Montana License Plates - Types, Lookup by Plate

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License Plate Lookup

In Montana, looking up a license plate serves diverse purposes. For example, people may run a license plate search to verify registration details, check on the history of a vehicle, or raise an alarm over suspicious activities.

The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) regulates the registration and lookup of license plates. Regulating the lookup process is very critical in monitoring all registered vehicles within the state.

For example, in 2020, Montana was ranked as the most dangerous state for driving, with 213 car accident fatalities. Traffic safety is always a matter of concern, and thus, the ability to look up license plates is vital for tracking these accidents.

Why Run a License Plate Search in Montana?

Running a license plate search in Montana can serve various personal, legal, and safety purposes. Below are some examples of why a license plate lookup is necessary:

A license plate lookup can assist in confirming the legitimate owner of a motor vehicle.
A license plate search can assist prospective automobile purchasers in confirming whether any liens exist against a certain vehicle.
Law enforcement personnel can detect if the vehicle has been reported stolen.
Fines or traffic citations that are due can be discovered through a lookup on the pertinent vehicle.
Motor vehicle purchasers can investigate whether the vehicle has been in an accident and exclude the vehicle with probable concealed injuries.
Any member of the general public can be presented with a motor vehicle that is thought to be suspicious, engaging in criminal or unicorn activities on the freeway.
Montana residents can check on the registration of the car.
License plate findings are usable in the courts of law for information concerning vehicles that have been involved in legal battles such as hit-and-run homicide cases.
Companies can order a check of license plates on their fleets to verify their legal registration status, structural condition, and thoroughness of audits.
Accident victims do not know the perpetrator's car, but they can complete their insurance claims with the help of a plate lookup.
Use of the search results will help or permit insurance companies to respond to or manage issues covered by insurance.

Is it Legal to Perform a License Plate Lookup in Montana?

It is legal to perform license plate lookups in Montana, but only if done in compliance with specific federal and state laws that protect privacy and govern access to vehicle records.

People searching ought to be led by the law so that they don't get involved in personal information abuse. Some of the main laws include the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and the Montana Public Records Act (MPRA).

The DPPA is a federal law that governs the release and use of personal data obtained from motor vehicle records. Under the DPPA, sensitive information, such as the vehicle owner’s name, address, and contact details, can only be accessed for specific, permissible reasons. These reasons include:

Law enforcement investigations
Insurance claims
Vehicle recalls
Legal proceedings

Any unauthorized use of personal data from a license plate lookup can result in legal penalties, including fines or lawsuits.

The MPRA, on the other hand, allows public access to certain non-confidential government records, including the vehicle records managed by the Montana MVD. However, the release of information such as vehicle history, registration status, or lien details must adhere to state public records guidelines.

How Can You Conduct a Montana License Plate Lookup?

There are many ways people can conduct a license plate lookup in Montana. The most reliable methods include contacting the Montana MVD or using National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) data providers.

Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD)

The Montana MVD is the primary authority in managing vehicle registration and title records within the state. Currently, the MVD does not have a dedicated online platform for looking up license plates for the public.

Individuals or businesses can request vehicle-related information tied to license plates by contacting the MVD at (406) 444.3933. Individuals can also visit the MVD Headquarters at Helena or any of the Country Treasurer Offices in the state.

Keep in mind that information or records requests from the MVD may include paying the required fees and waiting days to weeks for the results.

Approved NMVTIS Data Providers

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) manages the NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System), a nationwide database accessible to the public and businesses. Established to combat vehicle theft, fraud, and other criminal activities, NMVTIS helps consumers make informed decisions when buying used vehicles.

The NMVTIS offers access to essential vehicle data through approved providers. These platforms provide details like title status, accident history, lien information, and recalls. Here are some examples of providers:

GoodCar.com
InfoTracer.com
StateRecords.org
RecordsFinder.com

When looking up a license from these providers, individuals typically need the following information:

The concerned vehicle’s active license plate number
The state where the vehicle is registered

Keep in mind that comprehensive reports from these providers require individuals to pay the associated fees before they can receive the results.

What Information Can You Obtain from a Montana License Plate Lookup?

The level of information available when running a license plate search in Montana can vary depending on the type of search conducted.

Basic Lookup

A basic license plate lookup provides essential public information to confirm the identity and status of the vehicle. Basic lookups are often quick and concise, with the following information:

The brand, model, type of the vehicle
Vehicle’s manufacturing year
Country of production
Transmission type
Fuel economy and gas tank capacity
Engine type
Seating capacity
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
Existing warranty on the vehicle

Comprehensive Reports

More detailed license plate reports offer in-depth vehicle history and background details. These details are helpful for buyers, law enforcement, or legal professionals making critical decisions. For reliability, it is recommended that individuals get reports from the MVD and NMVTIS-approved data providers.

Some details included in these reports are the following:

Vehicle’s registration status (e.g., active, expired, or pending)
Lists of any reported accidents the vehicle has been involved in
Title status (clean, salvage, rebuilt) and any title transfers
Previous and current owners
Financial obligations or loans attached to the vehicle
Manufacturer-issued recalls that affect the vehicle
Any flagged status on the vehicle for being stolen
Vehicle’s mileage history to prevent odometer fraud
Any insurance claims related to the vehicle

What Does a Montana License Plate Look Like?

Montana offers a variety of license plates, each reflecting the vehicle’s purpose, the owner’s eligibility, or specific personal preferences. These plates differ in design, features, and criteria, which allows residents to choose from several types depending on their needs.

Below are some common examples of license plates available in Montana:

Standard Plates

The standard Montana plate features a simple design with the state’s name and distinct plate number. It typically includes the outline of the state map.

Source: Montana Motor Vehicle Division

Personalized Plates

Personalized plates in Montana allow vehicle owners to create custom messages or sequences of characters for their license plates. They cost an additional $25.

Special Plates

Montana also has special plates designed to recognize affiliations, honor service, or accommodate specific needs. These special plates reflect personal or organizational connections and benefit qualifying residents.