Our boat
registration summary contains a quick overview of boat titling, registration, loan
perfection, and operational requirements for the State of Montana. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and a complete
listing of resources are obtainable by downloading a
Boat Registration Kit
for this state.
You will also find an extensive listing of generic state level boat registration,
boat trailer, and general purpose forms on our Forms Page .
Please visit our
State Page for additional
articles and information regarding state level boat registration, titling,
and operational requirements.
The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
State numbering.
The
boat registration number prefix for this state is "MT".
Title certificate.
Title
certificates are issued on all registered boats.
Registration certificate.
Sailboats 12 feet long and longer and all motorboats and
personal watercraft must be registered and numbered.
Non-motorized sailboats less than 12 feet long and manually
propelled boats, regardless of length, are exempt from
registration and taxation. Also exempt are a vessel's lifeboat,
government- owned boats, and Coast Guard documented boats.
Sales &
use tax.
Annual
registration fee charged in lieu of sales or use tax.
Loan perfection.
Non-documented vessels - security interest shown on state title
records.
Coast Guard documented vessels - Preferred vessel mortgage.
Registration agency.
Title and
Registration Bureau. Boats are registered and titled in the same
manner and at the same locations as motor vehicles.
Boat record search.
Boat records
are maintained indefinitely. The title and registration bureau
will verify information at hand by telephone. Written reports
must be obtained through a public record vendor.
Ownership designations.
No
designations.
Residency requirements.
Titles are
only available to state residents. Registrations are available
if Montana is the place of principal operation for the boat.
Bonded
titling or registration.
Bonded titles and registrations are available for boats.
Electronic
titles.
Not
applicable.
Hull number inspection.
Required if
there is a discrepancy.
Outboard motors.
Not titled or
registered.
Notary
public.
An embossed
or inked stamp is required on all notarizations.
Dealer and Broker licensing.
Dealers and
brokers are licensed and must provide a $5,000 surety bond.
Visitation period.
90 days.
Please send us a
message before
leaving this site to share your thoughts regarding the utility of our
web site.
Your comments are important because they provide us with direction in
fulfilling your expectations.
It is our mission to provide the absolute best in professional maritime
services and we are constantly striving
to improve our awareness of your vessel documentation, vessel titling,
and vessel transaction needs.
Our web site is best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Click here to
download the latest free version.
