one under the age of 10 may operate a motorboat in Wisconsin.
Children ages 10 and 11 may operate a motorboat ONLY if accompanied by a parent or guardian, or a person at least 18 years old who is designated by the parent or guardian.
Children ages 12 to 15 may operate a motorboat if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian, or if they have completed a Wisconsin-approved boating safety course.
No one under the age of 12 may operate, rent or lease a Personal Watercraft (PWC) in Wisconsin.
No one under the age of 16 may lease or rent a PWC in Wisconsin.
Children under the age of 13 must wear a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (life jacket) when onboard any vessel.
