Expired Registration in Montana

Operating motor vehicles on the public roads and highways of Montana requires a current vehicle registration. The Montana Motor Vehicle Division, part of the Montana Department of Justice, administers all vehicle registration procedures and programs statewide. The Montana Highway Patrol ensures proper implementation and compliance with registration laws on Montana's roadways.

State Code Provisions in Montana

Montana's vehicle registration follow Title 61 of the Montana Code Annotated, which governs motor vehicles and traffic regulations. Chapter 3, Part 3 specifically addresses registration procedures, renewal requirements, display of registration plates, and enforcement mechanisms.

Registration Terms and Expiration in Montana

Registration Renewal System

Montana operates an annual registration system based on a monthly series. According to MCA § 61-3-311, upon original registration of a motor vehicle in Montana, the department, an authorized agent, or a county treasurer assigns each motor vehicle to a registration period based upon the calendar month in which the motor vehicle is first registered in the state.

Standard Vehicle Registration:

• Each registration period commences on the first day of the calendar month in which the motor vehicle is registered
• Registrations expire on the last day of the month preceding the anniversary of the registration period
• Vehicle owners must renew registration on or before the last day of the assigned registration month
• The assigned registration month remains consistent for the vehicle unless the owner specifically requests a different registration period

Extended Registration Periods:

Montana law also permits extended registration periods of 13 to 24 months upon owner request, with prorated fees based on the registration duration. However, the standard registration period is 12 months.

Grace Period for Expired Registration

Montana does not provide a grace period for expired registration. Once registration expires on the last day of the month preceding the anniversary of the registration period, vehicle owners may not legally operate the vehicle on public roads. Operating a motor vehicle with expired registration subjects the vehicle owner to penalties under Montana law.

Penalties for Expired Registration in Montana

Montana law distinguishes between administrative processes for renewing expired registration and criminal penalties for operating a vehicle with expired registration on public highways.

Administrative Penalties

Montana does not assess administrative late fees or penalties for renewing expired registration at the Motor Vehicle Division or county treasurer offices. Vehicle owners may renew expired registrations by paying the standard registration fees and taxes required under MCA § 61-3-321, regardless of how long the registration has been expired.

Important Note: While there are no administrative late fees for renewal, operating a motor vehicle on public highways with expired registration is a criminal violation subject to prosecution.

Traffic Violations

Operating a motor vehicle on Montana public highways with expired registration constitutes a misdemeanor offense under state law.

According to MCA § 61-3-301, a person may not operate a motor vehicle upon the public highways of Montana unless the motor vehicle is properly registered and has the proper license plates conspicuously displayed. Violation of this provision constitutes a misdemeanor offense.

Government Agencies

Montana Motor Vehicle Division
302 N Roberts
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 444-3933
Official Website: Montana Motor Vehicle Division

Montana Highway Patrol Headquarters
18 Trooper Drive
Boulder, MT 59632
Phone: (406) 444-3278
Official Website: Montana Highway Patrol