LAKE MINNETONKA Conservation District
Lake Minnetonka WEATHER

Rental Watercraft License Requirements

On August 28th, 2024 the LMCD Board passed a ordinance adoption new Rental Watercraft Licensing requirements that went into effect on January 1st, 2025.

This ordinance requires all watercrafts, both restricted and non-restricted, that are rented on Lake Minnetonka to be inspected by Hennepin County Water Patrol and restricted watercraft to obtain a license through the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD). It also requires that prior to renting watercrafts, watercraft owners need to obtain the official LMCD Rental Watercraft Sticker that will be given out alongside Hennepin County Water Patrol’s sticker upon completion of inspection.

Included below are links to: Resolution 271 Summarizing Rental Watercraft Code Requirements, Chapter 4 of LMCD Code pertaining to Rental Watercraft, LMCD’s Official Rental Watercraft License Application Form, LMCD’s Rental Watercraft Inspection Permission Form, Hennepin County Water Patrol’s Inspection Checklist, and State Mandated Watercraft Operator’s Permit Requirements for Renters.

Please note: There is an amendment to the LMCD Rental Watercraft Code which is not reflected. Below is the updated code change.

  • 7-4.03 Renewals. A renewal license is required for each year of operation and must be obtained each year from the LMCD and an inspection of the watercraft must be performed by HCWP.

Other additional information of note includes:

  • You may write one check for all applications. Although, the LMCD requires that an application be filled for each individual watercraft.
  • You may fill out one Rental Watercraft Inspection Permission form for all applications. This form is to be present to HCWP prior to watercraft inspections.
  • HCWP will be the responsible for providing and placing stickers upon watercrafts.
  • You are required to get a Rental Watercraft License and Inspection from LMCD and HCWP prior to any renting of watercrafts. This License will expires at the end of each year.
  • You will need to obtain a Lake Service Provider Permit from the MN DNR prior to inspection as per HCWP rental watercraft inspection requirements.
  • Commercial liability insurance is required for Rental Watercraft.
  • The fee is $25.00 per watercraft.
  • According to Minnesota state law all customers renting watercraft from your business MUST be 18 years of age or older and have ONE of the following:
    • A Minnesota Watercraft Operator’s Permit
    • A Minnesota Watercraft Rental Course certificate (valid for 180 days, approx. 30 min. to complete)
    • Qualify as an exempt operator

Any further questions can be directed to LMCD Staff at 952-745-0789 or via email at lmcd@lmcd.org.