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How to Catch Fish How to Tie Fishing Knots Fishing Gear and Tackle How to Fish with Lures How to Fish with Live Bait Fishing Safety Fishing Tips When to Fish Types of Fishing Fishing Terms Fishing and Conservation Fishing Resources View All

When to Saltwater Fish Saltwater Bait and Lures Saltwater Fishing Tackle Types of Saltwater Fishing Saltwater Fishing Gear Saltwater Fish Species Saltwater Fishing FAQ View All

Best Freshwater Fishing When to Freshwater Fish Freshwater Bait and Lures Learn About Freshwater Fish Species Best Freshwater Fishing Gear Freshwater Fishing FAQ View All

Fly Fishing Basics Fly Fishing Flies Fly Fishing Gear Fly Casting View All

Ice Fishing Basics Ice Fishing Gear Ice Fishing Techniques View All

Boating Basics How to Boat Boating and Water Safety Choose Your Boat Use our Boat Explorer Tool Get on the Water View All

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Get A Fishing License

Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.

Register a Boat in Montana

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.

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.

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 & REGULATIONS

RESPONSIBLE 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 EQUIPMENT

MT BOATING RESOURCES/INFO

Additional resources and information can be found directly on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks site.

BOATING EDUCATION