How Much Does It Cost to Get a License Plate in Montana in 2025?

Factors That Influence the Total License Plate Cost in Montana

The cost of obtaining a license plate in Montana is influenced by several factors, which include:

• Vehicle Type: Different fees apply depending on whether the vehicle is a passenger car, truck, motorcycle, or trailer.
• Vehicle Age: Older vehicles may have different fee structures compared to newer models.
• Weight of the Vehicle: Heavier vehicles may incur additional fees.
• County of Registration: Fees can vary by county due to local taxes and surcharges.
• Type of License Plate: Standard, specialty, and personalized plates have different costs associated with them.

Specialty License Plates in Montana

Montana offers a variety of specialty license plates that cater to different interests and causes. These plates often come with additional fees, which typically include:

• Initial Issuance Fee: Ranges from $20 to $50, depending on the plate design and the organization it supports.
• Annual Renewal Fee: An additional fee of $20 to $30 may be required each year to maintain the specialty plate.
• Donation Fee: Some specialty plates include a donation to a specific cause or organization, which can range from $10 to $25.

Specialty plates are available for various categories, including wildlife conservation, military service, and collegiate affiliations.

Personalized License Plates in Montana

Personalized license plates allow vehicle owners to create custom messages or combinations of letters and numbers. The costs associated with personalized plates include:

• Initial Application Fee: $25 for the personalization request.
• Annual Renewal Fee: An additional $25 is required each year to maintain the personalized plate.
• Standard Registration Fees: These are applicable in addition to the personalized plate fees.

Applicants must ensure that their desired plate combination is available and complies with state guidelines regarding language and format.

Montana License Plate Renewal Fee

License plate renewal in Montana is an annual requirement, and the fees are determined by several factors:

• Base Registration Fee: Typically ranges from $28 to $217, depending on the vehicle type and age.
• County Option Tax: Varies by county and is based on the vehicle's value.
• Specialty or Personalized Plate Renewal Fees: Additional fees apply if the vehicle has a specialty or personalized plate.
• Emission Fees: Applicable in certain counties where emissions testing is required.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to renew their plates before the expiration date to avoid late fees and penalties.

Montana License Plate Replacements Fee

In the event that a license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement can be obtained. The fees for replacement plates are as follows:

• Replacement Fee: $10 for a standard plate.
• Specialty or Personalized Plate Replacement Fee: $20 to $30, depending on the type of plate.
• Duplicate Registration Fee: An additional $10 if a duplicate registration is also required.

Vehicle owners must provide proof of identity and vehicle ownership when applying for a replacement plate.

How Much Is the Tag Transfer Fee in Montana

When transferring a license plate from one vehicle to another, the following fees apply:

• Transfer Fee: $5 for the transfer of a standard plate.
• Specialty or Personalized Plate Transfer Fee: An additional $10 to $15, depending on the plate type.
• Registration Fees: Any difference in registration fees between the old and new vehicle must be paid.

The transfer process requires the completion of specific forms and may necessitate a visit to the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.

Exemptions and Discounts

Certain exemptions and discounts are available for specific groups and circumstances in Montana:

• Veterans and Active Military: Eligible for reduced fees or exemptions on certain specialty plates.
• Senior Citizens: May qualify for reduced registration fees based on income and vehicle type.
• Non-Profit Organizations: Vehicles owned by qualifying non-profit organizations may be exempt from certain fees.
• Low-Income Individuals: May be eligible for fee waivers or reductions based on income verification.

Applicants seeking exemptions or discounts must provide appropriate documentation to verify eligibility.