Montana VIN Lookup

With over 80 used-car dealers and used cars costing an average of $38,943 in Montana, purchasers must take extra precautions to make informed choices. Even though buying a used car is typically cost-effective, it is considered a significant investment without risks. Nonetheless, buyers must conduct due diligence before purchasing pre-owned vehicles, as Montana’s Lemon Laws do not apply to them. As such, buyers must verify whether the car has a salvage title, hire a mechanic to conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection, and negotiate a reasonable price.

Why is a VIN check important in Montana?

A car is uniquely identified by its VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which comprises 17 characters and provides access to important details about its status, history, and features. Given that Montana reports over 191 cases of car theft and 143 cases of auto fraud per 100,000 residents, each year, purchasers who intend to buy a vehicle, particularly pre-owned cars, must conduct a VIN lookup before finalizing the purchase, which can help avoid potential risks. When you perform a Montana VIN check, you might obtain essential information such as:

• Vehicle Title and Registration: Montana’s annotated code requires all vehicles operated in the state to be properly titled and registered with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). Nonetheless, operating a motor vehicle without proper registration is considered a misdemeanor and may result in fines or other penalties. Be aware that a VIN check can help confirm the intended car’s title and registration status, and verify if the seller has the legal right to do so.
• Odometer Verification: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that more than 450,000 vehicles with falsified odometer readings are sold annually, costing buyers more than $1 billion. A VIN check is essential for verifying the official odometer reading once the vehicle has been properly registered and titled. This guarantees a reasonable price and protects the buyer from dishonest sellers.
• Title Brands: A title is a document that identifies the legal owner of a vehicle. Montana requires title brands for motor vehicles, trailers, automobiles, campers, motorboats, personal watercraft, and snowmobiles. As such, VIN checks are essential for verifying a vehicle's title brand and disclosing its history, condition, and potential threats. Nonetheless, if the brand is considered "salvage" or "rebuilt," it indicates extensive damage and repair.
• Theft checks: Montana has a car theft rate of 191.1 per 100,000 residents. Therefore, conducting a VIN check will reveal whether the vehicle has been reported stolen and ensure that you avoid the legal and financial complications associated with purchasing stolen cars.
• Auto-fraud prevention: Auto-related fraud accounts for three percent of the fraud cases in Montana, making it a concern to look out for when buying pre-owned vehicles. As such, VIN lookup may help you discover differences like falsified odometer readings and salvaged titles, ensuring that you are not dealing with con men.

How To Perform a Montana VIN Check

Several federal and state agencies offer comprehensive information for conducting VIN checks in Montana. These include:

The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD):

While the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) does not offer an online VIN check, you can request a VIN inspection by downloading the Vehicle/OHV Identification Number Inspection form. This form requires details such as VIN digits, odometer readings, car details (year, model, color, body style, length, and manufacturer), license plate number, and the applicant's name and address. The form can be submitted to Vehicle Services Bureau, Helena, via email or fax at (406) 444-0116.

The NHTSA VIN Decoder:

The NHTSA VIN Decoder allows users to look up a VIN and obtain details about the vehicle’s make, model year, manufacturing plant, engine and transmission specifications, safety features, and safety ratings. The VIN Decoder can be used with both full and partial VINs.

The NCIB VINCheck:

The VINCheck service from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NCIB) lets you verify if a vehicle has been reported stolen or damaged. You will need the vehicle’s full VIN to use the service, and users are limited to five searches per day.

Free vs Paid VIN Check Services in Montana

Even though some government agencies and nonprofit organizations provide free VIN checks, interested parties may use a paid third-party website to obtain extensive information on vehicles, especially if they require a thorough investigation of pre-owned cars. Nonetheless, platforms like GoodCar, Carmart, iSeeCar, and Vitu are reliable options for conducting VIN checks in Montana. For a modest fee, you may obtain detailed information on preferred vehicles from these platforms, which include:

• Ownership records
• Title details
• Title brands
• Vehicle specifications
• Odometer verification
• Inspection records
• Accident history
• Rebuild records
• Service and maintenance records
• Safety defects and manufacturers' recalls
• Sales history
• Retail, trade-in, and private-party pricing
• NHTSA crash test results, and much more.

What Used Car Scams Are Common in Montana?

Prospective purchasers in the Treasure State are at risk of falling prey to deceptive techniques ranging from illegal sellers to bogus internet vehicle ads. Montanans have recently been urged not to purchase pre-owned vehicles on Craigslist because they have become a target for fraudulent dealers. These scammers will request the vehicle's history and send a link to the seller, resulting in a falsified report. This gives the scammer access to the seller's information, causing a financial loss. Listed below are other common car-related frauds in Montana:

Curbstoning:

Illegal sales of pre-owned vehicles by unlicensed dealers posing as private sellers.

Odometer Fraud:

Illegally reducing the vehicle’s odometer to make it appear less used than it is.

Title Washing:

A fraudulent act of altering a vehicle’s title to hide negative information and inflate its value.

VIN Cloning:

Using a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from a legally registered car to hide the identity of another vehicle (either stolen or salvaged).

Fake Vehicle History:

Providing phony accident records to make a car appear more valuable than it is.

However, these scams, which are common in the used-car industry, cause financial loss and legal consequences for unsuspecting buyers. To avoid being conned by dishonest dealers when buying a vehicle in Montana, prospective buyers should take the following steps:

• Be wary of offers that look too good to be true.
• Have a clear idea of the type of car you want to purchase, its features, and projected cost.
• Use trusted services like GoodCar to conduct a full VIN check on the vehicle before signing the dotted line.
• Request and verify all relevant documentation.
• Insist on a written warranty from the seller.

How Do I Check the Status of My Vehicle’s Title in Montana?

When purchasing a used vehicle, it’s crucial to verify the title and lienholder information to avoid issues like unresolved liens or incorrect ownership details. The Montana Department of Justice (Motor Vehicle Division) provides an online platform that allows both residents and non-residents to check the status of state-issued title certificates and lienholder information. Failing to perform these checks could jeopardize your ability to properly operate, sell, or transfer the vehicle.

To check the title status and lienholder information with the MVD, you will typically need to provide your name, driver’s license number, the last four digits of your social security number, and the vehicle identification number (VIN). Please note that this service is free of charge.

How To Register a Brand New Car in Montana

It is essential to title and register a purchased car, whether new or pre-owned, with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) within 40 days of purchase. To do this, interested parties will need to take the following steps:

• Complete an Application for a Certificate of Title For a Motor Vehicle form: Be aware that if you buy a pre-owned car, the previous owner must sign over the title. If purchased from a licensed dealer, ensure the paperwork is sent to your County Treasurer.
• Check with your County Treasurer’s office whether an appointment is encouraged: This makes the process faster and more convenient.
• Take the signed application form, proof of insurance, valid ID, Bill of Sale, and proof of ownership to the nearest County Treasurer’s Office. Be aware that proof of ownership typically refers to the official document that confirms legal ownership. It may be the previous owner’s certificate of title or the dealer’s re-assignment form.

Montana has over 2,249,485 vehicles, including private and commercial cars. This figure indicates that Montana has a high vehicle registration rate. However, whether you need to title, register, or renew the registration of a vehicle with the MVD, certain factors must be considered. These factors include the age of the car, purchase price, and type of license plates requested.

Does Montana Mandate Vehicle Inspections?

While Montana state law does not require annual safety and emissions inspections for vehicles, drivers and vehicle owners are still responsible for maintaining their vehicles in a safe and operable condition. Nonetheless, VIN inspections are still needed for out-of-state vehicles, salvaged and rebuilt cars, and vehicles with unclear histories.

VIN and odometer verifications are essential parts of inspections to confirm whether the vehicle’s details match the information in the state’s database and haven’t been altered to bypass regulations.

How Do I Get a Replacement VIN in Montana?

In Montana, a replacement VIN (Montana-Assigned VIN) is issued by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). These assigned VINs are typically issued to vehicles that are homemade, salvaged, imported, have title/ownership issues, or altered VINs. Be aware that the assigned VIN contains 17 characters, just like the original VINs.

You can obtain a Montana-assigned VIN for your vehicle by following these steps:

• Complete an Application for a State-Assigned Identification Number (Form MV10B)

• If the vehicle requires a VIN inspection, complete the Vehicle/OHV Identification Number Inspection Form

• Submit the completed forms, along with the stipulated fee, to your County Treasurer’s Office.

• At the scheduled inspection appointment, bring the certificate of origin, title certificate, and bill of sale.

If the vehicle is deemed eligible, Montana MVD will issue a new assigned VIN.

Does Montana Require a VIN Inspection for Out-of-State Vehicles?

A VIN inspection is required for out-of-state vehicles before they can be titled and registered. This process is typically conducted to ensure that the vehicle’s identification number matches the provided documentation and that the vehicle complies with the regulatory standard.