Registering a car in Montana involves a visit to your local County Treasurer’s Office, which handles vehicle titles and registrations. The process is straightforward if you have the required documents ready. You'll need to provide proof of ownership, identity, and insurance, and pay the associated fees and taxes.
The most critical document is the vehicle title, properly assigned to you by the previous owner. If you have a loan on the vehicle, the lienholder will hold the title and you’ll need a photocopy. You must also show proof that Montana’s state sales tax has been paid. If the vehicle was purchased from a dealer, the tax is usually included. For private sales or out-of-state purchases, you may need to pay the tax at the time of registration.
Here’s a checklist of what to bring:
- Completed Application for Certificate of Title and Registration (Form MV1)
- Vehicle Title (or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin for new vehicles)
- Proof of Identity (Montana driver's license or ID card)
- Proof of Insurance from a provider authorized to do business in Montana
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (for vehicles under 10 years old)
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspection (may be required for out-of-state vehicles; often done at the treasurer's office)
- Payment for all fees (cash, check, or credit/debit card)
Fees vary by county and vehicle type, but generally include a registration fee, a title fee, and any applicable county option taxes. For a standard passenger vehicle, expect to pay between $50 and $150 in total fees, excluding taxes. Registration is typically valid for one year.
| Common Montana Car Registration Fees (Passenger Vehicle) | Cost |
|---|
| Title Fee | $10.30 |
| New Registration Fee | $8.70 |
| Annual Registration Renewal Fee | $8.70 |
| County Option Tax (Varies by county; example for a $15,000 vehicle) | ~$100 |
| Plate Transfer Fee | $5.10 |
| VIN Inspection Fee (if required) | $5 |
