Montana Vehicle Registration

Vehicles Purchased from Dealers

When registering vehicles purchased from dealers, vehicle owners can follow these steps:

Prepare Paperwork and Fees

In Montana, when a person purchases a vehicle from a dealership, the dealership handles the initial paperwork submission to the person's county treasurer's office. The person will most likely be required to provide the following for submission:

• Completed vehicle registration application
• Evidence of ownership, such as the clean vehicle title or Bill of Sale (MV24)
• Proof of identity and residency
• Proof of insurance
• Registration certificate from the previous state if the vehicle has one
• All the necessary fees for registration and title transfer

Note: Check the "How Much Does Vehicle Registration Cost in Montana" section for more information.

Vehicle owners must consult their dealership for a full list of the requirements.

Select Preferred Period

Vehicle owners must clarify to the dealership which registration period they want. Vehicle owners in Montana can choose between the following periods:

12-Month Registration

This standard option requires payment for a single year. Vehicle owners must cover all applicable registration fees, county-specific taxes, and fees for special license plates if chosen.

24-Month Registration

For those preferring less frequent renewals, a two-year option is available. It requires an upfront payment covering all fees and taxes for 24 months, including special plate costs.

Permanent Registration

Montana provides a unique opportunity for owners of older vehicles. If a vehicle is more than 11 years old, it qualifies for permanent registration. This one-time registration remains valid for the vehicle's entire lifespan or until ownership changes. Once completed, no further renewal is necessary.

Follow-up Registration Process

Montana resident vehicle owners have 40 days to register their vehicles upon the successful sale of the vehicle. If the vehicle owner is a newly registered resident of Montana, they have 60 days after acquiring their residency to complete their vehicle registration.

The dealership usually handles the submission of the paperwork to the buyer's local county treasurer's office to process the registration. The registration process typically takes several weeks to complete. Hence, the new vehicle owner should contact their local county treasurer's office to verify that all necessary documentation has been received and processed.

Receive the Title and Other Registration Documents

After registration, the vehicle owner can receive their registration documents, license plates, title, and other documents by mail. They must indicate their current address in their application. Vehicle owners can verify how they may receive their registration documents from the dealership or their local county treasurer's office.

Vehicles Purchased from Private Sellers

When the purchase transaction is done with a private seller, vehicle owners can follow these steps:

Prepare the Paperwork

Like dealership transactions, vehicle owners in private transactions must prepare the necessary documents for registration. The same documents required by dealers may still apply. However, the vehicle owner must ensure that the vehicle title is properly signed by the previous owner to the new owner.

If the vehicle title is lost, the new owner must ask for a replacement title from the seller. The seller can request a replacement by completing the Application for Replacement Certificate of Title (MV7).

If the seller is not the owner listed on the title, the listed owner must sign the replacement title over to the seller first. The seller must then title and register the vehicle in their name before selling it.

The vehicle owner may also be required to submit an Odometer Disclosure Statement (MV90A) if their vehicle is 11 years old or older. If certain facts about the vehicle title need confirmation or clarification, vehicle owners may also be required to complete a Statement of Fact (MV100).

Visit the County Treasurer's Office

Once the paperwork is ready, vehicle owners must visit their local county treasurer's office to process their registration. Vehicle owners must check with the office if an appointment is required. If so, they can schedule an appointment through the MVD's online service.

Choose License Plates and Pay the Fees

The vehicle owner can choose their preferred license plates at the county treasurer's office and pay the associated registration fees. Vehicle owners can select their choice beforehand through the MVD's "License Plate Lookup" page. For each plate, they may have to pay the following fees:

• Administrative Cost: $20 to $35
• Production Cost: $12

The renewal of each license plate is $20 - $35, and an optional donation amount equal to the renewal cost. There may be other fees required for special license plates.

Receive their Registration Documents

If the registration is successful, the vehicle owner will receive their registration documents, title, and license plates after.

Vehicles With Bonded Titles

Montana law provides a solution through the bonded title process when a vehicle is acquired without proper title documentation, as outlined in MCA Section 61-3-208. This alternative method requires additional steps beyond standard private sale transactions.

Get the Vehicle VIN Inspected

Before registering a bonded vehicle, the owner must get its VIN inspected. They can contact local law enforcement, driver's license exam stations, and the local county treasurer's office for the inspection. They must complete the Vehicle/OHV Identification Number Inspection (MV20) form.

Vehicle owners can check the "Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspections" page on the official MVD website for more information.

Vehicle owners also have the option to conduct their own preliminary VIN checks using free online resources. Two notable services are available from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• NICB's VINCheck Lookup
• NHTSA's VIN Decoder

These services can uncover crucial information about a vehicle's history. Vehicle owners may discover details such as theft records, the current status of their vehicle title, and any reported accidents.

Initiate the Process

The new owner must get their Form MV20 from law enforcement to initiate this process. They must also complete an Application for Break/Bond Title (MV10) detailing how they came into possession of the vehicle and disclosing any existing liens.

Determine Vehicle Value

A crucial part of this application involves determining the vehicle's value. It is typically done using the National Appraisal Guide (NADA). The value affects the next steps:

• If the value is over $500, a bond equal to the determined value from an insurance company with evidence of the NADA valuation is needed.
• If the value is $500 or less, no bond is required.
• If the NADA doesn't list the vehicle, the applicant must certify this fact using Form MV100 and provide their value estimate.

Titling and Registration

Once the MVD or county treasurer's office reviews and verifies the submitted documents, including the vehicle's value and corresponding bond (if required), they may issue a special title. This title will be marked with the words "BONDED TITLE" and display the bond's expiration date prominently on its face.

However, this bonded title is not permanent. After the bond expires, the vehicle owner can obtain a standard Montana title without the bond designation or expiration date.

To do this, the registered owner must submit either the original bonded title or a request for replacement using Form MV7 if that title has been lost. This application and any applicable title fees should be submitted to either the MVD or the county treasurer's office.

Registering Vehicles of Montana Residents

When individuals relocate to Montana, new residents must transfer their out-of-state title and register their vehicle within 60 days of establishing residency. If their vehicle doesn't have an existing lien, they can surrender their out-of-state title and register for a Montana vehicle title at their county treasurer's office.

If the vehicle has an existing lien, the new resident must follow these steps:

• Visit their local county treasurer's office and complete a Foreign Title Transfer (MV63). They must sign this document.
• Mail the form to the lender or lienholder with a request for the lender or lienholder to release the out-of-state title directly to the county treasurer's office.
• Confirm if the county treasurer's office has received both the request and the out-of-state title.
• Revisit the county treasurer's office to complete the titling and registration process.

The newly issued Montana title can be sent to the lender or lienholder if the lien has not yet been released. This procedure applies to foreign title transfers and situations where an out-of-state lender or lienholder holds the vehicle title of a Montana resident.

Suppose the new resident registers a vehicle purchased from a Montana dealership or a private seller. In that case, the new resident must follow the steps outlined in the corresponding sections in this guide.

VIN Inspection Document

If the vehicle is from out-of-state, the new resident may need to prove that its VIN matches its title. They may need to get their vehicle inspected and obtain Form MV20.

Transferring Existing or Obtaining New License Plates

Montana offers flexibility when it comes to license plates during vehicle transitions. When acquiring a new vehicle, owners can retain their existing license plates from their previous vehicle. This transfer can be initiated at any county treasurer's office across the state with associated fees that must be paid at the time of request.

The timing of this transfer request is also flexible. Vehicle owners can initiate the plate transfer simultaneously by registering their new vehicle, streamlining the process. Alternatively, new license plates can be obtained during the registration procedure for those preferring a fresh start.

Given the potential variations in local procedures, vehicle owners should contact their county treasurer's office. These offices can provide detailed information tailored to the individual's circumstances for a smooth transition.

How To Obtain Vanity or Personalized License Plates in Montana?

In Montana, vehicle owners can obtain personalized vehicle license plates or personalize a sponsored plate. Personalized plates cost $25.75, while personalized sponsored plates will incur additional fees.

To get an idea of what types of personalized license plates are available, vehicle owners can check the MVD's "License Plate Lookup" page.

Vehicle owners must complete the Application for Personalized License Plates (MV8) to apply for a personalized license plate. They must choose three options, as not all options can be approved, and they will not be refunded the fees upon disapproval.

The maximum number of characters allowed for personalized license plates in Montana varies depending on the plate type. For standard motor vehicle plates, the maximum is seven characters.

40-Day Temporary Permit

Suppose the vehicle was purchased from a dealer. In that case, dealers can issue a 40-day temporary permit, which allows the new owner to use the vehicle while awaiting the arrival of their official license plates. This temporary permit comes with a fee, providing a convenient bridge between purchase and full registration.

However, not all dealerships may offer this service. In such cases, the new vehicle owner isn't left without options. They can take matters into their own hands by visiting their local county treasurer's office. There, they can apply for the same 40-day temporary permit, which ensures they can legally drive their new purchase while the permanent registration process is underway.

Insurance Requirements

Vehicle owners must check with their county treasurer's office to see if they have vehicle insurance upon registration. In case they must have insurance, the vehicle owner must meet these minimum requirements:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury or death
• $25,000 per accident for property damage

Vehicle owners can verify their insurance status online through the Montana Insurance Verification System (MTIVS).

For more information on vehicle insurance, vehicle owners can visit the MVD's "Vehicle Insurance and Verification" page.

Renewing Online

Online renewal is available through Montana MVD's online MVD Your Way portal. Note that online renewal is not allowed for the following cases:

• The vehicle owner's address has changed.
• The vehicle owner wants to request a permanent registration.
• The vehicle owner now qualifies for an exemption (e.g., military or tribal) not reflected on their current registration renewal notice.
• The vehicle owner must show proof of eligibility to receive the exemption.
• The vehicle owner's name has changed.
• The vehicle owner wants to request a new license plate or adjust the vehicle's gross vehicle weight (GVW).

Renewing In Person

Vehicle owners can renew in person at their local county treasurer's office. Note that the vehicle owner must bring their renewal notice for in-person renewal.

Renewing by Mail

Typically, vehicle registration renewal is done in person or online. However, vehicle owners may be eligible for renewal by mail. Vehicle owners must verify their eligibility with their county treasurer's office.

If eligible, they must prepare a check or money order for the renewal fee, payable to their county treasurer's office. Mail the completed renewal notice and payment to the address specified.