Montana License Plate Lookup

Montana license plate lookup services can provide essential information for consumers needing to research vehicle history, the number of previous owners, vehicle recalls, and more. These services can play a critical role in aiding consumers in their research process by offering a detailed glimpse into a vehicle’s background.

A license plate lookup can uncover various types of information pertinent to a vehicle’s history and condition. By accessing these databases, users can retrieve data on past accidents*, repair quotes, and previously reported mileage, which may be crucial for assessing the vehicle’s integrity and value.

What is a Montana license plate lookup?

A Montana license plate lookup involves searching for details about a vehicle in Montana by entering its license plate number into an online database or query system. This process utilizes advanced algorithms to try and retrieve information linked to the vehicle.

A detailed report generated by such Montana license plate lookup tools typically includes sections such as:

1. Purchase history: Understand the number of previous owners, potentially aiding in verifying seller claims about the vehicle.
2. Accident reports*: Details past accidents, helping assess potential damage the vehicle may have sustained.
3. Title status: Indicates current title status and changes over time, alerting to issues like salvaged titles.
4. Odometer mileage: Shows previously reported mileage, which could assist in identifying discrepancies indicative of fraud.
5. Liens: Information on potential lien holders, essential for ensuring the vehicle is free of encumbrances.
6. Salvage records: Notes if the vehicle has been declared a total loss, crucial for understanding potential repair costs.

Access and review these detailed sections to try to make informed decisions regarding vehicle purchases.

How to perform a Montana license plate lookup

Step-by-step guide:

1. Visit Bumper.com: Go to Bumper’s License Plate Lookup page.
2. Enter license plate number: Input the license plate number of the vehicle you want to look up. Bumper will use this information to try to retrieve relevant data.
3. Search results: Bumper could provide you with information related to the vehicle, including accident history*, salvage titles, manufacturer recalls, estimated market value, and more.
4. Explore details: Review the details provided in the search results. This can help inform your research when buying or selling a vehicle.

In-person methods

If you prefer to conduct the lookup in person, visit your local county office or the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV):

1. Visit the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) headquarters at the Scott Hart Building, 302 North Roberts St, Helena, MT 59601.
2. Provide the necessary identifiers such as the license plate number or VIN to the MVD staff.
3. Request a vehicle history report.

Types of license plates in Montana

Standard plates

The Montana license plate shown above has been in circulation since January 2010, featuring design elements that pay homage to Montana’s classic plates. The white outline of the state against a solid blue background is a nod to plates from the 1970s, while the “Treasure State” slogan along the top was commonly used in the 1950s. The clean, white lettering for the state name and plate number offers a timeless look and improves readability from a distance. The “10” following Montana represents the design’s issue year, a practice seen through the 1980s. Additionally, the bison skull between the county prefix and plate number replaces the typical dot.

Standard alternative plates

In addition to the standard license plate, Montana drivers can also choose from four alternative designs to the standard plate. They feature past designs that have been brought back as an option for residents. These options include:

• 1989 Centennial: Reissued plate celebrating Montana’s state centennial, 1889-1989.
• 1991: This standard-issue plate from 1991 is available as an alternative to the blue 2010 plate. The words “Big Sky” appear in a scripted blue font in the bottom right corner.
• 2000: A standard-issue plate from 2000 is also available as an alternative.
• 2006: This previously issued plate from 2006 features a mountainscape is available as an alternative.

Specialty plates

Montana offers a wide variety of specialty plates for residents to choose from, with over 200 different options available. These plates allow drivers to support causes they care about, show their service status, or create personalized designs for their vehicle. Below are the main categories of specialty plates available in Montana:

Military Plates

Montana recognizes the service of its military personnel by offering exclusive license plates to those who have served as active-duty or reserve members, or their surviving unmarried spouses. There are three types of military plates available for each branch of the armed forces: Active Duty, Reserve, and Veteran. Military plates are only available to those whose current military status matches the designation on the requested plate.

If a service member’s status changes (e.g., honorably discharged from Active Duty), they are required to surrender the plate to their County Treasurer’s Office and reapply for a new one that reflects their updated status.

Sponsored Plates

Sponsored plates are issued by Montana’s Department of Motor Vehicles and are sponsored by qualified non-profit organizations, colleges, or government bodies. Each plate design features distinctive backgrounds, colors, or phrases that represent the sponsoring organization. Proceeds from these plates typically support various charitable or educational causes.

A sampling of sponsored plates includes:

• Zoo Montana: Supports wildlife conservation and education.
• Wild Montana: Benefits efforts to protect Montana’s wild public lands and waters.
• University of Montana: Contributions go toward student scholarships.
• Yellowstone Forever: Funds projects in Yellowstone National Park.

The initial fees for these plates vary by organization, but most plates include a donation that ranges between $20 and $30, depending on the sponsor. In addition to the donation, other mandatory fees are applied:

• Administrative Cost: $10.00
• Production Cost: $12.00

These additional costs are added on top of the donation fee. Renewal fees for sponsored plates typically include an annual renewal that matches the initial donation, which supports the ongoing work of the sponsoring organization. Administrative and production fees apply at renewal as well.

Personalized Plates

Personalized plates allow vehicle owners to create a custom message on their license plates for an additional charge. The initial fee for a personalized plate is $25, with a $10 fee for each transfer or renewal. If you choose to personalize a sponsored plate, additional sponsor fees will also apply. There are specific requirements for what is acceptable for personalization, and you can refer to the Application for Personalized License Plates (MV8) for more information.

Vehicle registration and renewal

Process for titling and registering a vehicle in Montana

1. Visit the county treasurer’s office: Apply in the county where you reside. If you’ve recently bought from a licensed dealer, they will send the paperwork directly to the office.
2. Complete the necessary forms: Be prepared to fill out a Statement of Fact (Form MV100) for specific title clarifications.
3. Pay Title and Filing fees: Submit payments for title and lien filing fees.
4. Register the vehicle: After titling, pay all registration fees and receive your license plate.
5. Maintain required documentation: Keep a copy of the registration receipt and proof of liability insurance in the vehicle as mandated by § 61-6-301, MCA.

Required documents for registration and renewal

1. Proof of ownership: Present a valid title or registration receipt.
2. Valid identification: Use a state-issued ID or driver’s license.
3. Proof of insurance: Provide documentation of active insurance coverage.

Special cases: County seats and corresponding license plate numbers

A comprehensive list of each Montana county, its county seat, and its corresponding license plate number can be useful for identifying and verifying regional information. The numbers indicate where the vehicle is registered. This can aid in understanding the geographic origin of the vehicle during a license plate lookup.

1. Beaverhead - Dillon – 18
2. Big Horn - Hardin – 22
3. Blaine - Chinook – 24
4. Broadwater - Townsend – 43
5. Carbon - Red Lodge – 10
6. Carter - Ekalaka – 42
7. Cascade - Great Falls – 2
8. Chouteau - Fort Benton – 19
9. Custer - Miles City – 14
10. Daniels - Scobey – 37
11. Dawson - Glendive – 16
12. Deer Lodge - Anaconda – 30
13. Fallon - Baker – 39
14. Fergus - Lewistown – 8
15. Flathead - Kalispell – 7
16. Gallatin - Bozeman – 6
17. Garfield - Jordan – 50
18. Glacier - Cut Bank – 38
19. Golden Valley - Ryegate – 53
20. Granite - Philipsburg – 46
21. Hill - Havre – 12
22. Jefferson - Boulder – 51
23. Judith Basin - Stanford – 36
24. Lake - Polson – 15
25. Lewis and Clark - Helena – 5
26. Liberty - Chester – 48
27. Lincoln - Libby – 56
28. Madison - Virginia City – 25
29. McCone - Circle – 41
30. Meagher - White Sulphur Springs – 47
31. Mineral - Superior – 54
32. Missoula - Missoula – 4
33. Musselshell - Roundup – 23
34. Park - Livingston – 49
35. Petroleum - Winnett – 55
36. Phillips - Malta – 11
37. Pondera - Conrad – 26
38. Powder River - Broadus – 51
39. Powell - Deer Lodge – 28
40. Prairie - Terry – 45
41. Ravalli - Hamilton – 13
42. Richland - Sidney – 27
43. Roosevelt - Wolf Point – 17
44. Rosebud - Forsyth – 29
45. Sanders - Thompson Falls – 35
46. Sheridan - Plentywood – 34
47. Silver Bow - Butte – 1
48. Stillwater - Columbus – 32
49. Sweet Grass - Big Timber – 40
50. Teton - Choteau – 31
51. Toole - Shelby – 21
52. Treasure - Hysham – 54
53. Valley - Glasgow – 20
54. Wheatland - Harlowton – 44
55. Wibaux - Wibaux – 52
56. Yellowstone - Billings – 3

For a complete and updated list, visit https://www.mtcounties.org/counties/county-seats-corresponding-license-plate-numbers/

To see the current transportation commissioners and understand additional context behind these plate prefixes, visit https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/trans-comm/trans-commissioners.aspx

FAQs

How to perform a Montana license plate lookup?

You can start a Montana license plate lookup online through services like Bumper by entering the license plate number or the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). These lookups can provide information about the vehicle’s history, purchase history, and other crucial details.

What documents are required for vehicle registration in Montana?

To register your vehicle in Montana, you need:

1. Proof of ownership (e.g., vehicle title)
2. Valid identification (e.g., driver’s license)
3. Proof of insurance
4. Payment for title and registration fees

For more details, visit https://mvdmt.gov/

How to handle lost or stolen plates?

If your license plates are lost or stolen, visit your local County Treasurer’s office to request replacements. You’ll need to pay applicable fees and may need to provide identification and proof of vehicle ownership.

How often must license plates be replaced in Montana?

Montana law mandates issuing new license plates every five years. This helps ensure that all plates are clearly visible and in good condition.

Can I register a vehicle online in Montana?

Yes, certain registration services can be completed online, such as renewing your registration. Visit the Montana Motor Vehicle Division’s online services portal for more information.

What types of specialty license plates are available?

Montana offers nearly 200 types of plates, including standard, sponsored, military, and custom plates. You can review and choose from the available options on the Montana Motor Vehicle Division’s website.

What should I do if my registration tab is missing?

If your registration tab is lost or missing, request a replacement through your local County Treasurer’s office. Ensure your rear plate always displays a valid registration tab.

How long does it take to get new license plates?

After titling and registering your vehicle, it usually takes about 30 days for the paperwork to go through, at which point you can pick up your plates from the County Treasurer’s office. If your preferred plates are not in stock, you may receive a 40-day temporary permit.

What is needed to apply for a disability license plate?

To apply for a disability license plate, have a licensed healthcare provider complete the appropriate section of the Disability Permit/License Plate Application (MV5), and then submit this to the Motor Vehicle Division. Recertification is not required for renewing permanent disability plates.

Leveraging Montana license plate lookup services can be an important step when researching potential vehicle transactions. By providing data on vehicle history, purchase history, and recalls, these services could help aid in transparency and protect buyers from potential fraud and hidden issues. Whether trying to verify claims made by a seller or checking for outstanding liens, these lookups could offer a detailed snapshot of a vehicle’s background.

* Bumper reports are based upon data available and may include historical accident records from 33 state-level agencies, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming, to the extent such specific data has been compiled, digitized locally and is available. We strongly recommend your own due diligence and checking additional sources for states not listed above. As a reminder, even for states where we may have data, we cannot guarantee the comprehensiveness/accuracy of the information provided and you should not rely solely on our data in order to determine whether or not a vehicle was ever involved in an accident.