How To Register a Car in Montana

Who Needs Vehicle Registration in Montana

The Montana Motor Vehicle Division administers vehicle registration and titling throughout the state.Vehicle registration is mandatory for all vehicles operated on Montana's public roads and highways. This requirement applies to Montana residents, new residents, and specific categories of non-residents operating vehicles within the state.

Montana's comprehensive motor vehicle regulations are governed by Montana Code Annotated Title 61, which establishes the legal framework for all vehicle registration requirements.

New residents must register their vehicles within 60 days of establishing Montana residency. A person who has resided in Montana for more than 60 consecutive days is considered a resident for vehicle titling and registration purposes. Establishing residency typically occurs when an individual obtains employment, enrolls children in school, registers to vote, or takes other actions indicating permanent residence.

Military personnel stationed in Montana who maintain legal residence in another state are not required to register their vehicles in Montana, provided their home state registration remains valid. Active duty military members may apply for military driver license exemptions and vehicle registration exemptions if they joined the military in Montana and are stationed outside the state, or if they joined the military outside Montana but are currently stationed in Montana. Military exemptions render licenses valid up to 90 days post honorable discharge.

Students attending Montana educational institutions while maintaining legal residence in another state are generally exempt from Montana registration requirements. However, students who work in Montana or establish permanent residence must register their vehicles according to standard requirements.

Temporary visitors and tourists may operate properly registered out-of-state vehicles in Montana without obtaining Montana registration. This exemption applies to vehicles with valid registration from other states, provided the visit is temporary and the owner maintains legal residence elsewhere.

Business fleets and commercial operators must register each vehicle used for business purposes in Montana. Companies with vehicles based in Montana or regularly operating in the state must maintain proper Montana registration for each vehicle.

Licensed dealers may operate vehicles under dealer plates for specific business purposes, including demonstrations, testing, and transportation to customers. However, dealer plate privileges are limited and subject to specific regulations.

Interstate commercial operators may utilize the International Registration Plan (IRP) for vehicles engaged in interstate commerce, allowing proportional registration based on miles operated in participating jurisdictions.

What Types of Vehicles Need Registration in Montana

Montana requires registration for various vehicle categories operated on public roads:

Passenger cars including sedans, coupes, convertibles, and station wagons
Pickup trucks one ton and under used for personal transportation
Sport utility vehicles and vans used for personal or commercial purposes
Motorcycles including standard motorcycles, motor scooters, and three-wheeled vehicles
Commercial trucks exceeding one ton gross vehicle weight rating
Heavy trucks used for commercial transportation and freight hauling
Buses used for public transportation, school transportation, or commercial passenger service
Motor homes and recreational vehicles designed for camping and travel
Travel trailers and campers exceeding 2,000 pounds gross weight
Utility trailers and equipment trailers used for commercial or personal purposes
Antique vehicles 25 years old or older used on public roads
Classic motor vehicles meeting specific age and condition requirements
Off-highway vehicles when operated on designated public roads with proper permits
Quadricycles designed for on-road or off-road use with operator seating

Montana classifies light vehicles as passenger cars, pickup trucks one-ton and under, vans, and sport utility vehicles. These vehicles may choose from 12-month, 24-month, or permanent registration options depending on vehicle age and plate type.

Which Vehicles Are Exempt From Registration in Montana

Several vehicle categories are exempt from Montana registration requirements:

Agricultural implements including tractors, combines, and farm equipment operated exclusively for farming purposes are exempt when traveling between fields or to service facilities. Farm trailers used solely for agricultural purposes may also qualify for exemptions under specific weight and usage limitations.

Government vehicles owned and operated by federal, state, county, or municipal governments are exempt from registration fees, though they may display government identification plates.

Military tactical vehicles including tanks, armored vehicles, and specialized military equipment operated by armed forces are exempt from civilian registration requirements.

Off-highway vehicles designed exclusively for off-road use, including dirt bikes, ATVs not street-legal, and specialized recreational vehicles, are exempt from road registration but may require registration through Montana's off-highway vehicle programs managed by state parks.

Golf carts operated exclusively on golf courses or private property are exempt from registration. However, golf carts used on public roads in authorized communities may require special permits or alternative registration.

Vehicles operated exclusively on private property including industrial equipment, construction vehicles, and farm machinery that never enter public roadways are exempt from registration requirements.

Armed forces members operating military vehicles in official capacity are exempt under specific circumstances outlined in Montana Code Annotated § 61-5-104.

Some exempt vehicles may utilize alternative registration programs or receive temporary permits for limited public road use during specific events or transportation needs.

What Do You Need To Register a Car in Montana

Registering a vehicle in Montana requires specific documentation, inspections, and fee payments:

Required Documents:

Completed application for Montana title and registration available from county treasurer offices
Proof of ownership including previous title, manufacturer's certificate of origin, or court order
Valid identification such as driver's license, state ID card, or passport
Proof of insurance meeting Montana's minimum coverage requirements
Odometer disclosure statement for vehicles under 10 years old
Lien holder information if applicable, including lienholder name and address
Power of attorney if someone other than the owner is completing the transaction

Vehicle Inspection Requirements: Out-of-state vehicles require VIN inspection by law enforcement or authorized inspection personnel to verify the vehicle identification number matches title documents. This inspection ensures the vehicle is not stolen and confirms accurate identification information. Level 1 Vehicle Identification Number Inspection may be requested by any county or the Motor Vehicle Division for verification purposes.

Safety and Emissions Requirements: Montana does not require periodic safety inspections or emissions testing for passenger vehicles. The state has no mandatory vehicle inspection program, making it one of the states without regular inspection requirements. However, vehicles suspected of safety violations or equipment deficiencies may be subject to individual inspection orders.

Fees and Taxes: Montana vehicle registration involves multiple fees based on vehicle type and age:

Registration rates for light vehicles vary by age: 0 to 4 years old pay $217, 5 to 10 years old pay $87, and vehicles 11 years or older pay $28. These rates include a 3% administrative fee.

County option tax may be imposed by individual counties based on manufacturer's suggested retail price, depreciated according to established schedules. Counties may impose taxes based on vehicle value or flat fee structures.

Title fees of $8.50 for processing certificates of title. License plate fees of $12 when new plates are required.

Highway Patrol Salary and Retention Fee applies to various vehicle categories. Temporary registration fees of $5 for vehicles requiring temporary permits.

Registration must be completed within 60 days of establishing Montana residency or purchasing a vehicle from an out-of-state source.

Where to Register Your Vehicle in Montana

Montana operates vehicle registration through county treasurer offices located in all 56 counties throughout the state. Each county treasurer's office provides complete vehicle titling and registration services for county residents.

Major County Treasurer Offices:

Yellowstone County Treasurer Motor Vehicle Office
217 N 27th St, Rm 109, Billings, MT 59101
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
(406) 256-2833
Yellowstone County Treasurer

Missoula County Treasurer Motor Vehicle Office
200 W Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
(406) 258-4747
Missoula County Treasurer

Cascade County Treasurer Motor Vehicle Office
121 4th St N, Suite 1A, Great Falls, MT 59401
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
(406) 454-6860
Cascade County Treasurer

Gallatin County Treasurer Motor Vehicle Office
311 W Main, Rm 104, Bozeman, MT 59715
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
(406) 582-3084
Gallatin County Treasurer

Flathead County Treasurer Motor Vehicle Office
290 A N Main St, Kalispell, MT 59901
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
(406) 758-5690
Flathead County Treasurer

Lewis and Clark County Treasurer Motor Vehicle Office
316 N Park Ave, Rm 142, Helena, MT 59623
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
(406) 447-8328
Lewis and Clark County Treasurer

A complete directory is available at the Montana Motor Vehicle Division county treasurer locations page.

Montana also operates satellite offices in some counties to provide additional convenience for residents in remote areas. Some counties offer mail-in registration services and online renewal options for qualifying transactions.

Can I Register a Vehicle Online in Montana?

Montana provides limited online vehicle registration services through MVD Online Services and county-specific portals for eligible transactions:

Available Online Services:

Registration renewals for vehicles with current, valid registration
Address changes for existing vehicle registrations
Duplicate registration documents and certificate requests
Vehicle records requests and verification services
Replacement titles for lost or damaged certificates

Online Service Limitations: Initial vehicle registration, title transfers, and out-of-state vehicle transfers require in-person processing at county treasurer offices. These transactions involve document verification, VIN inspections, and fee calculations that cannot be completed remotely.

New vehicle purchases, used vehicle purchases, and registrations involving liens must be processed in person to ensure proper documentation and ownership verification.

Eligibility Requirements for Online Services: Vehicles must have no outstanding violations, no administrative holds, and current insurance verification on file with the Motor Vehicle Division. Registration must not be expired by more than specific timeframes, and no changes to vehicle information can be required.

The Montana Motor Vehicle Division online portal provides secure access to eligible services. Various county treasurer offices also offer online renewal services through the state portal at https://cars.dojmt.gov/app/.

Online services accept credit cards and electronic payments for transaction processing. Convenience fees may apply to online transactions depending on the county and service type.

When Does Vehicle Registration Expire in Montana

Montana vehicle registration follows individualized expiration schedules determined when vehicles are first titled and registered in the state. Registration periods vary based on the renewal option selected by vehicle owners.

Registration Period Options: Light vehicles may choose 12-month registration, 24-month registration, or permanent registration for vehicles 11 years old or older. The registration period and expiration date are determined when the vehicle is first titled and registered in Montana, remaining consistent for subsequent renewals.

Expiration Date System: Vehicle registration expiration dates are assigned individually when first registered, not based on VIN digits or standardized calendar schedules. Registration must be renewed during the month shown on the license plates at the county treasurer's office in the county of residence.

Registration Certificates and Plates: Montana issues registration certificates that must be carried in the vehicle showing the complete registration period, vehicle information, and owner details. License plates display expiration dates indicating the month and year when registration expires.

Validity Requirements: Registration remains valid only when insurance coverage meets Montana minimum requirements and address information is current with the county treasurer's office. Permanent registrations do not require renewal as long as ownership remains unchanged.

Consequences of Expired Registration: Operating a vehicle with expired registration results in traffic citations and penalties. Late renewal penalties may apply depending on how long registration has been expired. Vehicles expired for 12 months or less renew for the same calendar months originally registered.

Special Registration Schedules: Commercial vehicles and fleet vehicles may follow different expiration schedules based on International Registration Plan requirements or specialized commercial registration programs. Permanently registered vehicles have no regular expiration requirements, eliminating renewal obligations.

Renewal Notifications: Counties may provide renewal notices approximately 30 days before expiration to registered owners. Online account holders may receive email notifications as additional reminders for eligible renewal services.