License plates are issued for a one-year period, by the County Treasurer in the county where owner of the vehicle resides.

The Vehicle Services Bureau regulates the issuance of vehicle license plates. 

• License plates for light vehicles (1 ton or less) of any age may be registered for 24 months (2 years), or a permanent registration may be issued for vehicles 11 years and older. A two year registration costs twice the annual registration, and a permanent registration costs approximately five times the annual registration. Please contact our office for more information.
• A vehicle may be operated without plates for a 40-day grace period, before registration, by displaying a temporary registration permit issued by a dealer; or issued by the County Treasurer in the case of a private sale.
• Anniversary months for renewal of plates are assigned according to the month in which the vehicle is first registered. The anniversary month is identified on the tab on the rear license plate.
• A renewal notice is mailed for passenger vehicles and light trucks on the staggered system. Failure to receive the notice does not relieve the owner of renewal responsibility.
• License plates stay with the owners and may be transferred to another vehicle ONLY when proper application is made through the County Treasurer's office.

For more information on License Plates, please visit the State of Montana's web page on License Plate information.

The Montana Title Manual is published by the Vehicle Services Bureau of the Montana Department of Justice and is the most comprehensive guide to registering a vehicle in the State of Montana. The Title Manual is periodically updated, but due to the changing nature of regulations and statutes surrounding motor vehicles, there are sometimes discrepancies between the information in the Title Manual and current statutes and regulations.

All registrations for motor vehicles subject to anniversary date registrations expire on the last day of the month preceding the anniversary registration period. MCA 61-3-311 and ARM 23.3.701.

Example: If your tab indicates your registration period is June, your registration actually expires on May 31. You are given a 30 day grace period to complete the renewal. If you register your vehicle prior to the end of the renewal period you must register for the current year.

Yes. Montana requires proof of liability insurance in order to register a motor vehicle, pursuant to state law (MCA 61-3-303(11).

The Montana Insurance Verification System (MTVIS) allows the Treasurers Office to verify this electronically in most instances. There will be some instances in which insurance can not be verified with MTIVS, such as commercial policies or out-of-state insurance. In these situations proof of insurance must be provided by the customer before registration can be purchased.

• Trailers (including travel trailers), boats, snowmobiles, off highway vehicles, motorcycles, quadricycles are required to be registered permanently.
• Light vehicles, motorhomes, and collector vehicles with qualifying collector plate are allowed to be registered permanently if they are 11 years old or older
• Large trucks, light vehicles and motorhomes 10 years old and newer, vehicles with restricted license plates or exemptions are not allowed to be registered permanently
• Transfer of ownership: Permanent registrations do not stay with the vehicle. Registration ends whenever there is a change in ownership. In addition to titling fees, new owner(s) must register anew, paying all required taxes and fees. Unless required by vehicle type (TL, SN, OHV, BT, MC), a new owner has the option to register the vehicle on an annual or permanent basis if applicable.
• Late renewals: If an owner wishes to register a qualified vehicle permanently and if the vehicle was not 11 years old in its original renewal period, the vehicle may not be permanently registered until vehicle registration is brought current. Then a second registration may be processed for permanent registration.
• Permanent registration requests beyond typical renewal period: If a customer has already received an annual registration and requests to permanently register before the vehicle's next grace period, the customer may register permanently, but no credit is given for the fees already paid.

For more information on registration fees and requirements, please visit the State of Montana Motor Vehicle Website.

The taxable value for passenger cars, pickup trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles previously registered in Montana is based on the manufacturers’ suggested retail price, depreciated according to a set schedule as the vehicle ages. The County Option Tax is calculated at one half percent of the taxable value of the vehicle.

For more information on registration fees and requirements, please visit the State of Montana Motor Vehicle Website.

Montana law provides that certain owners of motor vehicles are exempt from taxes. Please note: if you qualify for any of the following exemptions you must bring the required proof with you at the time you register your vehicle or renew your registration. Also, you must bring proof of exemption every time you register or renew your vehicle. Must have exemption at time of renewal. Refunds will not be approved.

• Military. Montana residents on active duty stationed outside Montana are exempt per MCA 61-3-456. Affidavit form (MV53) available from the Montana Department of Justice.
• Non-profit. Need proof that organization is exempt. Contact the Montana Department of Revenue for process.
• Tribal. Letter from Tribal Office indicating owner is on tribal roll and lives on reservation.