Do I need to register a kayak in Montana?

Manually propelled boats, regardless of length, are exempt from registration.

Montana kayak, canoe and paddleboard rules

No registrationAIS pass (nonresidents)

Last checked Oct 26, 2026 against the official sources listed below. Rules change; confirm with the agency before you go.

Registration	Not needed without a motor Manually propelled boats, regardless of length, are exempt from registration.
Launch or access permits	No statewide paddlecraft access permit found on the official pages we checked. Parks and local launches may charge their own fees.
Life jackets, whistle and light	Federal rules apply (see below).
Aquatic invasive species	Nonresident non-motorized watercraft (canoes, kayaks, rafts, SUPs and more) need a $10 Vessel AIS Prevention Pass before launching. Stop at open inspection stations.

Montana permit checker
Kayak, canoe, SUP or inflatable, with or without a motor

Life jacket: a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket for each person aboard canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Children under 13 must wear one while underway unless the state sets its own age rule.
Sound signal: carry a whistle or horn; your voice doesn't count.
Light: from sunset to sunrise and in poor visibility, have a white light (flashlight or lantern) ready to show in time to prevent a collision.
Night signals: manually propelled boats are exempt from daytime visual distress signals but must carry night signals on coastal waters after dark.