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Montana Boater Education Card (2026)

Conditional: Montana requires no education card for adults; youths 13-14 may operate a motorboat/PWC over 10 hp only with a Montana motorboat operator's safety certificate or if accompanied by someone 18+.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: fwp.mt.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Boater Education Card in states bordering Montana

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

IdahoInfo
Idaho has no mandatory boater-education requirement and no statewide minimum age to operate a vessel; education is encouraged but not required.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: parksandrecreation.idaho.gov · Full Idaho rule →
North DakotaConditional
North Dakota requires youth ages 12-15 to pass the state boating course to operate a boat or PWC with at least a 10-hp motor by themselves; no requirement for adults.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: gf.nd.gov · Full North Dakota rule →
South DakotaInfo
South Dakota has no mandatory boater-education requirement; a NASBLA/USCG-approved course is recommended but not required to operate a boat.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: gfp.sd.gov · Full South Dakota rule →
WyomingInfo
Wyoming has no mandatory boater-education card to operate a motorboat; operators must be at least 16, and safety courses are offered voluntarily.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: wgfd.wyo.gov · Full Wyoming rule →

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