TRANSPORTATION / MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION
Drivers License
Individuals with out-of-state licenses who wish to obtain a Montana driver license must apply for a Montana driver license within 60 days of moving to the state if seeking a non-commercial driver license and within 30 days if they need a commercial license. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of Montana residency, and proof of authorized presence.
They also may be required to pass written and road tests, in addition to a vision test. However, driver examiners may, at their discretion, waive the written and road tests for individuals who have in their possession a valid license issued by another state.
Vehicle Registration
Under MCA 61-3-321, registration fees are in addition to the county option tax levied on light vehicles and the fees levied in lieu of taxes on other vehicles. Registration fees do not include special plate fees for personalized plates and specialty plates, or other miscellaneous fees.
Registration fees are due upon renewal or transfer of ownership. No credit is given for taxes or fees paid. Only U.S. funds are accepted.
Motor Vehicle Division
302 N Roberts
Helena 406-444-3933
https://dojmt.gov/driving/
Mandatory Insurance
Montana law requires that a motor vehicle operated on public roads be insured by a liability insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum coverage limits in Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 61-6-103:
$25,000 because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident and subject to the limit for one person;
$50,000 because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident; and
$20,000 because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.
Under Montana law, motorists stopped for a traffic violation or involvement in a motor vehicle collision are required to show proof of insurance to law enforcement, in addition to displaying their driver license and vehicle registration.
In order to help enforce this law, the Montana Legislature enacted legislation that authorized creation of an online motor vehicle liability insurance verification system. MCA 61-6-157 directs the Montana Department of Justice to establish a motor vehicle insurance verification system capable of confirming that vehicle owners and operators on Montana roadways are in compliance with vehicle liability policy requirements. The Montana Insurance Verification System (MTIVS) was implemented to fulfill this requirement.
Emissions Testing
The State of Montana does not have any vehicle emissions test requirements at this time because the state does not have any populated areas that the federal government classifies as “non-attainment” status for meeting the Clean Air Act’s air quality regulations.
