Montana Nonresident Boating: 90-Day Rule, AIS Pass & Inspections (2026)

The 90-Day Montana Registration Rule

FWP says boats properly registered in another state or country may operate in Montana for up to 90 consecutive days without Montana registration.

The exemption depends on valid outside registration. If the home-state registration is expired, do not rely on the Montana visitor allowance.

If the boat will stay in Montana beyond that temporary period, use the County Treasurer title and registration process described in our Montana boat title transfer guide.

Vessel AIS Prevention Pass

Nonresident watercraft launching in Montana must purchase a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass before launch.

FWP says proof of purchase can be electronic or paper, no decal is issued, the pass expires December 31, and it is not transferable between vessels.

Inspection Before Launch

FWP says all watercraft entering Montana are required to be inspected for aquatic invasive species before launching on Montana waters.

All watercraft being transported in Montana must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations encountered. This applies to motorized and nonmotorized watercraft.

Inspection documentation from Idaho, Wyoming, or Alberta may satisfy Montana's before-launch inspection requirement when no Montana station was encountered, but boaters must carry proof and still stop at all open Montana inspection stations.

Ballast and High-Risk Boats

FWP AIS rules call out boats with ballast tanks or bladders, such as wakeboard or wakesurfing boats. If those boats intend to launch in Montana waters, they must obtain decontamination before launching.

Plan extra time if the boat is coming from out of state, crossing the Continental Divide into the Columbia River Basin, or heading to waters with added AIS scrutiny.

Boater Education for Visitors

FWP says youths 13 and 14 may operate a motorboat or personal watercraft powered by more than 10 horsepower only if they have a valid Montana motorboat operator safety certificate, evidence of completing another state or organization NASBLA-approved course, or are accompanied by someone 18 or older.

Children 12 or younger may not operate a motorboat or personal watercraft over 10 horsepower unless accompanied by someone 18 or older.

For PWC-specific registration and youth rules, see our Montana PWC laws guide.

When Montana Registration Becomes Simpler

If the boat will be kept in Montana, used beyond the 90 consecutive day temporary allowance, or purchased for Montana use, completing Montana registration can be cleaner than trying to track visitor status.

Montana permanent registration is a one-time fee, and Montana does not charge state general sales tax. Current title and registration fees are summarized in our Montana title transfer guide.