MontanaCar Registration

Bonus

Features

24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Benefits

24-Hour Towing Service

24-Hour Mechanical First Aid

24-Hour Tire Change Service

Customers are covered for emergency road service throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Customers are entitled to emergency towing service at no out-of-pocket cost for any tow up to 75 dollars. One service per seven days, two services per contract. Extended distance will be an additional expense covered by the customer.

Customers are entitled to any service requiring minor adjustments (exclusive of parts) to enable a disabled vehicle to proceed under its own power, where available.

Customers may have their tire changed with their inflated and functional spare tire.

Congratulations on your 60-dayRoadside Assistance membershipWhen out on the road, you will know that you are covered and protected by an organization that cares about the safety of you and your family. Our customer service representatives respond quickly to provide you the best service and protection available anywhere.

Rental Car Discounts

24-Hour Lost Key Service

24-Hour Emergency Delivery

24-Hour Emergency Battery Service

Map Routing Service

Customers are entitled to take advantage of our rental car discount codes and pre-negotiated group rates, which are honored at thousands of locations throughout the U.S. and abroad.

If keys are locked inside a customer’s vehicle, the customer will be assisted in gaining entry to the vehicle’s passenger compartment only. Locksmith services may be dispatched as needed at the customer’s expense for labor and key making.

A service truck will deliver emergency supplies of gasoline, water, oil or other necessary supplies. Customers pay only for the cost of the supplies.

Customers are covered for battery boosts and minor adjustments to alternators, starters, etc. while on the road.

We will, at no charge, provide customers with a four-color mapping and travel route information to destinations they specify.

Theft And Hit & Run Protection

A $500 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Hit & Run damages or stealing customers’ vehicles. Whenever you travel, you will like the secure and confident feeling of knowing that you are protected by NSD’s Roadside Assistance. Fast response and excellent service are just two reasons why millions of motorists rely on NSD’s Roadside Assistance for on-the-road protection.

Follow the link in your confirmation email to start redeeming your $25 Gas Coupon.

*PLEASE SAVE ALL THE INFORMATION FOR YOUR RECORDS. You will use your log in information throughout the course of your complimentary gas membership.

Congratulations!Redeem Your $25 Gas Card Online

Keeping You Safe Mile After MileOnce your purchase is processed, you will receive an email with the information you will need to start your 60-day Roadside Assistance membership.

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Table of

Contents

Registration Insurance Requirements

Vehicle Registration

Renewing Your Vehicle Registration

License Plates

Updating Your Vehicle Registration

DVS Hours and Locations

Registering Your Vehicle in Montana

Replacing Your Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Safety Tips

7

6

12

18

16

25

9

15

22

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Getting a vehicle can be an exciting adventure. Regardless of whether it is your first car or if you have already purchased many vehicles in the past, making the decision to obtain a car is a big step, and it requires that you make certain preparation and that you are aware of certain requirements.Whenever you purchase a car in Montana, whether it is new or used, it must be registered to be legally driven in the state. If you move to Montana from another state, you will also need to make sure to register your vehicle in Montana.

The entire process may seem complicated, but it is actually a simple process if you are well prepared. This Easy Guide will provide you step-by-step information on how you can register your vehicle. Learn how you can also transfer your out-of-state registration and renew your registration at the appropriate time. Additionally, this guide will make sure you have all the necessary documents and forms when you go to register your vehicle, so you do not experience any delay in the registration process.

Vehicle

Registration

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Registration Insurance

Requirements

Before you start the whole registration process, you should know that every car in Montana is required to have minimum liability insurance coverage in order to be legally driven on any Montana road or highway.

You must carry proof of your insurance in your vehicle all the time. A law enforcement officer will request this information from you if you are pulled over or if you are involved in a traffic accident. You will also need to have proof of insurance in order to register your vehicle

Why do you need insurance? The MVD needs to ensure that you are protected in case you are part of an accident that may cause you injuries, damages or death.

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Montana requires all cars to be insured by a licensed insurance company and they must carry the liability insurance with the following coverage:

$25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in any one accident

$50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in any one accident

$20,000 for injuries or destruction of property of others in any one accident

Even though the MVD establishes the minimum requirements of liability insurance, you are highly recommended to acquire greater coverage. Liability insurance pays for any injuries or property damages caused by you or others who are driving your car with your permission. If you are caught driving without proper liability insurance, you will subject to fines and other penalties. Make sure you get insurance from an authorized insurance company in Montana. When you buy your insurance, you will receive an insurance identification card that you must present for registration and carry with you all the time.

Montana uses the Montana Insurance Verification System (MTIVS), which enables the police to confirm immediately if you are compliant with the car liability requirements. Since 2012, Montana Highway Patrol has been using the MTIVS service to electronically confirm that vehicles carry liability insurance.

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Registering Your

Vehicle in Montana

Once you have purchased the minimum required insurance coverage for your vehicle, you are ready to begin the process of getting it registered.

The sections below will provide you with information on what to do, so that you can have a seamless registration process.

Keep in mind that in Montana, titling and registering your vehicle come hand and hand. When your register your vehicle, you are also titling it.

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Register A New VehicleWhen you buy a new car at a dealership, you will not have to worry about titling and registering since the dealership will take care of the process. Staff at the dealership will usually submit the required paperwork to your County Treasurer’s office.

However, if you bought a new car from an individual, or if the dealership did not process the registration and titling for you, you will have to register it yourself. In order to register your vehicle in Montana you will need to do the following:

Visit your closest county treasurer’s office.

Present your Bill of Sale.

Provide proof of insurance.

Register A Used VehicleIf you bought a used car from a dealership, someone at the dealership will handle the registration and titling process. If you bought it from a private party or individual, on the other hand, you will have to register it yourself. The process for registering a used vehicle is similar to that of a new vehicle. You will have to do the following.

Pay all the taxes and fees.

Visit your closest county treasurer’s office.

Provide the properly signed title. If the car changed ownership, the title must be notarized.

Provide proof of insurance

Provide your odometer reading if the car is less than 10 years old

Pay all the taxes and fees

Provide a completed Statement of Fact (Form MV100), if needed.

TipYou may also request a temporary registration permit (TRP) here.

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Registration For Military EmployeesService Members Who Are Montana Residents

If you are a Montana resident and an active military employee who wants to register a car for the first time, just follow the process described in the sections above for new or used vehicles.

Service Members Who Are Residents of Another State

If you are a Montana resident, member of the military and stationed outside permanently or for more than 30 days, you may be exempted from certain taxes and fees. To do so, you must:

Complete the Application for Military Registration.

Attach a copy of the car title. If the car is used, it must be signed by the previous owner

Attach the Bill of Sale.

Add an Application for Certificate of Title for Motor Vehicle.

Include your proof of insurance.

Attach your odometer reading if the car is less than 10 years old.

Submit the paperwork to the address on the application for military registration.

Non-Residents Military in Montana

If you are an out-of-state military personnel stationed in Montana, you are not required to register your car in MT unless you are employed in a regular job outside your military duties. You may drive with your out-of-state plates as long as you keep a current and valid registration and insurance.

Fees

Zero to four years old $217

Five to 10 years old $87

11 years old or more $28

There are other fees you may have to pay depending on your type of vehicle. See the fee schedule to determine them.

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Renewing Your

Vehicle Registration

Many Montana drivers will need to renew their vehicle registrations at certain intervals.

Renewing your vehicle registration in Montana is a much simpler process than registering your vehicle for the first time. The sections below will outline the process for you.

Important dates or timeframes

There are three registration period options in Montana:

12-month

24-month

Permanent

Permanent registrations are only available for owners of light vehicles that are 11 years old or older.

The Montana MVD will mail you a renewal notice before your registration expires. You must use it if you wish to renew by mail. If you did not receive the renewal notice, contact the MVD. You may choose to renew your registration online, by mail or in person.

Curious about how a renewal notice looks like? You may take a look at it here.

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Renewing OnlineThanks to technology and the MVD, maintaining your important vehicle-related documents and procedures updated is simpler than ever before. Through the Montana Vehicle Registration Renewal Service, you will be able to renew your registration without having to go to a local county treasurer’s office.

You are not able to use this service if you:

Have changed your name or address, moved to a different county, or no longer live in Montana.

Qualify for an exemption that is not reflected on your registration renewal notice.

Need to change your registration period, request a new license plate or adjust your vehicle’s GVW.

You are able to renew online up to one month before your registration expiration date and one month after.

If you are eligible to renew online, follow the below steps:

Visit the Vehicle Registration Renewal Service website.

Enter your Title number, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and Vehicle number.

Enter your name and address.

Verify your information.

Choose any additional options you desire.

Verify the summary of the vehicle registration, including the fees.

Pay your fees with a credit card.

Print your receipt.

TipWhen you renew online, your County Treasurer’s office will mail your tabs to your current registered address.

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Renewing By MailIn case you are out of state, or if you prefer not to renew online or in person, the MVD allows you to renew by mail. However, to renew using this method you must have received a renewal notice. Renewing by mail is really simple if you follow the instructions below:

Enclose a check to your local County Treasurer MVD office. The address will be on the right top corner of the notice and the notice will describe all the fees due.

Mail the notice and the check to the address indicated on your renewal notice.

Renewing In PersonIn the event that you have to do another transaction other than renewing, or if you are not eligible to renew online or by mail, you may renew in person. In order to do this, you must:

Visit your closest County Treasurer MVD office

Take the renewal notice with you. If you did not receive it, you may take your current registration receipt.

Pay the fees.

Since the registration fees will vary depending on your vehicle, we recommend you to verify them by using the fee schedule online. In addition, all the renewal notices include a detailed summary of your fees.

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Replacing Your

Vehicle Registration

If you need a replacement or duplicate vehicle registration, you may obtain one from the MVD.

Remember that driving without your plates, registration sticker or registration document may lead to legal penalties if you are stopped by a law enforcement agent. You should also be aware that if your registration card is damaged and cannot be read, you must request a replacement.

Replacing A Registration Via MailReplacing a registration is a really simple process that can be completed by mail. Just follow these instructions:

Complete the Application for Replacement Certificate of Title (Form MV7).

Fees

Write a check out to State of Montana for the replacement title fee.

Mail the application and your check to:

P.O. Box 201431 302 N Roberts Helena, MT 59620

Replacement title fee $10.30

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Big changes in your life can actually affect your vehicle registration. If you change your name or move to a new address, you will need to update that information on your Montana vehicle registration.

Updating Your

Vehicle Registration

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Changing Your NameIf you change your name due to a marriage or divorce or for any other reason, you will need to update that information on your registration. The process is fairly simple, but it must be completed in person. To change your name on your registration, you must:

Visit your closest County Treasurer office.

Present your current registration.

Present a document that authorized your name change, such as a:

• Divorce decree.

• Marriage certificate.

• Court order.

Pay the $10.30 fee for a duplicate registration.

Changing Your AddressIn the case that you may have recently moved to a new address, it is essential that you update the address on your registration card. As with name changes, you must make any address changes to your registration in person. To change the address on your registration, you must:

Visit your closest County Treasurer office

Present your current registration

Bring proof of your new address

If you are soon approaching your renewal date, you may also wait until also update your information when you renew your registration. Keep in mind that if you do need to make any changes to your registration information, you will not be able to use the online renewal system.

FeesWhile you can update your address on your registration for free, if you want to have updated documents, you will need to request replacement registration documents. The fee for a replacement registration document is $10.30

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License

Plates

Once you register your car in Montana, there is a main requirement for you to prove that your registration is current and valid: displaying your license plates with their current stickers.

License plates are as important as your driver’s license, as they identify your car from other cars. License plates and registration stickers are also issued by the Montana Motor (BMV) when you register your car for the first time or renew your registration.

All passenger vehicles must carry one on the front and one on the back of the car. The plates identify what type of registration you have. In case something happens to you or your car, they work as a means of locating it or you through the MVD. Your license plates may be replaced in case something happens to them. You may also get special interest plates and in some situations, you may also need to surrender them. Let’s review all this processes.

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Replacing Your License PlatesIn the event that something happens to your license plates, you may rest assured that the MVD will provide you with all the means to replace it as soon as possible and be back on the road. You may request a replacement with a new number or a duplicate of the same number and style. Just follow the below steps:

Provide identification and proof of ownership of your vehicles

• This may include your vehicle registration

Visit your closest County Treasurer office.

Provide your plate number.

Pay your duplicate fee of $15.45

Getting Custom PlatesIn Montana, you will find a wide variety of custom license plates that will adapt to everybody’s needs. Personalized plates contain a combination of letters and numbers that you may choose and you may order them using any of the special interest plates or the regular Montana plate. Specialty plates are those which designate a special distinction or association. So far, Montana has 16 categories of license plates:

Standard Plates

Antique Plates

Military Plates

Veterans

Sponsored Plates

Others, including physical disability and parking placards

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Montana DMV also offers a wide variety of special interest plates that support causes like the following:

Agriculture & Forestry

Antique

Arts & Culture

Collegiate

Education

Government & Communities

Military

Museums & History

Other

Parks & Environment

Service Organizations & Associations

Sports & Recreation

Wildlife and Other Animals

Youth Groups

You can browse all the different types of license plates available in Montana here.

TipTo order or find out more about personalized plates, read the Application for Personalized License Plates.

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Surrendering Montana License PlatesUsually, you are not required to surrender your license plates in Montana. However, if you decide to change your plates for the newest ones and you have a permanent registration, you must surrender your current plates. To return your plates, you must simply visit your closest County Treasurer office.

Fees

Replacement plate fee (new number)

Duplicate plate fee (same number and type of plate)

$10.30

$15.45

Duplicate permanent tab fee $10.30

The special plates’ fees and replacement costs vary depending on the type of plate you order. You will find the fees here.

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Vehicle Safety

Tips

Before you get behind the wheel, it is important to make sure that your vehicle is safe and prepared for any trip. This means checking the safety features and making any needed changes to your vehicle to guarantee a safe drive. Be sure to regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly and your tires are inflated and not worn out. Have the steering and suspensions checked by a mechanic.

Emergency Kit One of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid items, matches and a whistle. During the winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, a shovel and extra gloves and socks.

Winter Driving One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that is prone to ice and snowfall. Consider the tips below to drive safely during the winter.

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Don’t Rush!

Roads are often covered in snow and ice after snowfall. Instead of driving fast and risking an accident as you hurry to get to your destination, try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and avoid other dangerous drivers without being late for your appointment.

Don’t Panic if You Skid or Slip

In the event that your vehicle does skid or slip while you are driving, make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead, apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control.

Check Your Vehicle

Before you leave your house, make sure your vehicle’s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze and exhaust are all in working order. It is also important that you remove any ice and snow from your car before you begin driving. This prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive or flying off and hitting someone while the vehicle is in motion.

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Things to Avoid

Drinking and Driving

Every year, thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. These unfortunate events can be prevented if drivers plan ahead of time and take certain steps.

Before you begin drinking, arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. If they also become intoxicated, it is important that you take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive. Instead, take away their keys and call for alternative transportation.

If you see someone who you suspect is drunk and showing signs of intoxication while driving – such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, breaking erratically or turning abruptly – call 9-1-1 and contact authorities immediately. Make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety. This could mean you pulling over until they are at a safe distance from your car.

Using Your Phone

Driving while using your cell phone is one of the most dangerous actions you can perform. During those few seconds that your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. Make sure to avoid texting, using the internet on your phone or receiving calls while you drive.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving and drivers should both be avoided to prevent on-road aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as tailgating, verbally or physically harassing another driver or preventing another driver from merging or passing.

If you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you engage in any of the above behaviors. When you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment, breathe and continue moving.

Wasting Gas

If you drive often, you can start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Some of the ways that you can start saving gas are by turning off the air conditioning, not leaving your engine running and avoiding speeding. These things are preventable and not necessary for you to drive. Therefore, you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste.

Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly. You can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated and your engine is properly tuned.

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MVD

Hours and Locations

The MVD services are offered at the County Treasurer Motor Vehicle offices. You will find a list of them by county here.

Have you ever visited the MVD and realized that you forgot a document? Now you can avoid the inconvenience and save the trip by using the online services. You will be able to:

Renew your registration

Do a vehicle search

If you need to contact the MVD for any other purposes, you can visit its main office send correspondence to the below address:

Motor Vehicle Division P.O. Box 201430 302 North Roberts Helena, MT 59620-1430

Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

You may also contact calling 406-444-3933, or submit your questions or comments via email to mvd@mt.gov

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