by Armando Martinez
Transferring License Plates in Montana
If you're buying or selling a used car in Montana, it's important to understand the documentation required and the license plate transfer process. Here's what you need to know:
As the seller, you must provide the buyer with a signed and dated title and a bill of sale. Please note that every owner listed on the title must sign over the title in front of a notary public. EXCEPTION: notarization is not required for companies signing off a Montana title. The buyer will then need to transfer ownership and obtain new plates by completing and filing a MV1 Application for Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle. This form must show the same buyers that are listed on the Bill of Sale. As the buyer, you have 40 days from the sale date to transfer the ownership of the vehicle to you. This is done by applying for the title to and registering the vehicle at the county treasurer’s office in your county of residence. Some counties require an appointment for title work, so.please contact your county treasurer’s office for more information.
Both a buyer and seller should keep copies of all documentation of the sale with the seller’s name and address as your record of the sale. A record of the sale can be either a photocopy of the fully completed and signed reassigned title or a Bill of Sale form or similar document that includes the year, make, VIN, name, address, driver license number, and signature of the person to whom the vehicle is sold and the purchase price and date of sale of the vehicle. For your convenience, you can use the form MV24 Bill of Sale.
Transferring License Plates
In Montana, license plates stay with the owner rather than the vehicle. This means that if you're selling a car, you must remove the plates before handing over the vehicle to the new owner. If you do not remove the plates, you may be liable for any parking or traffic violations that happen after the sale. License plates may be transferred to another vehicle owned by the seller only when the vehicle is properly registered through the county treasurer. The new owner of the vehicle sold will need to register the car and get new plates.
The Title and Registration Bureau regulates the issuance of vehicle license plates. Once you have titled and registered your vehicle and paid all taxes and fees, the county treasurer’s office gives you your plates. If the plates you want are not on hand, the county treasurer gives you a 40-day temporary permit. Click here to locate your local county treasurer office.
Montana drivers can choose from a number of license plates, ranging from the standard plate to designs that reflect their military service or show their support for a Montana college or community organization. For more information about license plate choices in Montana visit https://dojmt.gov/driving/license-plates/.
If you're buying a car and have plates from another car you own or owned, you can transfer the plates from your old vehicle to the new one as long as the new vehicle is in the same category (e.g. passenger car, truck, motorcycle) as your old one. You'll need to bring your old plates, the title for the new car, and proof of insurance to your local county treasurer's office to complete the transfer.
Getting New License Plates
If you can't transfer your old plates, or if you're buying a car from out of state, you'll need to get new license plates. You can do this by visiting your local county treasurer's office and providing the following:
- Proof of ownership (title or bill of sale)
- Present the previous year’s Montana registration receipt
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for all taxes and the license plate fee
- The county clerk may ask you to complete a Statement of Fact (Form MV100) to clarify certain facts about the title transfer.
Montana has a flat rate for license plates , so the fee will be the same no matter what type of vehicle you have. However, the fee does vary based on the length of time you want to register your vehicle for.
License Plate Fees
In Montana, the license plate fee for a standard passenger car is $217. This fee includes registration for two years. If you want to register your car for one year, the fee is $87.
The fees for other types of vehicles, such as trucks and motorcycles, vary depending on the weight of the vehicle and other factors. You can find a full list of license plate fees on the Montana Motor Vehicle Division website (https://dojmt.gov/driving/vehicle-title-and-registration/).
Conclusion
Understanding the license plate transfer process and license plate fees in Montana is important when buying or selling a used car. When buying a motor vehicle, every situation will be unique. If you have a question about a specific circumstance, email mvdtitleinfo@mt.gov or call 406-444-3661. Remember to remove your old plates if you're selling a vehicle, and if you are the buyer, bring proof of ownership, insurance, and payment for the license plate fee if you need to get new plates. With these steps in mind, you'll be able to navigate the process smoothly and ensure that your vehicle is properly registered. You may also download a PDF of a Seller’s Checklist and Buyer’s Acknowledgement Form as a helpful resource.
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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