2004 Minnesota Code
Chapters 85 - 87 Recreation
Chapter 86B Water Safety, Watercraft, and Watercraft Titling
Section 86B.301 Watercraft licenses required.

86B.301 Watercraft licenses required.

Subdivision 1. Requirement. Except as provided in subdivisions 2 and 3, a person may not operate or give permission for the operation of a watercraft that requires a watercraft license on the waters of this state unless:

(1) a watercraft license for the watercraft has been issued and is valid during the period of operation;

(2) the license number is affixed to the watercraft as prescribed by the commissioner; and

(3) a valid registration sticker is affixed to the watercraft as prescribed by the commissioner.

Subd. 2. Exemptions. A watercraft license is not required for:

(1) a watercraft that is covered by a license or number in full force and effect under federal law or a federally approved licensing or numbering system of another state, and has not been within this state for more than 90 consecutive days, which does not include days that a watercraft is laid up at dock over winter or for repairs at a Lake Superior port or another port in the state;

(2) a watercraft from a country other than the United States that has not been within this state for more than 90 consecutive days, which does not include days that a watercraft is laid up at dock over winter or for repairs at a Lake Superior port or another port in the state;

(3) a watercraft owned by the United States, a state, or a political subdivision of a state, except watercraft used for recreational purposes;

(4) a ship's lifeboat;

(5) a watercraft that has been issued a valid marine document by the United States government;

(6) a duck boat during duck hunting season;

(7) a rice boat during the harvest season;

(8) a seaplane; and

(9) a nonmotorized watercraft nine feet in length or less.

Subd. 3. Temporary certificate. A person may operate a watercraft and allow another person to operate a watercraft for which a temporary license certificate has been issued during the period the certificate is valid.

HIST: 1990 c 391 art 9 s 12