Car Registration Requirements for New Montana Residents
Individuals establishing residence in Montana must title and register vehicles brought from other states. Montana law combines titling and registration into a single, simultaneous process administered through county treasurer offices statewide.
Timeline for New Montana Residents
Residents relocating to Montana must apply for a title and register their vehicles within 60 days of establishing residency. This deadline applies to motor vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, and other vehicles requiring state registration.
Establishing Montana Residency
Montana residency for vehicle registration purposes begins when an individual resides in the state or establishes permanent residence through employment, property ownership, or voter registration. New residents include individuals who relocate to Montana with the intent to remain indefinitely, as distinguished from temporary visitors or seasonal workers.
Required Documentation for Car Registration in Montana
Montana combines titling and registration into one process. New residents must provide documentation when applying at county treasurer offices.
Essential Documents
- Certificate of title from the previous state showing current ownership, properly assigned to the applicant
- Application for Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle (Form MV1), completed and signed
- Current vehicle registration from the other jurisdiction
- Proof of Montana vehicle liability insurance meeting state minimum coverage requirements
- Vehicle identification matching the title documentation
Additional Documentation Requirements
For vehicles with liens: If a lienholder holds the out-of-state title, complete the Request for Foreign Title Transfer (Form MV63) and submit it to the lienholder to obtain the original title.
Odometer disclosure: Federal and state law require completion of the Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MV90) for vehicles less than 10 years old.
Power of attorney: If another person will sign documents on behalf of the owner, submit a Power of Attorney (Form MV65) with the application.
Montana Insurance Requirements
Montana law mandates liability insurance coverage for all registered vehicles. Required minimum coverage amounts are:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Property Damage Liability | $20,000 per accident |
| Uninsured Motorist Coverage | Must be offered by insurer (owner may decline in writing) |
Proof of insurance must be maintained and provided to the county treasurer during the registration process.
Application Submission Methods
In-Person Submission: Applications must be submitted in person at the county treasurer's office in the county of residence.
Mail Submission: Title applications requiring special processing may be mailed to:
Motor Vehicle Division
Vehicle Services Bureau
P.O. Box 201431
Helena, MT 59620-1431
Registration Fees and Costs in Montana
Montana vehicle registration fees vary based on vehicle type, age, and local option taxes. New residents pay title fees, registration fees, and county option taxes.
Title Fees
- Certificate of title fee: Included in registration fees
- Replacement title fee: $10.30 (includes 3% administrative fee per § 61-3-111, MCA)
- Late title application fee: $10 (if submitted more than 40 days after acquisition)
Light Vehicle Registration Fees
Light vehicles are assessed registration fees based on vehicle age under § 61-3-321(2)(d), MCA:
| Vehicle Age | Annual Registration Rate |
|---|---|
| 0-4 years | $217.00 |
| 5-10 years | $87.00 |
| 11+ years | $28.00 |
Note: Registration rate includes a 3% administrative fee. Vehicle age is determined by subtracting the model year from the current calendar year.
County Option Tax
Counties impose a tax based on the vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price, depreciated according to § 61-3-503, MCA. Depreciation rates are:
| Vehicle Age | Depreciation Multiplier |
|---|---|
| 0 years | 100% |
| 1 year | 90% |
| 2 years | 80% |
| 3 years | 70% |
| 4 years | 60% |
| 5 years | 50% |
| 6 years | 40% |
| 7 years | 30% |
| 8 years | 20% |
| 9 years | 10% |
| 10+ years | 5% |
County option tax rates vary by county. Contact the local county treasurer's office for specific tax amounts.
Additional Fees
- Highway Patrol salary and retention fee: Variable based on vehicle type
- Brain injury awareness donation: $1 (automatic; may opt out)
- Optional donations: Organ donor program ($1+), cancer screening support ($1+)
Fee Calculation
Montana provides a vehicle fee estimator through MVD Online Services to calculate total registration costs based on vehicle specifications and county of residence.
Contact Information
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
302 North Roberts Street, Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 444-3933
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
County Treasurer Offices
County Treasurer Locations
