Boat Validation Decals Needed

 

Attention boaters: new boat validation decals are needed before you launch your boat this year.  

The red validation decal obtained for motorboats, sailboats, or personal watercraft   will expire on Feb. 29. The green boat validation decal needed before launching boats this spring is valid through Feb. 28, 2011.

To keep Montana boaters consistent with federal boating laws that changed in 2005, state law requires Montana owners of motorboats, sailboats, or personal watercraft to validate their registration every three years by displaying the following on their water craft:    

  (1) a permanent registration decal, and

  (2) two validation decals that expire every three years.

Boaters must have all three decals properly displayed on their boats before putting them in the water.

Boaters who have already permanently registered their boats, sailboats, or PWC must obtain the two Boat Validation Decals every three years at FWP regional and area offices, or by going to the FWP website at Boat Validation Decals.

Validation decals ordered over the FWP website will be delivered by mail.

Be sure to bring your current registration receipt issued by the County Treasurer, to your FWP office or have the information available when using the website to obtain the free decals.

If you are planning to buy a boat this season you will receive the first set of validation decals when you permanently register the boat or PWC in your name at the County Treasurer’s office. Subsequent sets of validation decals obtained after Feb. 28, 2011 will be issued by   the FWP regional or area office, or by requesting the decals online.

For more information, go to the FWP Montana Boating Laws page, or contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at 406-994-4042.