Enjoying Minnesota’s lakes and rivers by paddle or motorboat is a
wonderful privilege. That privilege comes with serious responsibilities.
Fun boating is safe boating, so please read this guide thoroughly and
contact the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with any questions
you may have. Here is a LINK to the Minnesota Boating Guide
This book summarizes Minnesota’s boating laws and regulations. It does not
present the actual laws and regulations. Laws and regulations are subject to
change by the Legislature and through public hearings.
Please pay special attention to the laws and regulations for:
- Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) protocols on pages 20-22,
- AIS permits on page 40
- The requirement to always wear a life jacket while paddling on page 37
Boaters may also be subject to federal and local rules and restrictions.
For boating information and more information regarding state laws and
regulations, contact the DNR Information Center.
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155‑4040
651‑296‑6157
888‑646‑6367
Email: info.dnr@state.mn.us
mndnr.gov/boatingsafety
For watercraft registration and titling questions: mndnr.gov/licenses
651‑296‑2316
