Quick answer
In Montana, registration is required for: All motorboats, personal watercraft, and sailboats 12 feet or longer used on Montana waters. Registration is handled by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), is valid for Permanent (one-time fee; no validation decals required starting 2025), and costs $65.50 to $295.50 before any purchase tax or local add-ons.
Official source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) · Last checked in site data: June 23, 2026 · All official state agencies
Montana Registration Guides
Use these Montana-specific guides for renewal, title, tax, non-resident, vessel-type, and paperwork questions that need more detail than the state overview.
- Montana Boat Title Transfer: MV1A Form, Fees & Step-by-Step Process (2026)
- Montana Boat Sales Tax: Why MT Charges $0 & What Buyers Should Know (2026)
- Montana Non-Resident Boating: AIS Pass, 90-Day Rules & Inspection Guide (2026)
- How to Register a Boat Without a Title in Montana: 5 Legal Pathways (2026)
- Montana Kayak & Canoe Registration Rules: AIS Pass, Motor Rules & What's Exempt (2026)
- Montana Jet Ski & PWC Laws: Age Limits, Registration & Safety Rules (2026)
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Montana, registration is required for: All motorboats, personal watercraft, and sailboats 12 feet or longer used on Montana waters. There are 3 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All motorboats, personal watercraft, and sailboats 12 feet or longer used on Montana waters
Exempt from registration:
- Manually propelled boats (canoes, kayaks, rowboats)
- Non-motorized sailboats under 12 feet
- Non-residents with valid home-state registration for up to 90 consecutive days
Registration Fees & Costs
Montana boat registration fees range from $65.50 to $295.50 depending on vessel length and type. The state applies a 0% sales tax, and title fees are $12.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| < 16 ft (motorboat/PWC/motorized pontoon; one-time) | $65.50 | $65.50 |
| 16–18 ft (motorboat/pontoon/sailboat; one-time) | $125.50 | $125.50 |
| 19+ ft (motorboat/pontoon/sailboat; one-time) | $295.50 | $295.50 |
Sales Tax Rate: 0%
Title Fee: $12.00
How to Register Your Boat in Montana
To register a boat in Montana, you must apply within Before operating on public waters of purchase through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). Online registration is available. Registration is valid for Permanent (one-time fee; no validation decals required starting 2025).
Registration can be completed:
- Online: Through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) portal
- In Person: At your local Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) office
- By Mail: Download forms from the official website
Required Documents
- Completed registration application form
- Bill of Sale or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO)
- Valid photo identification
- Proof of sales tax payment
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) verification
Montana Boat Title & Title Transfer
Montana requires a boat title for most motorboats, personal watercraft, and sailboats 12 feet or longer. The title application fee is $12.00, and transfers cost $12.00.
Title required: Yes — Most motorboats, personal watercraft, and sailboats 12 feet or longer
Title application fee: $12.00
Title transfer fee: $12.00
Required Documents for Title Transfer
- MV1A Application for Vessel Certificate of Title
- Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new vessels)
- Previous title (used vessels)
- Bill of Sale
- Valid photo ID
For state-specific paperwork, see Montana Boat Title Transfer: MV1A Form, Fees & Step-by-Step Process (2026). For the national process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Montana
If you are selling a boat in Montana, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). If you are buying, do not rely on the seller's word alone: match the Hull Identification Number (HIN) on the paperwork to the boat and confirm whether liens or title defects exist before paying.
| Transfer item | What to prepare in MT |
|---|---|
| Seller | Signed bill of sale, current registration, and release of interest. Sign the existing title exactly as the owner name appears. |
| Buyer | Photo ID, application, payment for registration fees, tax if due, and proof of ownership. Verify the HIN before filing. |
| Title | Required for most motorboats, personal watercraft, and sailboats 12 feet or longer; title transfer fee is $12.00. |
| Tax | 0% sales or use tax may apply. |
For buyer and seller paperwork, use the boat bill of sale template, check how to look for liens, and compare boat title transfer fees by state.
Montana Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: Permanent (one-time fee; no validation decals required starting 2025)
Montana boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Online renewal or online registration services are listed as available in current MT state data. Renew before the expiration date to avoid operating with expired registration.
For more details, see our Boat Registration Renewal Guide.
Boater Safety Education Requirements
Montana requires a boater safety course. Operators aged 13-14 of motorboats or PWC with motors greater than 10 HP must complete an approved course (or be accompanied by an adult 18+). The minimum age to operate a vessel is 13.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Operators aged 13-14 of motorboats or PWC with motors greater than 10 HP must complete an approved course (or be accompanied by an adult 18+)
Accepted courses: Montana FWP courses, NASBLA-approved online providers
Course cost: Varies by provider
Minimum age to operate: 13 years old
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: MT 1234 AB
Minimum font height: 3 inches minimum
Font style: Block letters, contrasting color to hull
Placement: Both sides of bow, forward half
Sticker placement: Within 6 inches of registration number
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How Montana Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $65.50 | Permanent (one-time fee; no validation decals required starting 2025) | Yes | 0% |
| Idaho | $41.50 | 1 year (expires December 31) | Yes | 6% |
| North Dakota | $45.00 | 3 years (2026-2028 cycle) | No | 5% |
| South Dakota | $18.00 | 1 year | Yes | 4.5% |
| Wyoming | $40.00 | 1 year or 3 years | Yes | 4% |
Montana Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Montana?
Do I need a title for my boat in Montana?
Is boater education required in Montana?
What is the AIS Prevention Pass?
Can non-residents operate boats in Montana?
Does Montana have sales tax on boats?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Montana? Visit the official Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) website or use our tools to estimate costs.
Related Resources
This information is provided for reference purposes only. While we strive to keep data accurate and verified for 2026, registration requirements and fees may change. Contact the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) at 406-444-2535 for the most current information.