Boater Identification Indicator FAQs

Pursuant to section 306.127, RSMo, every person born after January 1, 1984, operating a vessel on the lakes of the state shall carry a valid photo identification document and the Boating Safety Education Card issued by the Missouri State Water Patrol. The Missouri State Water Patrol will also accept a driver license or nondriver ID with the Boater Identification indicator in lieu of carrying a photo ID and the Boating Safety Education Card.

Any resident of Missouri who possesses a valid Boating Safety Education Card issued by the Missouri State Water Patrol may apply for a Boater Identification indicator on a driver license or nondriver ID. The indicator is placed on the back of the driver license or nondriver ID. The issuance of a boater identification indicator on a driver license or nondriver ID is optional.

An individual may apply for the Boater Identification indicator at their local license office by presenting the following:

  • Proof of identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and Missouri residency, as applicable.
    • Click here for a list of acceptable documents for a non REAL ID-compliant application.
    • Click here for a list of acceptable documents for a REAL ID-compliant application.
  • A valid “Missouri State Water Patrol Boating Safety Education Card” as proof of successful completion of a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and certified by the Missouri State Water Patrol.
  • Applicable driver license or nondriver ID fees and $1 to add the Boater Identification indicator.

Who is required to complete a boating safety education course?

Every person born after January 1, 1984, or as required pursuant to section 306.128, RSMo, who operates a vessel on the lakes of this state shall possess, on the vessel, a Boating Safety Education Card issued by the Missouri State Water Patrol or its agent pursuant to section 306.127, RSMo. The Missouri State Water Patrol will also accept a driver license or nondriver ID with the Boater Identification indicator in lieu of carrying a photo ID and the Boating Safety Education Card.

For more information regarding the mandatory boater education law go to the Missouri State Water Patrol website.

Where can I find information about the boating safety education course?

Visit the Missouri State Water Patrol Safety Education Classes.

If I add the boater identification indicator to my driver license or nondriver ID, do I have to pay the additional cost of $1 to keep the indicator on my next transaction?

No, you will not have to pay the $1 fee to keep the boater identification indicator on subsequent driver license transactions (or subsequent nondriver ID transactions, if applicable). However:

  • If you added the Boater Identification indicator to your driver license and now request to add the Boater Identification indicator to a nondriver ID, you will be required to pay the $1 fee to add the initial indicator to the nondriver ID.
  • If you added the Boater Identification indicator to your nondriver ID and now request to add the Boater Identification indicator to a driver license you will be required to pay the $1 fee to add the initial indicator to the driver license.

Do I have to present my Boating Safety Education Card to renew a driver license or nondriver ID with a boater identification indicator?

No. You only have to present your Boating Safety Education Card upon initial application for the Boater Identification indicator. You do not have to present the card to retain the Boater Identification indicator on future transactions. However:

  • If you had added the Boater Identification indicator to a driver license and now want to add the Boater Identification indicator to a nondriver ID, you must again present the Boating Safety Education Card for verification.
  • If you had added the Boater Identification indicator to a nondriver ID and now want to add the Boater Identification indicator to a driver license, you must again present the Boating Safety Education Card for verification.

If I have an old paper certification card from years ago, do I still need a new, plastic Boating Safety Education Card?

Yes, for purposes of obtaining the new Boater Identification indicator, the Department of Revenue will only accept the current plastic card format. You may request a new card through the Missouri State Water Patrol as long as you still have the old card and pay a $10 replacement fee. For instructions on how to order a replacement Boating Safety Education Card go to: Mandatory Boater Education Law FAQs.

Can I use a Boating Safety Education Card from another state to obtain the indicator on my Missouri license?

No, you must obtain a Missouri Boating Safety Education Card to be eligible for the Boater Identification indicator.

What does the Boater Identification indicator look like?

The Boater Identification indicator will be displayed as an image of a ship's wheel, located at the upper left-hand corner on the back of the driver license or nondriver ID. Refer to the image, below.

The Boater Identification indicator will be displayed as an image of a ship's wheel, located at the upper left-hand corner on the back of the license.

If you still have questions, please visit other Driver Licensing FAQs.