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Australia · Boat licence

Boat licence renewal, replacement and checks

You only face a boat licence renewal in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. Queensland’s marine licence and WA’s Recreational Skipper’s Ticket are valid for life, though you can still replace a lost card. In NSW, leave it more than 5 years after expiry and you go through the whole licence process again.

  • 6 weeksNSW renewal notice before expiry
  • 5 yearsNSW limit before you start again
  • 30 June 2027Tasmania’s common expiry date
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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

How does boat licence renewal work in NSW?

Transport for NSW sends a renewal notice 6 weeks before your licence expires, but renewing on time is up to you. You can renew in person up to 3 months early, for another 1, 3, 5 or 10 years.

  • General boat licence: online, by phone or at a service centre, with your renewal notice and the fee.
  • PWC licence: in person at a service centre, with the notice, the fee, a completed PWC licence application and 2 passport-acceptable photos.
  • Combined driver and boat licence: both are renewed together at a service centre.

If you don’t renew within 5 years of the expiry date, you redo the training and the tests.

NSW licence fees →Getting a NSW licence from scratch →

Victoria and Tasmania

Victoria issues marine licences for 12 months or 5 years, and VicRoads administers them.

Every Tasmanian motor boat licence runs to the same date, 30 June 2027, and MAST sends a renewal notice before June 2027. You can check or renew through myServiceTas. If your Tasmanian licence expired more than 12 months but less than 6 years ago, you can apply with the Application for Mutual Recognition of a Motor Boat Licence form. Between 6 and 9 years, email MAST with your recent boating experience, and you may need an oral exam. After 9 years you do a course with an accredited provider again.

Queensland and WA: no renewal

A Queensland marine licence doesn’t need renewing. If you have a Queensland driver licence, your marine licence is printed on the back of the card. A WA RST also lasts for life, with no recurring fees.

How do I check or replace my boat licence?

Each state handles it differently:

  • NSW: replace a general boat licence card at a service centre or by phone. A PWC card is replaced in person, with a new PWC application and 2 photos. Tell Transport for NSW about a change of name or address within 14 days.
  • Queensland: apply online for a marine licence verification, or get a replacement in person at a transport and motoring customer service centre or QGAP office. Both have a fee.
  • WA: order a replacement RST card on DoTDirect and pay online. Report a change of details within 21 days.
  • Tasmania: use MAST’s online licence check, or myServiceTas if you’ve linked your boating services. A duplicate licence costs $5.
Sources: Transport for NSW · Safe Transport Victoria · MAST and 6 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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