Paddlecraft permit checker
Pick your state, boat and motor. The answer comes from the official state sources on our state rules pages and federal law.
Choose a state to see the rules.
Sources: each state's official agency or statute pages (linked on its rules page) · 46 U.S.C. 12301 (motorized vessels must be numbered) · USCG Boating FAQ. A guide, not legal advice.
More paddling tools
Plan today
Today's conditionsFlow, wind, water temperature and alerts for your boatLaunch site finderPublic launches from state open dataMy riversYour saved rivers, kept on this device
Rules
- State paddling rules Registration, permits and life jackets, from official sources
Kayak and gear
- Kayak fit and finder Load calculator and models that fit you
- Gear check Check your saved gear against your rivers
- My gear Your kayak, paddle, life jacket and safety items, saved on this device
- Gear checklist What the rules require you to carry
- Paddle length Size from your height and boat width
- Float time How long a stretch might take (an estimate)
Learn
- Cold water and life jackets Cold shock, hypothermia and life jacket labels
- Paddling guides River hazards, cold water and more explainers