Montana Boating License

Montana Boating License vs. Montana Boater Education Card

Don't these two terms mean the same thing?

No and yes. Many boaters use the term "Montana Boating License" when referring to their Boater Education Card. However, the Boater Education Card is NOT a boating license. Unlike a driver's license, your Boater Education Card does not have yearly renewal fees, cannot be revoked, and is good for life. Referring to it as a license is incorrect.

Why is "Boating License" used so often if it is wrong?

Most boaters are familiar with a Driver's License and it is natural for them to extend this concept onto the Boater Education Card (and incorrectly refer to it as a Montana Boating License). This is misleading and we are all therefore encouraged to correct our fellow boaters when they make this common mistake.

The table below shows the differences between a License and a Boater Education Card:

Next time you are asked about the Montana Boating License, respond: "It's not a boating license; it's a Boater Education Card!"