Boating License Requirements in Montana
Montana requires boater education on a partial, age-dependent basis. Young operators between 13 and 14 years old who wish to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft with more than 10 horsepower must complete a Montana Motorboat Operator's Safety Certificate, which is NASBLA-approved. Operators aged 15 and older are not required to complete this certification, nor are younger operators when directly accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older. Children 12 and under may only operate such vessels with an adult 18 or older aboard.
Montana recognizes boater education credentials from other states. The specific requirements and regulations governing boating in Montana are subject to change and may vary by jurisdiction or vessel type. Prospective operators should confirm current rules and regulations directly with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before operating any motorboat or personal watercraft.
| Detail | As the state publishes it |
|---|---|
| Education card required? | Required for some operators |
| Who needs it | none (age-based): ages 13-14 operating a motorboat/PWC over 10 hp unattended; not required for 15+ or when accompanied by someone 18+ |
| Minimum operating age | 13 (motorboat/PWC over 10 hp) if certified or accompanied by an 18+ adult; 12 and under only with an 18+ adult aboard |
| Accepted credential | Montana Motorboat Operator's Safety Certificate (NASBLA-approved course) |
| Reciprocity (other states' cards) | yes |
| Rental / livery rule | Verify on the official state agency page |
| Fees | free (USCG Auxiliary/FWP home-study and BoatUS course free; commercial online ~$40-55) |
| Administering agency | Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) |
Confirm before you operate. This is informational only, not legal advice. The official state boating-law agency page is the authoritative source for who needs a card and how to get it.
What a boater-education card proves
A boater-education card shows you’ve passed a NASBLA-approved safety course covering navigation rules, required equipment and emergencies — it is not a driver’s-license-style test of skill. Most states accept an approved card from any state, but who must carry one, and from what age, is set state by state. Check the rule below, then confirm it on the official state agency page before you head out.
Full requirements for Montana → · Course & fees → · How to get licensed →
Compiled from the official state source, cross-referenced against NASBLA, and verified June 2026. Always confirm the current rule on the official Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) page before you rely on it — boating law changes and some states are mid-rollout. How we compile this. Informational only, not legal advice.