During the 2025 Legislative Session, House Bill 2982 was passed, requiring the Oregon State Marine Board to require all operators of non-motorized boats to carry a Waterway Access Permit.
The law was expanded to boats under 10 feet and applies to stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, rafts, and their inflatable versions as on 2026.
All money raised will be put into a fund to prevent and control plants and animals that do not belong in the waters of this state.
Since 2020, operators of non-motorized boats 10′ and longer have been required to purchase and carry a Waterway Access Permit when using a boat on the water. Motorized boaters and non-residents have been required to pay into an aquatic invasive species prevention account for boat inspection stations at our border highways since 2010.
2026 marks the year when ALL boaters in the state will be supporting programs to protect our waterways and improve public non-motorized access into the future!
Permit sales for 2026 are available through the Boat Oregon Store.
