Free Motorboat Validation Decals Required

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Ooops! Boating registration law has changed again. Montana boaters will need to have two new decals on their motorboats, sailboats or personal watercraft before launching them next year. Boaters may obtain the two new free decals at FWP regional and area offices, or by going to the FWP website at Boat Validation Decals.

The permanent water vessel registration law that went into effect in 2003 did not comply with a federal statute that limits the length of registration period to three years. Montana must comply to continue to receive federal dollars used for boat enforcement and safety education. Also, those who boated outside of Montana would after three years be in violation of federal statute and the statutes of other states.

To keep Montana boaters square with federal boating laws, a new 2005 state law requires Montana owners of motorboats, sailboats or personal watercraft to display the following on their water craft:   * a permanent registration decal, and * two new, free validation decals that expire every three years. "Boaters need to have all three decals properly displayed on their boats before putting them in the water next year," said Ron Jendro, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks state boating law administrator.

Boaters who have already permanently registered their boats may obtain the two new free decals at FWP regional and area offices, or by going to the FWP website at Boat Validation Decals.

Be sure to bring your current registration receipt issued by the County Treasurer, or have the information available when using the website to obtain the free decals. Validation decals ordered over the FWP website will be delivered by mail. New boat owners, or boats that have changed ownership, must also register their vessels prior to putting the boat in the water. Boaters will be able to pick up the two free validation decals when they get the permanent registration decal at their county treasurer’s office.

For more information, go to the FWP’s Montana Boating Laws, or contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, by phone:   406-444-2452 or by email to: rjendro@mt.gov.