If you are an out-of-state resident who owns a car currently titled in another state, there are some good reasons to register your vehicle in Montana as soon as possible. Simply put, many great benefits come with writing your car in this state, so without further ado, here is what you need to know about Montana vehicle registration:
1. No annual fees –
One of the main benefits of registering your car in Montana is that you do not have to pay any annual fees. In many states, you must pay a yearly fee to keep your vehicle registered, ranging between $25 and $100.
2. Customized plates–
Registering your vehicle in Montana allows you to customize the plate number with your first and last name and any other special characters you like. The personalized plates are often printed on different colored backgrounds, making them stand out from other cars on the road.
3. No vehicle inspections –
Another benefit of registering your car in Montana is that you do not have to get your vehicle inspected for safety. You must check your vehicle for protection in many states every year or two. However, in Montana, this is not mandatory.
4. One-stop shop for motor vehicle registration requirements–
Montana has made it incredibly easy for drivers to register their vehicles. All you need is a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance before heading to the DMV office (which is open daily from 8 AM – 5 PM. You can also get duplicate driver’s licenses at this location if needed.
5. No sales taxes –
Another important reason you would want to register your car in Montana is that this state has no sales tax. This is a huge financial benefit. Sales taxes on a car can be significant – typically around 10 to 15 percent of the purchase price, so if you buy a car rather than leasing or borrowing one, registering your vehicle in Montana can lead to big savings.
6. No emission taxes –
You must undergo emissions testing if you have a car manufactured before 1996. However, Montana does not require emissions testing. This can save you money on both the cost of the test and the cost of the car.
7. Transferring ownership –
Another benefit of registering your car in Montana is that no title transfer form is required when transferring ownership of a vehicle from one person to another.
Key Takeaways
If you are a new resident or business owner in Montana, you must register your vehicle with the DMV within 30 days of moving there. If you wish to simplify the process, a Montana registered agent can greatly help. Your agent can walk you through all the steps of car registration, and if you live out of state, they can even help you form a Montana LLC and register your car on it.
