How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Montana?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Montana residents to maintain legal vehicle operation and comply with state motor vehicle laws. The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), operating under the Montana Department of Justice, oversees the state's vehicle registration system and establishes statewide policies, while county treasurer offices administer registration services directly to vehicle owners throughout Montana's 56 counties.
Montana's decentralized registration system delegates administrative authority to county treasurers, who serve as the primary contact point for all vehicle titling, registration, and licensing transactions. Vehicle owners must complete registration transactions in their county of residence, though registration requirements and fee structures remain uniform statewide under Montana Code Annotated Title 61.
Montana Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Montana vehicle owners must provide the following documentation when renewing vehicle registration:
- Current Vehicle Registration: Existing registration certificate or renewal notice containing vehicle identification information and registration number
- Proof of Montana Vehicle Insurance: Current liability insurance documentation meeting Montana minimum coverage requirements as mandated by Montana Code Annotated § 61-6-301
- Government-Issued Photo Identification: Valid Montana driver's license or state-issued identification card for the registered owner
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): 17-character VIN from vehicle registration document or vehicle dashboard
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
Montana establishes specific deadlines and timelines for vehicle registration renewal and initial registration:
- Annual Registration Cycle: All light vehicle registrations in Montana operate on an annual renewal cycle based on the registrant's birth month
- Permanent Registration Option: Montana offers permanent registration for certain qualifying light vehicles, eliminating annual renewal requirements after payment of a one-time fee
- Registration Expiration: Annual vehicle registrations expire on the last day of the assigned registration month at midnight
- No Statutory Grace Period: Montana law does not provide an official grace period for expired registrations; operating a vehicle with expired registration constitutes a violation of Montana Code Annotated § 61-3-321
Montana Registration Renewal Schedule
Montana employs multiple registration scheduling systems depending on vehicle type and registration classification:
Light Vehicles (Passenger Cars, Light Trucks, SUVs, Motorcycles)
Montana assigns light vehicle registration renewal based on the registrant's birth month. Vehicle registration expires on the last day of the month corresponding to the owner's birth month as shown on their Montana driver's license.
Birth Month Registration System: A vehicle owner born in April will have registration that expires on April 30 each year, regardless of when the vehicle was initially purchased or registered.
Multiple Vehicle Owners: For vehicles with multiple registered owners, the registration expiration aligns with the birth month of the first owner listed on the title and registration.
Permanent Light Vehicle Registration: Montana offers 24-month registration or permanent registration for light vehicles (automobiles, light trucks under 1 ton, and motorcycles) manufactured in model year 1984 or later and at least eleven (11) years old. Permanently registered vehicles do not require annual renewal.
Heavy Trucks and Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicles, heavy trucks exceeding 1-ton capacity, and vehicles requiring weight-based fees follow a calendar-year registration system. These vehicles renew annually with a December 31 expiration date regardless of owner birth month.
Trailers and Recreational Vehicles
Montana offers both annual and permanent registration options for trailers and recreational vehicles:
- Annual Trailer Registration: Expires December 31 each year
- Permanent Trailer Registration: Available for trailers manufactured in model year 1984 or later; eliminates annual renewal requirement
- Travel Trailers and Motorhomes: Annual registration aligned with owner birth month or calendar year depending on vehicle classification and weight
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Montana in 2025?
2025 Montana Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
Montana vehicle registration fees vary based on vehicle type, age, weight classification, and manufacturer's suggested retail price. The state uses a tiered fee structure that differs significantly from most states, with specific categories for light vehicles, heavy trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and watercraft. Fee schedules are established by Montana Code Annotated § 61-3-321 and administered through county treasurer offices across all 56 Montana counties.
Light Vehicle Registration Fees (Passenger Cars, SUVs, and Light Trucks Under 1 Ton)
Montana employs a simplified three-tier age-based fee structure for light vehicles, with fees decreasing as vehicles age to reflect depreciation. This system differs from the graduated scales used in many other states:
| Vehicle Age | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| 4 years old or less | $217.00 |
| 5 through 10 years old | $87.00 |
| 11 years old or older | $28.00 |
Luxury Vehicle Surcharge: Light vehicles with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) exceeding $150,000 that are 10 years old or less pay an additional $825.00 annual surcharge. This luxury tax applies to high-end sports cars, exotic vehicles, and premium luxury automobiles, bringing the total annual registration fee to $1,042.00 for vehicles 4 years old or less, or $912.00 for vehicles 5 through 10 years old.
Vehicle Age Calculation: Montana determines vehicle age by subtracting the model year from the current calendar year. A 2021 model vehicle registered in 2025 is considered 4 years old and pays the $217.00 annual fee.
Permanent Light Vehicle Registration Option
Montana provides permanent registration for light vehicles 11 years old or older, eliminating the need for annual renewal:
Permanent Registration Fee: $28.00 one-time payment (equivalent to one year's annual registration for vehicles 11+ years old)
Eligibility Requirements: Light vehicles must be 11 years old or older based on model year. The permanent registration option became available under Montana's registration modernization reforms.
Permanent Registration Process: Vehicle owners pay the one-time fee of $28.00, along with a $5.00 insurance verification fee (unless new license plates are being issued simultaneously), plus any applicable personalized or specialty plate fees calculated at five times the annual renewal rate. Once permanently registered, the vehicle never requires registration renewal as long as the current owner retains ownership.
Heavy Truck Registration Fees (Vehicles Exceeding 1 Ton, Buses, and Logging Trucks)
Montana assesses a flat annual registration fee for all trucks, buses, and logging trucks exceeding 1-ton capacity, regardless of specific weight classification:
| Vehicle Type | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Heavy trucks over 1 ton | $22.75 |
| Buses over 1 ton | $22.75 |
| Logging trucks over 1 ton | $22.75 |
Commercial Vehicle Consideration: This fee structure applies to the base registration only. Commercial vehicles operating in interstate commerce may require additional federal registration, permits, and International Registration Plan (IRP) apportioned registration, which are calculated separately based on gross vehicle weight and mileage allocation across participating jurisdictions.
Motor Home Registration Fees
Motor homes use an age-based fee schedule similar to light vehicles but with higher fee amounts reflecting their larger size and value:
| Vehicle Age | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years old | $282.50 |
| 2 years old but less than 5 years old | $224.25 |
| 5 years old but less than 8 years old | $132.50 |
| 8 years old and older | $97.50 |
Luxury Motor Home Surcharge: Motor homes with a manufacturer's suggested retail price exceeding $300,000 that are 10 years old or less pay an additional $800.00 annual surcharge, bringing total registration fees to $1,082.50 for motor homes less than 2 years old.
Permanent Motor Home Registration: Owners of motor homes 11 years old or older may opt for permanent registration by paying a one-time fee of $237.50, plus a $5.00 insurance verification fee (unless new plates are issued), and applicable fees for personalized or specialty plates calculated at five times the annual renewal rate. Permanently registered motor homes never require renewal under the same ownership.
Motorcycle and Quadricycle Registration Fees
Montana offers both one-time permanent registration and annual registration options for motorcycles and quadricycles, depending on intended use and owner preference:
One-Time Permanent Registration (Standard Option)
| Usage Type | One-Time Registration Fee | Mandatory Safety Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Highway use only | $53.25 | $16.00 |
| Off-highway use only | $53.25 | $16.00 |
| Dual registration (highway and off-highway) | $114.50 | $16.00 |
Total Cost for Standard Permanent Registration: $69.25 for highway-only or off-highway-only use, or $130.50 for dual registration.
Recreation Pass Discount: Motorcyclists who purchase a valid summer motorized recreation trail pass (issued under Montana Code Annotated § 23-2-111) receive reduced registration fees of $33.25 for highway use or $94.50 for dual registration, reflecting the contribution already made to trail maintenance through the separate pass program.
Annual Registration Alternative
Motorcycle owners may elect annual registration instead of one-time permanent registration by registering under Montana Code Annotated § 61-3-701:
| Usage Type | Annual Registration Fee | Annual Safety Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Highway use only | $44.00 | $7.00 |
| Off-highway use only | $44.00 | $7.00 |
| Dual registration (highway and off-highway) | $88.00 | $7.00 |
Annual Registration Consideration: Annual registration may benefit motorcycle owners who frequently change motorcycles, as the annual fee structure provides more flexibility for ownership transfers compared to permanent registration.
Motorcycle Safety Fee: All motorcycle and quadricycle registration fees include mandatory safety fees deposited in the state motorcycle safety account established under Montana Code Annotated § 20-25-1002, which funds motorcycle safety education programs, training courses, and awareness campaigns.
Trailer, Semitrailer, and Pole Trailer Registration Fees
Montana charges one-time permanent registration fees for trailers based on declared weight:
| Declared Weight | One-Time Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Less than 6,000 pounds | $61.25 |
| 6,000 pounds or more | $148.25 |
Annual Registration Alternative: Trailer owners may elect annual registration under Montana Code Annotated § 61-3-701 at reduced annual rates:
| Declared Weight | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Less than 6,000 pounds | $30.00 |
| 6,000 pounds or more | $60.00 |
Declared Weight Definition: Declared weight represents the maximum gross vehicle weight the trailer owner intends to carry, including the trailer's empty weight plus maximum anticipated cargo weight. Owners should declare weight conservatively to avoid potential overweight violations during operation.
Travel Trailer Registration Fees
Travel trailers, including conventional travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, and truck campers, pay one-time permanent registration fees based on overall length:
| Trailer Length | One-Time Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Under 16 feet | $72.00 |
| 16 feet or longer | $152.00 |
Length Measurement: Montana measures travel trailer length from the front exterior wall to the rear exterior wall, excluding hitches, couplers, bumpers, or exterior-mounted accessories such as spare tire carriers or ladder racks.
Off-Highway Vehicle Registration Fees
Off-highway vehicles (excluding motorcycles, quadricycles, and snowmobiles) pay one-time permanent registration fees:
| Registration Type | One-Time Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard off-highway vehicle registration | $61.25 |
| Registration with valid summer motorized recreation trail pass | $41.25 |
Summer Motorized Recreation Trail Pass: Off-highway vehicle owners who purchase summer motorized recreation trail passes issued under Montana Code Annotated § 23-2-111 receive a $20.00 registration fee reduction.
Collector Vehicle Registration Fees
Montana offers special one-time permanent registration for motor vehicles owned and operated solely as collector's items under Montana Code Annotated § 61-3-411:
| Vehicle Weight | One-Time Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| 2,850 pounds or more | $10.00 |
| Under 2,850 pounds | $5.00 |
Collector Vehicle Requirements: Collector vehicle registration restricts use to club activities, exhibitions, parades, and occasional recreational driving. Collector vehicles cannot be used for regular transportation, commuting, or commercial purposes.
Low-Speed Electric Vehicle and Golf Cart Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | One-Time Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Low-speed electric vehicles | $25.00 |
| Golf carts (low-speed restricted license holders) | $25.00 |
| Golf carts authorized for public road use | $25.00 (includes visible decal) |
Low-Speed Vehicle Definition: Low-speed electric vehicles are limited to streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less under Montana law. Golf carts authorized for public road operation under Montana Code Annotated § 61-8-391 must display decals issued by the Montana Department of Justice Motor Vehicle Division.
Additional Mandatory Fees and Assessments
Montana vehicle registration costs include several mandatory supplemental fees beyond base registration fees:
License Plate Fees
| Plate Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| New standard license plates (both plates) | $12.00 |
| New single standard license plate | $12.00 |
| Replacement specialty plates | $12.00 |
| Retaining same plate number from pre-2010 plates | $16.00 additional |
Plate Fee Allocation: Of the $12.00 plate fee, $10.00 is deposited in the Motor Vehicle Division insurance verification account established under Montana Code Annotated § 61-6-158, while $2.00 is deposited in the state general fund.
Plate Transfer Exception: Previously issued license plates transferred between vehicles under the same ownership under Montana Code Annotated § 61-3-335 are exempt from the $12.00 plate fee, though all applicable registration fees for the receiving vehicle must still be paid.
Specialty and Personalized License Plates
Montana offers numerous specialty license plate options supporting universities, military service, organizational causes, and personalized messages:
Personalized License Plates: $25.00 additional annual fee beyond standard registration fees, allowing owners to customize plate configurations within Montana Department of Justice guidelines.
Specialty Organizational Plates: Montana authorizes specialty plates for universities, military veterans, professional organizations, wildlife conservation, and charitable causes. Specialty plate fees vary by plate type, typically ranging from $25.00 to $40.00 annually, with portions of fees supporting designated organizations.
Military and Veteran Plates: Certain military service plates, including disabled veteran plates, Purple Heart recipient plates, and Medal of Honor recipient plates, may be issued at reduced fees or fee exemptions depending on the veteran's service and disability status.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Montana
Online Renewal Availability
Montana county treasurers offer online vehicle registration renewal through county-specific web portals or the statewide Montana Motor Vehicle Division Online Services platform. Online renewal availability and specific procedures vary by county, though most Montana counties provide electronic registration renewal capabilities as of 2025.
Online Renewal Eligibility
Not all vehicles qualify for online registration renewal. Montana establishes specific eligibility requirements:
Eligible for Online Renewal:
- Passenger vehicles with annual registration
- Motorcycles with annual registration
- Light trucks (1 ton or less) with annual registration
- Current registration not expired more than 12 months
- No changes to vehicle ownership, lienholder, or registration address
- Valid Montana liability insurance currently in effect
- Current emissions testing certificate if required by county of registration
Ineligible for Online Renewal:
- Permanently registered vehicles (no renewal required)
- Commercial vehicles and heavy trucks requiring weight certification
- Vehicles with registration suspended or revoked
- Vehicles requiring new license plates
- Initial Montana registrations for newly purchased vehicles or new residents
- Vehicles with ownership or title changes pending
Online Renewal Process
Montana county treasurers and the myMVD portal follow this standardized online renewal procedure:
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Confirm online renewal eligibility before beginning the transaction:
- Registration expiration date must be within the renewal window (typically 90 days before expiration through 12 months after expiration)
- No pending title changes, ownership transfers, or address modifications
- Current Montana liability insurance policy in effect
- Emissions testing certificate current if required by county of registration
- No outstanding registration holds, unpaid tickets, or administrative suspensions
Step 2: Gather Required Information
Collect the following information and documentation before accessing the online renewal portal:
- Montana license plate number (6-digit plate number without prefix letters)
- Vehicle identification number (VIN) - full 17-character VIN from registration document
- Montana driver's license number or state-issued identification number
- Current vehicle odometer reading (required for vehicles model year 2010 and newer)
- Montana liability insurance policy information including insurance company name and policy number
- Renewal notice number (if available) from mailed renewal notice
- Valid credit card, debit card, or electronic check information for payment
Step 3: Complete Application
Access the Montana myMVD portal or county-specific online renewal system and complete the renewal transaction:
- Navigate to Montana Motor Vehicle Division Online Services or county treasurer online renewal website
- Select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from available services menu
- Enter Montana license plate number and VIN when prompted
- Verify vehicle information displayed by the system matches your vehicle registration
- Enter current odometer reading if required for your vehicle model year
- Provide Montana liability insurance information including insurance company and policy number
- Review calculated registration fees, optional taxes, and total amount due
- Verify all information accuracy before proceeding to payment screen
- Enter payment information using accepted electronic payment methods
- Review and accept any online convenience fees assessed by county treasurer or service provider
- Submit completed renewal application and payment for processing
Step 4: Receive Confirmation
Upon successful completion of online registration renewal:
- Save and print the electronic registration receipt immediately after transaction completion
- Electronic receipt serves as proof of valid registration for sixty (60) days from transaction date
- County treasurer will mail new registration certificate and license plate decals to registered owner's address on file
- Allow seven (7) to fourteen (14) business days for delivery of registration documents via United States Postal Service
- Contact county treasurer's office if registration documents are not received within twenty (20) business days
- Affix new registration decals to license plate immediately upon receipt according to placement instructions
Online Renewal Fees and Convenience Charges
Online registration renewal through Montana county treasurer systems may include additional convenience fees:
Standard Registration Fees: All standard registration fees, county optional vehicle taxes, and state-mandated assessments apply to online renewal transactions identical to in-person renewal.
Convenience Fees: Montana county treasurers and authorized service providers may assess convenience fees for electronic payment processing. Convenience fees typically range from $1.00 to $3.50 per transaction depending on payment method and county policies.
Credit Card Processing Fees: County treasurers may assess percentage-based convenience fees for credit card transactions, typically 2.5% to 3.5% of total transaction amount.
ACH and Debit Card Fees: Electronic check (ACH) and debit card transactions generally incur lower convenience fees, typically flat fees of $1.00 to $2.00 per transaction.
Contact Information
County Treasurer Directory: County Treasurer Contact Information
Montana Association of Counties: County Government Directory
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Department of Justice
302 North Roberts Street, Helena, MT 59620
Phone: (406) 444-3661
Official Website: Montana Motor Vehicle Division
