Your Complete Guide to Registering a Vehicle in Montana

Congratulations! You’ve either just purchased your first vehicle in Montana or you’ve just moved to Montana and you’ve never registered your vehicle in this state. What now?

Registering your vehicle in Montana for the first time may seem daunting if you are unfamiliar with the process. However, with the right information and proper documentation, it's a pretty straightforward process.

Gathering Required Documents

Before you begin the registration process, you'll need to gather important documents to prove ownership and residency, as well as meet other requirements:

Vehicle Title or MCO: This document establishes your ownership of the vehicle.

Proof of Montana Residency: Provide documents such as a driver's license, utility bill, or any other official documentation showing your Montana address.

Valid Identification: A valid driver's license or state-issued ID.

Proof of Insurance: Make sure you have valid insurance coverage for the vehicle.

Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay the necessary title and registration fees at the time of registration.

Determine Registration Method

Once you have all your documents in order, you must decide whether you prefer online or in-person registration:

Online Registration: The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) offers online registration services for certain vehicles and situations, providing a convenient option for registration.

In-Person Registration: This will probably be your best bet if it’s your first time registering a vehicle in Montana. You can visit your local County Treasurer's office in person to complete the registration process. This option allows for a hands-on approach and immediate assistance.

Completing the Registration Process

When you've chosen your preferred registration method, it's time to proceed with the actual registration process:

Visit the County Treasurer's Office: If you opt for in-person registration, bring all the necessary documents to your local County Treasurer's office.

Complete the Application: Fill out the required forms for title and registration.

Pay Fees: Submit payment for the applicable title and registration fees during the registration process.

Receive Title and Registration: Once you've completed all the necessary steps, you'll receive your Montana title and registration documents.

Important Considerations

40-Day Grace Period: Ensure that you transfer ownership within 40 days of the sale date to avoid any late fees or penalties.

Late Fees: If you go over the 40-day grace period for transferring ownership, you may run into late fees, so be mindful of the timeline.

LLC Registration: Non-Montana residents can form a Montana Limited Liability Company (LLC) to purchase and register vehicles in the state, opening up alternative ownership possibilities.

Registered Agent: When establishing an LLC, designate a registered agent with a physical address located in Montana to meet legal requirements.

MVD Express

Consider utilizing MVD Express Montana as an additional resource for vehicle registration services, which may offer more streamlined processes.

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Foreign Title Transfer

If you’re moving to Montana from out of state, you might need to complete a Foreign Title Transfer (MV63) to transfer your out-of-state vehicle title properly and update registration status.