Effective October 1, 2024, non-residents of Alabama will be required to have either (A) a valid boater safety certification or vessel operator's certification issued in your home state, or (B) a Nonresident Alabama Boater Safety Certification under the same terms and conditions as Alabama residents.
Alabama boating licenses are not required for boat rentals. Life vests and other safety equipment is provided with all rentals. Gas refill is required upon return. Holiday weekends require an 8-hour minimum reservation for all motorized boats.
The registration number must be at least 3 inches high and in block letters of a color that contrasts with the color of the boat. The numbers must be read from left to right (on both sides). The letters of the registration number must be separated from the numbers by a hyphen or by an equivalent space.
Statewide licensing of boat operators began in all Alabama counties July 17, 1997 under the Boating Safety Reform Act. You must be at least 12 years of age to operate a motorized vessel on Alabama's waterways. You also must be licensed.
Rental Boat Education Law On or after July 1, 2014, a person 16 years of age or older may rent or lease any vessel ten horsepower or more if such person has completed a boating education course approved by the department.