First-Time Registration
The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) requires you to register a vehicle in your name if you have recently:
- Purchased a new or used vehicle
- Moved to the state
- Received a vehicle as a gift or inheritance
As a new Montana resident, you have 60 days to register and title your vehicle in the state. If you just bought a car or received one as a gift, there is no grace period for registration and titling. You must do it immediately to drive the vehicle legally on Montana roads.
To register your vehicle or renew a registration, visit the Missoula County Motor Vehicle Department, located on the main floor of the County Courthouse Annex.
Missoula County Motor Vehicle Department
201 W. Broadway
(406) 258-4747
Although the state MVD oversees all vehicle titling and registration, you’ll actually transact your business at your local county treasurer’s office.
License Plates
When you title and register your car, you’ll have the option of receiving standard license plates for no extra charge, or purchasing specialty plates. You can also personalize standard or specialty plates, which also requires an extra fee.
Montana seems somewhat unique in offering such an abundance of sponsored and collegiate license plates. From Grizzly Athletics to Zoo Montana to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to 4-H, there’s a specialty license plate to suit your fancy and affiliation. You can also apply for disabled plates or placards if you need them.