Last Update: September 16, 2026

Change Information on Vehicle Registration in Montana

Vehicle registration records in Montana may be updated due to a change of address, a legal name change, the purchase of a vehicle, or a move into the state. The Montana Department of Justice Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) administers the state's vehicle titling and registration programs, while the county treasurer's office in the county of residence handles most day-to-day transactions, including the issuance of license plates and the processing of registration renewals.

Montana Vehicle Registration Changes that Commonly Require Action

A registration review may be needed when any of the following events occur:

• A physical address or mailing address has changed, which must be reported to the MVD within 10 days under the state's address change requirements.
• A legal name has changed, and the title and registration records must be brought into the current legal name.
• The registration or title record contains incorrect information that must be corrected.
• A vehicle has been purchased or transferred, or a new resident has moved into Montana, which starts the titling and registration clock.
• License plates must be removed, replaced, or surrendered when a vehicle is sold or disposed of.

Where to File a Montana Vehicle Registration Change

The county treasurer's office in the county of residence is the primary local filing point for registration transactions. County treasurers issue license plates, accept registration renewals, process title applications, and collect the associated taxes and fees. The MVD also offers online services for registration renewal and address updates.

Title records are maintained centrally by the MVD Vehicle Services Bureau. Applications for replacement or corrected titles are mailed to the bureau, while most title applications may also be submitted through the county treasurer's office. This division of duties means that routine registration changes are handled locally, and title-record changes are processed through the state bureau.

Montana Address Changes on Vehicle Registration

Montana law requires that the MVD be notified within 10 days of any change of address. The address change process allows you to update your address online through MVD Online Services or by mailing a completed Change of Driver License Address - Electronic Record (Form 34-0300) to the MVD. There is no fee for updating the electronic record.

For registration purposes, residents moving to another county may continue to use their current plates until the annual registration renewal is due. At that time, the registration may be renewed and the address updated online or through the county treasurer's office in the new county of residence.

Montana Name Changes and Title-Linked Corrections

A legal name change affects both the title and the registration records, because the two are processed together when a vehicle is titled in Montana. To update the name on the title record, the owner submits an Application for Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle (Form MV1) along with documentation supporting the name change. When a discrepancy or error appears on the title record, the Statement of Correction (Form MV11AB) is used to correct it.

The county treasurer's office can assist with name-change transactions, and the MVD Vehicle Services Bureau processes title applications received by mail. A corrected or replacement title is issued once the application and supporting documents are approved.

Correcting Incorrect Information on a Montana Registration Record

The correction process differs depending on the record involved. When the issue involves the registration or license plates, the owner works through the county treasurer's office, which can issue replacement plates and update the registration record. When the issue involves the title record, the Statement of Correction (Form MV11AB) is used to correct a discrepancy or error on the title record.

For a lost, destroyed, or altered title, the owner submits a Certificate of Title Replacement Application (Form MV7) to the MVD Vehicle Services Bureau at PO Box 201431, Helena, MT 59620-1431. Replacement titles generally take up to 4 weeks to be issued.

Montana Deadlines for Vehicle Registration Changes

Several Montana deadlines may affect a registration update:

• The MVD must be notified of an address change within 10 days.
• A new resident must apply for a Montana title and register the vehicle within 60 days of establishing residency.
• A vehicle buyer has 40 days from the sale date to transfer ownership by titling and registering the vehicle, and a late fee applies after that period.
• After title and registration are completed, license plates are generally available from the county treasurer's office in about 30 days, with a 40-day temporary permit issued when the plates are not on hand.
• A replacement title may take up to 4 weeks to be issued.
• Montana drivers are required to carry proof of insurance while driving, even though proof of insurance is not required at the time of registration.

How Much Does It Cost To Change Vehicle Registration Details in Montana?

The Montana Motor Vehicle Division administers vehicle title and registration changes, with many transactions completed through county treasurers’ offices. The table below shows the statewide fees Montana publishes for common registration-detail changes, title-related corrections, vehicle purchases, new-resident registration, and plate transfers.

Contact Information

Montana Department of Justice Motor Vehicle Division
302 North Roberts Street, Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 444-3933
Official Website: Montana Department of Justice Motor Vehicle Division