Illinois Boating Laws
Illinois requires watercraft (other than non-powered) to be registered and numbered. Operators born on or after 1/1/1998 need a Boating Safety Certificate for motorboats over 10 hp. From January 1, 2027, liability insurance becomes mandatory for motorboats over 50 horsepower, motorboats longer than 21 feet, and personal watercraft (P.A. 104-0651) - it is not required yet.
Illinois requires every watercraft other than non-powered watercraft to be numbered (registered) before it is operated, used or stored on Illinois waters (625 ILCS 45/3-1). A person born on or after 1 January 1998 may not operate a motorboat of more than 10 horsepower without a valid Boating Safety Certificate issued or recognised by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (625 ILCS 45/5-18), subject to the exemptions in that section.
Coming 1 January 2027: Public Act 104-0651 adds 625 ILCS 45/5-24, which will make it unlawful to operate - or allow the operation of - a motorboat of more than 50 horsepower, a motorboat over 21 feet long, or a personal watercraft unless it is covered by a liability insurance policy issued by an insurer licensed in Illinois, in amounts no less than the minimums set under Section 7-203 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Proof of insurance must be carried and produced to a law enforcement officer on request. This requirement is not in force yet.