Montana law requires that motor vehicle owners must register their vehicle with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division before taking it on the road. Both new and second-hand vehicles must be registered, regardless of whether they are purchased from a dealer or an individual. In addition, new Montana residents who have registered their vehicle in another state must register their vehicle in Montana. The initial vehicle registration must be done in person, and registration renewals must be done annually, either in person or by mail.

New residents must title and register their vehicles within 60 days of residency in the state. Transferring and titling are done side by side in Montana.

INITIAL REGISTRATION

If you are registering a motor vehicle in Montana for the first time, you must complete the following steps:

1. Have a properly signed title. If a sale or change of ownership has taken place, the signatures on the title must be notarized. New residents will have to submit their out of state titles. Apply for a new title if you do not have one.
2. A Bill of Sale.
3. An Application for Certificate of Title for Motor Vehicle.
4. Emission testing is not carried out in Montana so you will not have to have your vehicle inspected before registration.
5. Visit your County Treasurer's office, with the above documents. In addition, you will need to provide proof of insurance, and the odometer reading, if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
6. For vehicles that have been registered in another state, you must also bring the original, out-of-state title. If the title is unavailable, bring the registration document, along with proof of sales tax payment.

REGISTRATION FEES

When registering your vehicle at the county treasurer's office, you will be required to pay certain fees, typically as follows:

1. The registration fee, which varies depending on the manufacturer's model year or the vehicle's total weight (light vehicle fees and heavy vehicle fees).
2. Title application fee of $12 for light passenger vehicles.

There may be additional fees (such as county option tax, optional state park fee, personalized or specialty plate fees, Gross Vehicle Weight fee etc)when you register, depending on your county. Contact the County Treasurer's office for the specific requirements.

RENEWING YOUR VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Owners of motor vehicles in Montana are required to renew their vehicle registration annually, and can do so in person or by mail. See our Registration Renewal section for complete details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• If you are a non-resident active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces you may register your vehicle in your home state or in Montana. Non residents who are employed in Montana must show their out of state registration to the county treasurer's office. They will have to pay taxes or fees in lieu of taxes in addition to the appropriate registration fees. Their vehicles will have to display the home license plates as well as the Montana ones.
• The process for registering a motorcycle is generally the same as a car registration; however, there are different procedures for boat registration and custom car registration.
• Auto Insurance is needed to legally operate all vehicles in Montana.
• See also Renewing Your Vehicle Registration.
• See also Title Transfers and Car Insurance.