How to Register a Vehicle

To register your vehicle purchased from a private party, visit the MVD (Motor Vehicle Division) at your local County Treasurer’s Office within the county you reside and be prepared with the following essential items:

• If there was a missing title, the person registering the vehicle must provide a completed and notarized bill of sale signed by both the buyer and seller.
• The original title was signed by the seller to confirm the transfer of ownership.
• Individuals registering must complete a vehicle registration application upon arrival (form not available online).
• Proof of an active auto insurance policy.
• Payment for the various fees, which include:
  • Registration Fees vary depending on the age of the vehicle and the time period you select to extend the registration.
  • Titling Fees – (If Applicable)
  • County Option Tax: It depends on the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price), the depreciation of the vehicle’s overall worth, and the class of the vehicle.
  • License Plate Fees – Only required for specialized plates.

How to Register a Boat

Any motor-propelled vessel or sailboat with a length exceeding 12 feet must be officially registered with the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Department to be utilized within the state. Exemptions from this requirement apply only to lifeboats for ships or government-owned vessels. Should a watercraft currently registered in another country or state be used upon Montana State waterways, keep in mind that the window of use without additional state registration will be limited to 90 uninterrupted days.

To register a vessel, secure the following documentation for submission at your nearest Country Treasurer’s office or Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks facility:

• A Montana Application for Vessel Certificate of Title (Form MV1A), filled out in its entirety.
• A signed and authorized Vessel/Hull Identification Number Inspection Certificate is required only if your boat does not have a valid Hull Identification Number. Should your vessel not come equipped with one, you can visit a nearby Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks location with the completed Montana Vehicle/Vessel/OHV Identification Number Inspection Certificate (Form MV20) to have your Hull inspected by a licensed official.
• Legitimate evidence of boat ownership utilizing:
  • A Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
  • An adequately signed over title accompanied by a finalized bill of sale.
• Valid photo identification.
• Payment to cover taxes and fees associated with the title and registration.