Instead of a Montana boat license, the state requires a boater education card or operator's certificate for vessel operators that are under a certain age. If you want to buy a boat to get to the best fishing spots or to spend relaxing days on the water with your family, you can find details about how to get your MT boat registration or your certificate of number in this section.
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.
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.
MT BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS
Montana has its own set of boating rules to protect the waterways and keep everyone who uses them safe.
MT BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONSRESPONSIBLE BOATING STARTS WITH YOU
Learn how to take care of your crew and your boat, while also taking care of our valuable water resources.
BOATING AND WATER SAFETY BOATING SAFETY COURSES ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENTMT BOATING RESOURCES/INFO
Additional resources and information can be found directly on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks site.
BOATING EDUCATION REGISTER YOUR BOAT IN MONTANA