Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Montana in 2025
Montana law mandates motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under Montana Code Annotated Title 61, Chapter 6, vehicle owners must establish financial responsibility before operating a motor vehicle in the state. The Montana Motor Vehicle Division administers vehicle registration and enforces insurance compliance throughout Montana. The requirement applies to both initial vehicle registration and annual registration renewal.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
Montana Code Annotated Section 61-6 establishes that no person may operate a motor vehicle in Montana unless financial responsibility has been established. Motor vehicle liability insurance represents the primary method of demonstrating financial responsibility. The requirement applies to all motor vehicles operated on public roads, with limited statutory exceptions.
The Montana Motor Vehicle Division administers vehicle registration and titling throughout the state. The division maintains county treasurer offices in communities across Montana that process registration applications, renewals, and transfers. Insurance verification occurs during the registration process to ensure compliance with financial responsibility requirements.
Vehicle owners must maintain continuous insurance coverage throughout the registration period. Operating a vehicle without established financial responsibility constitutes a violation of Montana law and may result in suspension of driving privileges, vehicle registration suspension, and reinstatement fees.
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
302 North Roberts Street, Helena, MT 59620
Phone: (406) 444-3933
Official Website: Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
Montana Code Annotated Section 61-6-103 establishes minimum coverage amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance. The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance regulates insurance companies operating in the state. Montana requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury or death of one person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury or death of two or more persons | $50,000 total |
| Property damage | $20,000 |
The minimum coverage requirements apply to liability insurance only. Montana law does not mandate collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, or medical payments coverage, though lenders typically require comprehensive and collision coverage for financed vehicles. Uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage must be offered by insurance companies but may be rejected by policyholders in writing.
Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance
840 Helena Avenue, Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 444-2040
Official Website: Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance
Proof of Insurance Documents
Montana requires vehicle operators to carry proof of motor vehicle liability insurance at all times while operating a motor vehicle. The following formats are accepted:
- Insurance identification card issued by the insurance company showing policy number, coverage dates, and vehicle information
- Electronic proof of insurance displayed on a mobile device, smartphone, or other portable electronic device
- Certificate of self-insurance issued by the Montana Department of Justice for qualified entities
Montana law enforcement officers and Motor Vehicle Division personnel may request proof of insurance during traffic stops, accidents, or vehicle inspections. Failure to provide acceptable proof may result in citations and penalties.
Exceptions to Insurance Requirements
Limited exceptions to the financial responsibility requirement exist under Montana law:
- Vehicles owned by the United States, the state of Montana, or any political subdivision of the state
- Vehicles owned by self-insurers holding certificates of self-insurance issued by the Montana Department of Justice
- Vehicles covered by surety bonds filed with the Montana Department of Justice in amounts meeting minimum liability coverage requirements
- Vehicles for which a cash deposit has been made with the state treasurer in amounts meeting minimum liability coverage requirements
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The Montana Motor Vehicle Division verifies insurance coverage before processing vehicle registration applications and renewals. Vehicle owners must provide proof of insurance when registering a vehicle for the first time in Montana or when renewing an existing registration.
New Montana residents must establish Montana insurance coverage and register their vehicles within 60 days of establishing residency. New residents must obtain Montana insurance before completing vehicle registration at their local county treasurer's office.
Montana motorists may renew vehicle registration online through the Montana Motor Vehicle Division online services, by mail, or in person at county treasurer offices. Online renewals require active insurance coverage in the state verification system. The Motor Vehicle Division confirms insurance status electronically before processing registration transactions.
