Which Boats Require Registration?

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In Montana, a boat owner must have the title (Certificate of Ownership), the boat registration (Certificate of Number), and proper decals to legally operate on Montana's waters. Exceptions to registration requirements are:

• Non-motorized sailboats less than 12 feet long and all manually propelled vessels
• Vessels registered in other states using Montana waters for 90 consecutive days or less
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)