Montana License Plate Lookup

Vehicle services in Montana are managed by the Department of Justice through its Motor Vehicles Division (MVD). To legally operate a vehicle on state roads, it must be properly titled and registered, which can be done at your local county treasurer’s office. Using VinFreeCheck, you can perform a license plate lookup for vehicles registered in Montana. This is especially beneficial if you are considering to purchase a used car. Given that some dealers may attempt to sell defective vehicles disguised as great deals, it’s important to verify any vehicle you’re considering is truly roadworthy. Simply enter the vehicle’s license plate number and the state it was registered in. For more information on the titling and registration process, visit the Montana MVD’s website.

Fun Fact

Up until 1999, Montana had a law that allowed drivers to operate their vehicles at any speed they deemed reasonable and prudent during the day on most highways.

However, this changed in 1999 when Montana established specific numeric speed limits due to federal pressure and safety concerns.

Where is My Montana Plate Number?

Montana requires a vehicle’s license plates to be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle. You can also find the plate number on important documents, such as the vehicle’s registration card.

How to Obtain a Montana License Plate

For new residents of Montana, you have 60 days after establishing residency to complete the titling and registration process. If you are working in Montana but stay in another state, you must present your current out-of-state vehicle registration to the local county treasurer’s office. There will be associated fees that you will need to pay. You must also display the license plate or decal from both your home state and of Montana’s.

For Montana residents moving to another county, you can continue to use your current plates until the annual registration renewal is due.

Make sure you also bring the required documents along with you.

• Completed vehicle registration application form
• Certificate of title
• Valid driver’s license
• Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)
• Proof of auto insurance
• Proof of residency (for out-of-state applicants moving to Montana)
• Payment of all relevant fees
• Other supporting docs where relevant

If you bought the vehicle from a licensed local dealership, the dealership will help you send the relevant paperwork to the county treasurer’s office.

The state’s Title and Registration Bureau handles issuance of license plates. Once you’ve completed the titling and registration process, you’ll be given your new plates via the county treasurer’s office. If they’re not ready, you’ll be issued a 40-day temporary permit. When you receive the temporary permit, place it in the plastic sleeve provided and then attach it to the rear of the vehicle.

What Plates Can I Apply For?

Standard: Standard plates are available in four different patterns. All standard plates use a standardized “123456A” format (six numbers and one letter); only the Centennial plate design uses the “ABC123” format that’s primarily used on sponsored plates.

State law requires the issuance of new plates every five years. Permanently registered light vehicles or trailers can continue using plates issued to them on the initial registration of their vehicle.

Personalized: These plates come with an additional fee of $25.75, and $10 for each transfer and/or renewal of that plate. Other relevant fees also apply, such as for the use of the plate background of your choice.

You can have up to 7 characters (up to 6 for motorcycles and small trailers) for personalized plates, and you’ll need to provide the meaning of the license plate combination you chose. Note that you may be refused certain combinations that are deemed offensive or misleading.

Sponsored: These refer to plates “sponsored by qualified organizations, colleges or governmental bodies are designed with distinctive backgrounds, colors or phrases that identify the sponsoring organization.” These require annual registrations, though there are some exceptions.

The cost for applying and renewing sponsored plates includes a donation that goes directly to the sponsoring organization as a contribution to their work. Available sponsored plates include:

• State museums
• State parks
• Conservation groups
• Collegiate plates
• Education foundations/groups/causes
• Organizations
• Youth groups

Disability: Plates issued to persons with disabilities. Applicants only need to pay the standard plate fees.

Military/Veteran: These are eligible to active duty, or former serving, members of any US armed force, as well as recipients of any combat decorations (such as the Medal of Honor).