Snowmobiles operating on public land must be registered and display decals placed in a conspicuous space on the left side of the cowling. Registration is different for Montana residents and nonresidents. ​Montana FWP maintains a complete site with all the rules and regulations (click here). 

  
Residents Registration
Montana residents must register their snowmobiles at the County Treasurer's office in the county where the owner resides. This is a one-time registration and valid until the current owner sells the snowmobile.
Resident Trail Pass
Residents must purchase a Resident Trail Pass to legally ride on any of the 4,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in Montana. Trail Passes are valid for two seasons and are $20. Trail Passes apply to all “mechanized equipment” including snowmobiles, motorized snow bikes, and fat tire pedal bikes.  Anyone using groomed snowmobile trails for recreation is asked to please contribute and purchase the Trail Pass. The revenues go directly to grooming the trails, purchasing groomers, etc.

Exceptions

• a person renting a snowmobile registered pursuant to 61-3-321(11)(c), but the person shall carry proof of rental if operating the snowmobile in a snowmobile area that otherwise requires a trail pass pursuant to subsection (1)
• a person participating in a sanctioned dog sled race 
• motorized equipment exempt from registration in Montana pursuant to 61-3-321(14) 

Nonresidents
Nonresidents must purchase a Nonresident Winter Trail Pass to legally ride on any of the 4,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in Montana. Trail passes are valid for one season and are $35 per machine. Trail Passes apply to all dog sleds and “mechanized equipment” including snowmobiles, motorized snow bikes, and fat tire pedal bikes.

Where to Purchase a Permit or Trail Pass
Trail Passes are available seasonally from October to April.

• Apply Online - You may purchase your Resident Trail Pass or Nonresident Snowmobile Permit through the Online Licensing System.
• Vendor List - You can also purchase a Nonresident Temporary Use Permit or a Resident Trail Pass at any of the vendors in Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Wyoming.

Note: A separate company administrates this system for the state and collects a convenience fee.  We recommend you simply visit a local vendor and purchase your pass(es) from them.