Register a Boat in Montana

MONTANA BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

While you are not required to have a Montana boat license, keep in mind that a boater education card or operator’s certificate may be required. As a recreational boat operator, you are responsible for knowing all of the boating laws and regulations that apply. In addition to state boating laws, there may also be local and federal regulations in effect.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION

Once you have purchased a new boat, you will need to acquire a certificate of ownership, your MT boat registration paperwork and pay registration fees. Boat registration fees help fund important initiatives such as the maintenance of marinas and waterway clean-up efforts.

MONTANA BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

• Vessels 12 feet long and longer and all motorboats and personal watercraft must be registered and numbered in the State.
• Boats that are properly registered in another state or country may operate in Montana for up to 90 consecutive days.
• All motorboats, personal watercraft and sailboats 12 in length and longer must be permanently registered in Montana.