Donate a car or vehicle in Montana - MT
State Title Information

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When donating a car it is necessary to transfer ownership. Various states have different regulations on how this is done. This page is a collection of actual references from various state web sites.

Just click on any of the links below for more information on that subject.

1. Registration Provisions

2. Titling Provisions

3. How do I obtain a duplicate Title?

4. How do I title a car I bought from someone who did not have a title for it?

5. License Plate Overview

1. Registration Provisions:

• New residents must apply for a Montana vehicle title and register their vehicles when they establish residence.
• Military Employees : Non-resident military personnel stationed in Montana may register their vehicles in their home jurisdictions or in Montana, unless they are gainfully employed in Montana outside of their military duties. If they are gainfully employed outside those duties, they must title and register their vehicles in Montana.
• Non-Residents : Under MCA 61-3-701 through 704, non-residents who are gainfully employed in Montana must present their current out-of-state vehicle registration to the county treasurer 's office. Taxes or fees in lieu of taxes are due, along with appropriate registration fees. Non-residents may choose to register by the calendar quarter. The vehicle must display the license plates from both its home state and from Montana.

Under MCA 61-3-321, registration fees (see list in Resources sidebar) 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.

Fees in lieu of taxes must be assessed for the year prior to the current registration year if they have not been paid previously. No credit is given for taxes paid.

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2. Titling Provisions:

How to title a motor vehicle

1. Apply at the county treasurer's office in the county you live in.
2. Present the previous year 's Montana registration receipt or out-of-state title:
   • If you have recently purchased a vehicle from a licensed auto dealer, the dealer will send or deliver the necessary paperwork to the county treasurer 's office.
   • The county clerk may ask you to complete a Statement of Fact (Form MV100) to clarify certain facts about the title transfer.
   • Be prepared to pay title and security interest/lien filing fees.
3. Once the title process has been completed, you must pay all taxes and fees, and your vehicle will be registered and license plates issued.
4. A copy of the registration receipt must be kept in each vehicle at all times, along with proof of liability insurance as required in MCA 61-6-301.
5. When the ownership of a vehicle titled in Montana is transferred, the signatures of all parties shown on the face of the title must sign off on the title and have their signatures notarized.

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3. How do I obtain a duplicate Title?

1. Fill out the Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title (Form MV7).
2. Mail the completed form and a $10 fee for all motor vehicles, including boats and trailers, to the Title and Registration Bureau.

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4. How do I title a car I bought from someone who did not have a title for it?

If you purchase a vehicle from someone and no record of the title can be found, you may apply for a bonded title in accordance with MCA 61-3-208.

1. Go to your county treasurer's office to discuss the bonded title process. Take any proof of ownership and a completed Vehicle Identification Number Inspection Certificate (Form MV20) with you.
2. Complete the Affidavit (Form MV10), making sure you include the circumstances through which you acquired ownership. Disclose any security interests (liens) you are aware of and the value of the vehicle:
   • If the value is over $500, you must secure a bond equal to the value determined by the surety company.
   • If the vehicle is worth $500 or less, you simply certify to its value. You must either:
     • reference the average trade-in or wholesale value determined by the national appraisal guide as of January 1 for the year in which you are applying, or
     • if an appraisal guide is not available, certify that, to your knowledge, its value is $500 or less.
3. The Title and Registration Bureau issues a title with the words "BONDED TITLE" and the expiration date of the bond printed on its face. The cost is $10.
4. If no claim is made on the vehicle within three years, the bureau then issues a clear title. The cost is $10.

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5. License Plate Overview:

The Title and Registration Bureau regulates the issuance of vehicle license plates. Once you have titled and registered your vehicle and paid all taxes and fees, the county treasurer 's office gives you your plates. If the plates you want are not on hand, the county treasurer gives you a 45-day temporary permit and notifies you when you can pick them up.

Montana drivers can choose from a number of license plates, ranging from the standard plate to designs that reflect their military service or show their support for a Montana college or community organization.

Transferring plates – License plates stay with the owner and may be transferred to another vehicle of the same type only when the vehicle is properly registered through the county treasurer. Vintage and pioneer plates are exceptions. They remain with the vehicle and are transferred through the Title and Registration Bureau.

Personalized plates are available for an additional fee of $25 and $10 for each transfer and/or renewal of that plate.

License plate decals , which indicate that an owner has paid all the taxes and fees on a vehicle, generally are issued for a one-year period by the county treasurer in the county where the vehicle is subject to tax or fee. The decal must be placed on the rear plate.

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P. O. Box 201430
303 North Roberts
Helena, MT 59620-1430