How Long Will It Take to Get My Captain’s License?

Timeframe from Course Enrollment to License Issuance

How long does it take to get my captain’s license? 

The time it takes to earn your captain’s license can vary based on your boating experience, how quickly you complete your coursework, and how long it takes to gather required documents, pass your physical and drug test, and submit your application.

Most students complete the full process within a few months, while others may take up to a year or longer, depending on their schedule and experience.

Here’s a clear breakdown of each step:

1. Online Course Completion

• Once you activate your course, you have one full year to complete the program.

• After you finish the course, you must pass the final proctored exam, which you can take online at your convenience.

2. Submitting Your Application

• After passing your exam, you have one year to submit your course certificate and full application package to the U.S. Coast Guard.

3. Coast Guard Processing

• Once submitted, the Coast Guard typically takes 4 - 6 weeks, and sometimes up to 90 days, to review and issue your official credential.

• You cannot work professionally until you have your license in hand.

How long is the captain’s license good for?  

You must renew your captain's license every 5 years.

To renew, you must show:

• 360 days of sea time earned within the past 5 years

OR

• Complete our Deck License Renewal course if you do not meet the sea time requirement

 as a part of your application packet to the Coast Guard. 

Grace Period After Expiration

• If your license expires, you have a grace period during which you can still renew.

• During this period, you cannot legally operate under the expired license.

• If you go beyond the grace period, you may be required to start over and complete the full licensing process again.