How To Get a Car Title in Montana 2026
Montana law requires all vehicles operated on public roadways to obtain a certificate of title as specified in Title 61, Chapter 3 of the Montana Code Annotated. The Montana Motor Vehicle Division, which functions under the Department of Justice, serves as the state authority responsible for processing title applications and maintaining vehicle ownership documentation for all registered motor vehicles across Montana.
Where to Apply for a Montana Certificate of Title
Montana residents must submit title applications through designated local processing agents rather than directly to the state office. Authorized submission locations include:
- County Treasurer's Offices – The primary processing centers located in each of Montana's 56 counties, staffed by elected county treasurers and their deputies
- Authorized Third-Party Providers – Licensed private businesses contracted to handle motor vehicle transactions in select locations
- Montana Motor Vehicle Division – Direct submission available only for specific transaction types requiring state-level review
Required Documents for Title Application in Montana
Applicants seeking a Montana certificate of title must present specified documentation to verify ownership and satisfy state regulatory standards.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Origin or Prior Title | Document must display the applicant's name as owner or contain proper assignment chain | Out-of-state titles must be surrendered; electronic titles require transmission from issuing state |
| Motor Vehicle Title and Registration Application (MV1) | Complete all applicable fields with original signatures | Form must be dated within 60 days of submission |
| Proof of Insurance | Montana-compliant liability coverage meeting minimum statutory requirements | Insurance verification must be current and list the specific vehicle |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Certain transactions necessitate supplementary documentation based on the transfer circumstances:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lienholder Authorization | Confirms satisfaction of outstanding secured debt | Original documentation from financial institution required; personal letters insufficient |
| Assignment of Security Interest (MV20) | Records new lien against vehicle | Mandatory when financing purchase through lending institution |
| Vehicle Identification Number Inspection | Physical verification of VIN authenticity | Required for first-time Montana titles and when prior documentation lacks proper VIN verification |
| Bill of Sale | Establishes purchase price and transfer date | Needed when title lacks specific transfer information or for estate transfers |
| Montana Highway Patrol Safety Inspection | Certifies vehicle meets safety standards | Mandatory for vehicles manufactured for foreign markets or lacking U.S. Department of Transportation certification |
Montana Title Fees and Costs
The Montana Motor Vehicle Division establishes uniform fee schedules applicable statewide, though counties may impose authorized supplemental charges for processing services.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| New Vehicle Title Issuance (light vehicles, trucks, buses under 1 ton) | $12.36 |
| New Vehicle Title Issuance (all other vehicles) | $10.30 |
| Transfer of Existing Title (light vehicles, trucks, buses under 1 ton) | $12.36 |
| Transfer of Existing Title (all other vehicles) | $10.30 |
| Duplicate Title Certificate (light vehicles, trucks, buses under 1 ton) | $12.36 |
| Duplicate Title Certificate (all other vehicles) | $10.30 |
| Lien Notation Addition | $8.24 |
| Lien Release Recording | $8.24 |
Note: All title fees include a 3% administration fee per § 61-3-111, MCA
Additional Processing Fees and Registration Costs
Title applicants should anticipate potential supplementary costs beyond the title fee itself:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| County Handling Fee | Varies by county | Authorized by state statute; typically $3.00-$10.00 |
| Registration and Licensing | Varies significantly | Calculated using vehicle age, weight, and county of residence. Light vehicle rates: 0-4 years $217, 5-10 years $87, 11+ years $28 (before county tax) |
| Temporary Registration Permit | $5.00 | Valid for 60 days when awaiting permanent credentials |
| Electric Vehicle Annual Registration Fee | $130-$1,100 | Based on GVWR; recurring annual charge (not a title fee) |
| Plug-in Hybrid Annual Registration Fee | $70-$700 | Based on GVWR; recurring annual charge (not a title fee) |
| Luxury Vehicle Fee | $825.00 | Applied to light vehicles with MSRP over $150,000 at time of registration |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Assemble Ownership Documentation
Obtain the existing certificate of origin or properly assigned title showing a clear transfer to your name. If the previous owner holds an electronic title, request that they release it to Montana through their state's electronic title system. Secure a bill of sale containing the purchase date, sale price, and complete vehicle description if the title assignment section is incomplete.
Step 2: Obtain Required Insurance Coverage
Purchase Montana-compliant automobile liability insurance meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $20,000 for property damage. Confirm your insurance provider will submit electronic verification directly to the Motor Vehicle Division or provide acceptable written proof.
Step 3: Complete Application Documentation
Download and fill out the Motor Vehicle Title and Registration Application form (MV1), ensuring all ownership information matches exactly as shown on supporting documents. Sign and date the application within 60 days of your intended submission date. If purchasing from a dealer, verify that they have completed the dealer assignment section with authorized signatures.
Step 4: Arrange Vehicle Identification Verification
For vehicles being titled in Montana for the first time, schedule a VIN inspection at your local law enforcement agency or authorized inspection station. Most county treasurer offices can also perform this verification during your visit. Bring the vehicle and all ownership documents to the inspection appointment.
Step 5: Submit Application at County Treasurer's Office
Visit your county treasurer's office during regular business hours with all completed forms, supporting documents, and payment. The treasurer's staff will review your application, calculate fees based on vehicle specifications and your county of residence, and collect payment by cash, check, or card where accepted. Some counties accept appointments to reduce wait times.
Step 6: Receive Temporary Documentation and Await Title
Upon approval, you will receive a temporary registration permit allowing legal operation while your permanent credentials are produced. Montana titles are typically mailed to the owner's address within 10 to 14 business days after processing. If you have listed a lienholder on your application, the title will be sent directly to that lending institution until the debt is satisfied.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Montana statutes exempt specific vehicle categories from certificate of title requirements:
- Motorized recreational equipment, including all-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcycles registered through the recreational vehicle program
- Implements of husbandry used exclusively for agricultural operations
- Vehicles owned by federal, state, or local government entities
- Trailers with unladen weight under 2,000 pounds
- Self-propelled equipment not designed for highway transportation
Contact Information
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
302 North Roberts Street, Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 444-3933
Official Website: Montana Motor Vehicle Division
