How to Get a Boating License in Montana
Individuals in Montana should first determine whether they fall within the population that requires boater education. The Montana Motorboat Operator's Safety Certificate is required for operators aged 13 to 14 who are operating a motorboat or personal watercraft with more than 10 horsepower without adult supervision. Those age 15 and older, or those accompanied by a supervisor age 18 or older, are not subject to this requirement.
To obtain the certificate, eligible individuals must complete a NASBLA-approved boater safety course and pass the associated test. The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) agency administers this requirement. Once an individual passes the course exam, they receive the Montana Motorboat Operator's Safety Certificate, which must be carried while operating a vessel.
Current details about approved course providers and any updates to state requirements should be confirmed directly through the official Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website or agency materials to ensure compliance with existing regulations.
- Confirm whether you're in the population this state covers (cutoff / age band).
- Take the accepted course: Montana Motorboat Operator's Safety Certificate (NASBLA-approved course).
- Pass the test and receive your card or certificate.
- Carry it aboard whenever you operate, and confirm the current rule on the official state page.
Carry the card every time you operate
Once you’ve earned the card, keep it aboard whenever you operate — many states require you to show it on request, and a card from one state is usually honored in another. If you’ll boat across state lines, check each state’s rule, since the covered ages and accepted credentials differ. Always confirm the current requirement on the official state agency page.
Course & fees for Montana → · Full requirements →
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.