Optimal Tag Placement On Your Montana Guide Boat

Montana is known for its beautiful boating opportunities, from the crystal-clear waters of Flathead Lake to the mighty Missouri River. If you own a boat in Montana, you are required by law to register it with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). Once you have gathered the necessary documentation and completed the application, you will receive your registration numbers and decals within 6 weeks. The registration number must be displayed on both sides of the outboard of the bow (forward half) of the vessel, with the number reading from left to right and in block letters that contrast the hull colour. The decals should be displayed one per side, in line with the registration numbers.

Montana boat registration requirements

In Montana, all motorboats, personal watercraft, motorized pontoons, and sailboats that are 12 feet or longer must be permanently registered. This is done through the County Treasurer's Office. The fees for registering a boat in Montana are as follows:

• Certificate of Ownership (title): $10
• Motorboats, Personal Watercraft, and Motorized Pontoons less than 16 feet in length, and Sailboats at least 12 feet in length but less than 16 feet in length: $65.50
• Motorboats, Motorized Pontoons and Sailboats at least 16 feet in length but under 19 feet in length, and Personal Watercraft 16 feet in length or longer: $125.50
• Motorboats, Motorized Pontoons and Sailboats 19 feet in length and longer: $295.50

To register your boat in Montana, you will need to gather the following documentation:

• A valid government-issued photo ID
• Proof of ownership, such as a certificate of title or bill of sale
• Payment for the registration fee
• If you purchased your boat from a dealer, they may provide you with the necessary paperwork for registration. If you bought your boat from a private seller, you'll need to ensure that they provide you with the necessary documentation, including the title signed over to you as well as a completed bill of sale.
• A completed Application for Vessel Certificate of Title, available from the MVD website.

Once you have all of your documentation in order and have completed the Application for Vessel Certificate of Title, make an appointment to visit your county treasurer’s office. There, you will submit the application form in person and pay any necessary registration fees.

After submitting your application and paying the necessary fees, you will receive your registration numbers and decals within 6 weeks. Display the registration number on the front half of the hull on both sides, in block lettering that contrasts the hull color at least 3 inches tall. The decals should also be displayed, one per side, in line with the registration numbers and 3 inches behind.

Your boat registration in Montana is valid for three years from the date of registration. You'll need to renew your registration before it expires to avoid any penalties or fines. Roughly three months prior to your registration expiring, you will receive an application or notice to renew in the mail from the MVD.

Where to display the registration number

Once you have registered your boat in Montana, you will receive your registration number and decals within 6 weeks. The registration number must be displayed on the front half of the hull on both sides of the boat, in block capitals that are at least 3 inches tall and in a colour that contrasts with the hull. The number should be displayed as high above the waterline as possible and read from left to right. The decals should be displayed one per side, in line with the registration number and 3 inches behind.

The permanent registration decal must be placed on the left (port) side of the vessel, 3 inches aft (rearward) and directly in line with the vessel number. The two validation decals must be placed securely on each side of the vessel, with the left (port) side validation decal attached immediately aft (rearward) of the registration decal, and the right (starboard) side validation decal attached immediately aft (rearward) of the vessel number.

Where to display the registration decal

Once you have registered your boat in Montana, you will receive your registration numbers and decals within 6 weeks. The decals should be displayed one per side, in line with the registration numbers and 3 inches behind.

The permanent registration decal must be securely attached to the left (port) side of the vessel. The decal must be spaced three inches aft (rearward) and directly in line with the vessel number displayed on the left side of the vessel.

The two validation decals must be securely attached, one to each side of the vessel. On the left (port) side, the validation decal must be attached immediately aft (rearward) of the registration decal. On the right (starboard) side, the validation decal must be attached immediately aft (rearward) of the vessel number.

How to register your boat in Montana

Montana is known for its beautiful boating opportunities, from the crystal-clear waters of Flathead Lake to the mighty Missouri River. If you own a boat in Montana, you are required by law to register it with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). Here is a step-by-step guide on how to register your boat in Montana:

Step 1: Gather Your Documentation

Before registering your boat, you will need to gather the necessary documents. This includes a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of ownership such as a certificate of title or bill of sale, and payment for the registration fee. If you purchased your boat from a dealer, they may provide the necessary paperwork. If you bought it from a private seller, ensure they provide you with the title signed over to you and a completed bill of sale. You will also need to fill out an Application for Vessel Certificate of Title, which can be found on the MVD website.

Step 2: Submit the Application

Once you have all your documentation ready, make an appointment and visit your county treasurer's office. Here, you will submit the application form in person and pay any necessary registration fees, which vary depending on the length of your boat.

Step 3: Display the Registration Decals and Number

After submitting your application and paying the fees, you will receive your registration number and decals within six weeks. Display the registration number on the front half of the hull on both sides, using block lettering that contrasts with the hull colour and is at least 3 inches tall. The decals should also be displayed, one per side, in line with the registration number and 3 inches behind.

Step 4: Renew Your Registration

Boat registration in Montana is valid for three years from the date of registration. Remember to renew your registration before it expires to avoid any penalties or fines. Approximately three months before your registration expires, you will receive a notice to renew by mail from the MVD.

By following these steps, you can legally enjoy Montana's waterways with your registered boat.

What to do after registering your boat

Once you've registered your boat, there are a few more steps to take to ensure you're complying with the law and that your boat is safe to take out on the water. Here's what to do after registering your boat:

Display Your Registration Number and Decals

After registering your boat, you'll receive a registration number and decals. The registration number must be displayed on both sides of the bow (forward half) of the vessel, with the number reading from left to right. The number should be in block letters that are at least 3 inches high, and the colour should contrast sharply with the colour of the boat. The decals should also be displayed on each side of the vessel, in line with the registration number and about 3 inches behind.

Renew Your Registration

Boat registrations are only valid for a certain period, usually one to three years. Keep track of your registration's expiration date and renew it before it expires to avoid any penalties or fines. You should receive a renewal form and bill by mail a few months before your registration expires.

Register Your Boat Trailer

In most cases, boat trailers need to be registered separately from the boat. Check with your local department of motor vehicles or equivalent to find out the specific requirements for registering a boat trailer.

Familiarise Yourself with Boating Laws and Regulations

Each state has its own set of boating laws and regulations designed to keep everyone safe on the water. Make sure you're familiar with the laws in your state before taking your boat out, including speed limits, life jacket requirements, and any restrictions on alcohol consumption.

Get the Necessary Safety Equipment

In addition to registering your boat, you'll also need to make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment on board. This may include life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, a sound-producing device, and a first aid kit. The specific requirements can vary by state, so be sure to check the local regulations.

Frequently asked questions