Q: How do I apply for a Montana vehicle title and register my vehicle?

A: You may apply for title and registration at the Motor Vehicle Office of the County Treasurer in the county where you live. You must present the out-of-state title or Manufacturers Certificate of Origin (if you purchased directly from the manufacturer) at the time you apply. If the title is not available, you may receive a temporary permit by presenting the vehicle's registration, until the title is acquired.

Q. I just moved here from another state. How long do I have to get Montana plates?

A: 60 days.

Q. How do I prove that I'm a Montana Resident?

A: Please review our Proof of Residency Guidelines: Here

Q: I have lost my title, How do I obtain a duplicate title?

A: An application for duplicate title may be obtained at any County Treasurer's office, or download Form MV7. You must mail the completed application and a fee of $10.30 to: Vehicle Services Bureau, PO BOX 201431 Helena, MT 59620.

Q. How do I have a security interest or lien removed from my title?

A: You must mail the title and a fee of $10.30 along with a request to remove the security interest or lien to the Vehicle Services Bureau, PO BOX 201431 Helena, MT 59620. The secured party or leinholder is required to file a release of security interest or lien with the bureau. If they have not done so, the bureau will return the title to you asking that it be resubmitted with a release of security interest or lien.

Q: How do I obtain information on the owner of a vehicle?

A: You may complete and submit the Release of Motor Vehicle Records along with the indicated fee as listed on the form to the Vehicle Services Bureau (address above). This form may be obtained at any County Treasurer's office or download Form MV210.

Q: Can a security interest or lien be filed with an application for a duplicate title?

A: Yes. Send the application, the $10.30 duplicate title fee, the $8.24 filing fee and a copy of the security or lien agreement signed by the vehicle owner to the Vehicle Services Bureau. The application can be obtained at any County Treasurer's office, or download Form MV7.

Q: Do all owners have to sign-off on the title to transfer ownership?

A: Yes.

Q: Do the license plates stay with the vehicle?

A: No. The seller must remove the license plates from the vehicle when selling.

Q: My spouse passed away. How do I get her/his name off the title?

A: Submit a certified copy of the death certificate along with the title through your local County Treasurer's office.

Q: My spouse passed away and the title was in his/her name only. How do I get a title in my name?

A: If the estate is not probated, submit the title, a completed Application for Title of a Vehicle by Non-Probate Transfer affidavit and the appropriate title fee ($12.36 for automobiles, vans, SUV's, trucks, buses weighing less than one ton - $10.36 for all other vehicles) directly to this office. This form may be obtained at any County Treasurer's office or download Form MV12. If the estate is probated, the personal representative or executor of the estate needs to sign the title as seller for the deceased, and provide a certified copy of the court documents appointing the personal representative or executor.

Q: How can I find out if a security interest or lien is filed on a vehicle?

A: You may complete and submit the Release of Motor Vehicle Records along with the indicated fee as listed on the form to the Vehicle Services Bureau (address above). This form may be obtained at any County Treasurer's office or download Form MV210.

Q: Is a person who will be temporarily employed in Montana required to register his or her vehicle?

A: Yes. An owner and/or user of a motor vehicle who is gainfully employed in Montana must immediately register the vehicle. The vehicle must be currently registered in another jurisdiction.

Q: How can a vehicle title be transferred to Montana if a secured party or lienholder is holding the title?

A: The County Treasurer's office has a form to complete and send to the lienholder requesting the title be released to the county or download Form MV63.

Q: How can I obtain a title if I purchased a vehicle from someone who did not have a title?

A: Depending on the value of the vehicle you may either obtain the title using the Bonded Title or Defective Title or Insufficient Evidence of Ownership process. The Surety bond (if required) is in the amount of the vehicle value and will run for 3 years. If no claim is made on the title within that time, a clean title will be issued.

Q: What is the fee for a Montana title?

A: $12.36 for automobiles, vans, SUV's, trucks, buses weighing less than one ton - $10.30 for all other vehicles. $10.30 for Duplicate titles or titles submitted to remove a security interest/lien on all vehicles.