California Division of
Boating & Waterways
Embedded Files
(844) 421-8333
What is my application ID? How do I receive an application ID? Where can I find my application ID?
What is my application ID? How do I receive an application ID? Where can I find my application ID?
When applicants submit their application, they receive an application ID number. For online courses, this ID is provided to the course provider to complete enrollment. Some applicants are currently experiencing an issue where valid IDs are being flagged as invalid.
The team is working on a fix expected today (9/19/25). In the meantime, applicants who call should be informed that this is a known issue and advised to try again later.
Online course providers require an application ID number to complete their course. They submit the course results electronically via API once applicants complete the course. After the API submits these results, the application is automatically approved, and a temporary boater card is emailed to the applicant.
https://boatercard.parks.ca.gov/Application
To obtain the application ID number, the applicant must submit an application.
The application ID will be emailed to the applicant's email that was provided on the application.
To find the applicant's application ID number,
Log into the Admin Portal.
Navigate to the Application Search page.
3. Enter the applicant's information and click the Search button.
4. Once you find the application, click the View button.
5. The application ID number will be on the top left-hand side.
Example of the confirmation email the applicant receives after applying.
I never received my temporary boater card.
I never received my temporary boater card.
When an application is approved, the system sends an email with the temporary boater card to the email address provided on their application. This card is sent from a "No-Reply" email address. If an applicant reports that they did not receive the temporary card, please verify that we have the correct email address on file for them and update it if necessary.
If Applicant Still Does Not Receive It
Verify email address and update if needed.
Advise applicant to check spam/junk folder.
If still missing, check application status:
Must be Print Processing or Issued before downloading.
If approved, download the temporary card and manually email it.
To resend the temporary boater card, please follow the steps below,
Log into the Admin Portal.
Navigate to the Application Search page.
3. Enter the applicant's information and click the Search button.
4. Once you find the application, click the View button.
5. Then click the Edit button.
6. Click on the Events tab.
7. Click the +New button.
8. Select the Resend Temporary Boater Card option from the Event Drop Down List.
Do I need a boater card?
Do I need a boater card?
If you are operating on California waterways using a vessel with a trolling motor or motor (regardless of size, horsepower, and power source), on California waterways and along the coast of California.
However, there are exceptions to needing the boater card. Please see the exemptions below.
Course provider questions? How do I log in to my account?
Course provider questions? How do I log in to my account?
The course providers are private companies. For any account inquiries, please direct them to contact the company they used to take the course.
I have no internet. How do I apply?
I have no internet. How do I apply?
Submit the application on the caller’s behalf.
If they have completed the education course, instruct them to mail a copy of the certificate with:
Full Name
Birthdate
Application ID
Mail to:
Department of Parks and Recreation
Division of Boating and Waterways – California Boater Card
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
If They Have NOT Taken the Course
Request a Mailed Course:
Send an email to BoatingSafetyCourse@parks.ca.gov
Include:
Applicant’s Full Name
Mailing Address
Example Email:
Please send a course to the below
David Klosinski
715 P Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Advise the applicant:
Complete the course at home.
Mail it back with their Name + Application ID on a separate sheet of paper.
This ensures the certificate is linked to their application when graded.
More details and FAQs: California Boater Card
What course do you recommend? Free course?
What course do you recommend? Free course?
If an applicant is looking for a free online course, I recommend taking the course through Boat US Foundation. If they want to take a free mail-in-home study course, the Division of Boating and Waterways offers one.
I submitted an application. What is the next step?
I submitted an application. What is the next step?
If an applicant has applied but has not completed their education, the next step is to complete the course. Our website lists 16 course providers offering a course approved for the California Boater Card. There are several ways to take the course, including online, a mail-in-home study course, or a classroom style.
How long does the card take to arrive once you're approved?
How long does the card take to arrive once you're approved?
Once the application is approved, the card is sent to our contractor the same night, where it waits in line to be printed and mailed out. The timeframe from our contractor receiving the card to printing the card takes anywhere from 5-10 days. The time it takes for the applicant to receive the card after the application is approved can range from 3 to 5 weeks.
The applicant has not received their permanent card
The applicant has not received their permanent card
Check Card Mail Date
Has it been 30+ days since the card mail date?
Yes: Proceed to Step 2
No: Advise applicant to contact us after 30 days if card is still not received.
Verify Address
Check the address on file and correct if needed.
Review Comments for notes about returned mail:
If card was returned → email applicant to confirm address and note when card is resent.
If applicant is calling in now → confirm they want card remailed and collect updated address.
Reissue Card
Log into the Admin Portal.
Navigate to the Application Search page.
3. Enter the applicant's information and click the Search button.
4. Once you find the application, click the View button.
5. Then click the Edit button.
6. Click on the Events tab.
7. Click the +New button.
8. Select the Reissue option from the Event Drop Down List.
Error on the card
Error on the card
Any information on their application gets printed directly onto their card. If an applicant requests an update to a field on their application, correct any information as necessary. If the application is in issued status, you would correct the information and advise the applicant to submit a request for a replacement card since the card has already been mailed out.
To Edit the Application,
Log into the Admin Portal.
Navigate to the Application Search page.
3. Enter the applicant's information and click the Search button.
4. Once you find the application, click the View button.
Note: If the application is in “print processing” status, you can correct any information and go to the events section and reissue the card. Instructions can be found here.
5. Then click the Edit button.
6. Edit any fields which need correction.
7. Save you changes by selecting the Save button at the bottom of the page.
Requests for Publications, Refunds
Requests for Publications, Refunds
Anyone requesting publications or a refund, please email Boatercard@parks.ca.gov with the persons information and we will handle these requests.
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