Overview
Titling is separate from registering, using Form MV1A rather than the vehicle MV1, and it costs $10.30 (the same 'other vehicles' rate as trailers), plus $8.24 if there's a lien to record. Fish, Wildlife & Parks sets Montana's boating rules of the water, but the county treasurer's office - the same office that titles your truck - handles the actual registration and title paperwork.
01 - Official fees
Montana boat registration fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 feet | $65.50 | one-time, permanent registration |
| 16 feet to 18 feet 11 inches | $125.50 | one-time, permanent registration |
| 19 feet and over | $295.50 | one-time, permanent registration |
| Vessel title (Form MV1A) | $10.30 | |
| Lien filing fee | $8.24 | per lien recorded |
| Validation decal renewal | $0.00 | every 3 years, free |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with your county treasurer's motor vehicle office (MT MVD) - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to register a boat in Montana
- 1
Confirm it needs registering: any motorized vessel, or any sailboat 12 feet or longer.
- 2
Complete Form MV1A, Application for Certificate of Title for a Vessel.
- 3
Bring the signed-over title or bill of sale to your county treasurer's office.
- 4
Pay the one-time length-based registration fee, the $10.30 title fee, and any lien fee.
- 5
Display your MT numbers and the permanent decal; renew the free validation decal every 3 years.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Montana vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Montana boat registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Montana?
A one-time fee based on length: $65.50 under 16 feet, $125.50 from 16 feet to 18'11", and $295.50 at 19 feet and up. Add the $10.30 title fee for a first-time registration. After that, it's permanent - no annual renewal fee.
Do kayaks and canoes need to be registered in Montana?
Not if unpowered. Add a motor (including a trolling motor) and registration becomes mandatory regardless of length; unpowered sailboats need registration at 12 feet and longer.
If registration is permanent, why do I get a renewal notice?
That's the validation decal, not the registration itself - it's reissued free every three years to confirm the boat is still owned and accounted for. There's no fee attached to that renewal.
Is a boat's registration the same office as my truck's?
Yes - your county treasurer's motor vehicle office handles both, using Form MV1A instead of MV1 for the title. Fish, Wildlife & Parks governs boating safety and waterway rules, not the registration paperwork.
Does my boat trailer register separately?
Yes - the trailer is a vehicle, titled and registered like any Montana trailer through the regular MV1 process, completely separate from the boat's own MV1A registration.
Is there sales tax on a boat purchase in Montana?
No - the same statewide 0% applies to boats as to cars. You'll only pay the one-time registration fee by length and the $10.30 title fee, regardless of purchase price.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.