Do Jet Skis Need Montana Registration?
Yes. Montana FWP says all personal watercraft must be registered and numbered. PWC are also included in Montana permanent registration.
For most PWC under 16 feet, FWP lists a one-time permanent registration fee of $65.50. For PWC 16 feet or longer, FWP lists $125.50. The current Certificate of Ownership title fee is $10.
Montana boats are no longer required to have validation decals on the vessel, but the certificate of number must be carried on board and available for inspection.
Youth Operator Rules
FWP lists the same age rule for motorboats and personal watercraft powered by more than 10 horsepower.
| Operator | Montana rule for more than 10 hp |
|---|---|
| 12 or younger | May not operate unless accompanied by someone 18 or older. |
| 13 or 14 | Needs a Montana motorboat operator safety certificate, evidence of an approved/NASBLA course, or adult accompaniment. |
| 15 or older | FWP page does not list a separate boater education requirement for this age group. |
Because modern PWC are normally over 10 horsepower, these youth rules usually apply to Jet Skis, WaveRunners, and similar machines.
Nonresident PWC Requirements
A PWC properly registered in another state or country may operate in Montana for up to 90 consecutive days. That registration allowance does not waive Montana AIS rules.
Nonresident motorized watercraft, including PWC, must purchase a $30 Vessel AIS Prevention Pass before launching in Montana. FWP says proof can be electronic or paper, no decal is issued, the pass expires December 31, and it is not transferable between vessels.
For a complete visitor workflow, see our Montana nonresident boating guide.
Inspection and Clean, Drain, Dry
FWP says all watercraft entering Montana are required to be inspected for aquatic invasive species before launching. Watercraft transported in Montana must also stop at all open watercraft inspection stations encountered.
Before moving between waters, clean visible plants and mud, drain water, and dry the PWC and trailer. Inspection documentation from Idaho, Wyoming, or Alberta may satisfy Montana's before-launch inspection requirement when no Montana station was encountered, but you still must stop at any open Montana inspection station.
Safety Rules to Check Before Riding
FWP points PWC operators to the current Montana Boating Regulations for life jacket rules, water body restrictions, noise limits, rules of the road, and enforcement details.
Before riding, confirm the current rulebook, local waterbody restrictions, no-wake areas, and any access-site postings. This is especially important on smaller lakes and waters with seasonal restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a jet ski in Montana?
How old do you have to be to operate a PWC in Montana?
Do nonresident jet skis need a Montana AIS pass?
Can an out-of-state registered PWC operate in Montana?
Are Montana boat validation decals required for PWC?
Sources
- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks — Boating Rules and Regulations (https://fwp.mt.gov/activities/boating/rules-regulations)
- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks — Boating Education (https://fwp.mt.gov/activities/boating/education)
- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks — Bringing Watercraft Into Montana (https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/aquatic-invasive-species/out-of-state-watercraft)
This information is provided for reference purposes only. While we strive to keep data accurate and up-to-date, registration requirements, fees, and regulations may change without notice. Always contact your state's official registration agency for the most current and authoritative information before making any decisions.