Montana

Title Fee

$12.00

Who must title a vehicle in Montana?

All motor vehicles, motorcycles, pickup campers (1991+), ATVs, snowmobiles, trailers, motorboats, and sailboats 12+ feet must be titled unless exempt.
Exempt: Mopeds, documented vessels, some special mobile equipment, and certain older vehicles.

Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?

Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division, Vehicle Services Bureau.
Application: MV1 (vehicle), MV1A (vessel) to County Treasurer in county of residence.
Fee: $12.36 (light vehicles/trucks/buses <1 ton), $10.30 (all others), +$8.24 per lien.

What documents are needed as proof of ownership?

New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO); notarized bill of sale if no MCO.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: Registration certificate.
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs, HS-7, CBP 7501, bills of sale, chain of ownership, and conformity to U.S. standards.

How are special titles or brands handled?

Break/Bond Title: If ownership docs unavailable, submit MV10, proof of purchase, inspection (MV20), and bond (unless exempt). Bond = 1.5x value, valid 3 years.
Brands: Antique, Crushed, Disclose Damage, Exceed Limits, Hail Damage, Junk, Kit, Not Actual, Rebuilt Salvage, Reconstructed, Recovered Theft, Replica, Salvage, Salvage-Stolen, Street Rod, Theft, Totaled, Warn Discrep, Bonded. Out-of-state brands are carried forward.
Salvage: Required for uneconomical repair; insurer must obtain salvage certificate (MV206), $5.15 fee.
Rebuilt: Stage III inspection, $19.06 fee, salvage certificate, and bills of sale for parts required.
Junk: Surrender title, write "junked" on face; junk certificate may be issued for transfer.

How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?

Other notes:

Odometer disclosure required on transfer (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN inspection (MV20) required for bonded titles, certain corrections, and Stage I/III as needed.

Are electronic signatures accepted?

What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?

Local Option Motor Vehicle Tax: Up to 0.7% of depreciated MSRP or flat fee, set by counties, paid at registration/renewal.
Property Tax: Annual fee in lieu of property tax on buses/trucks >1 ton; prorated for nonresidents.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.

Other taxes/fees:

No sales tax or use tax on vehicles (Montana is a no-sales-tax state for vehicles).
Nonresidents exempt if vehicle is purchased for use in home state.

How are liens recorded and perfected?

Enter lienholder info on MV1; two liens allowed per application, more require MV81B.
Fee: $8.24 per lien; perfection as of day of acceptance by County Treasurer.
ELT (Electronic Lien & Title) program available; e-release online.

How are liens released or assigned?

Release on RMV37A or MV37A; must file within 21 days of satisfaction or face $25.75/day penalty.
Assignment: MV81A, $8.24 fee, $10.30 for physical title if needed.

How does repossession work in Montana?

Lienholder may repossess if peaceful; must file RMV37A or MV11 for repo title.
Repo title required before transfer; prior lienholder must release for subsequent lienholders.
Out-of-state liens: Use appropriate repo affidavit from state of record.

Other notes:

Mechanic/agister liens require court writ of execution and sheriff’s sale; Certificate of Sale (MV24AB) is used.

Enforcement Agency:

Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division302 North Roberts, Helena, MT 59601
PO Box 201431, Helena, MT 59620-1431
406.444.3661 | mvdtitleinfo@mt.gov
Montana MVD

Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:

Key Regulations:

Insurance required: $25,000/$50,000/$20,000 minimum; must be carried in vehicle.
No emissions inspection; school buses inspected semi-annually.
Two plates for most vehicles; one for trailers, motorcycles, quadricycles. Plates transferable.
Title/registration records kept four years.