Resources
Registering a Vehicle

How to own a vehicle in

Montana

as a non-US resident

Montana
Address requirements
Proof of Montana residency is required to register a vehicle in Montana. (A Certification Letter for a Montana Limited Liability Company is proof of residency.)
Identity requirements
If you do not have a Montana Driver’s License or ID, you must present a Government Issued Photo ID, Out of State Driver’s License or ID, Passport, a Rental Agreement signed by you and your Landlord (within the last year), The deed to your home, the property tax statement, or closing documents to your home - or Two forms of proof that are in your name and reflect your physical address. Acceptable forms include a Bank Statement, Insurance Card, Utility Bill, Certified Court Documents, Montana Hunting/Fishing License, Pay Stub, Phone Bill, School Transcript/Report Card, Voter Registration.
Average cost to own a vehicle
0.7% of the vehicle's value
Plus registration fees of:
$48.30-$237.3

Presence requirements

The US states, not the national government, control vehicle ownership in the United States.
In order to own a vehicle in any US state, you must establish a presence in that state.
These are the presence requirements to own a vehicle in this state:

Address

Montana address required to own a vehicle in Montana.

Proof of Residency at Address

Proof of Montana residency is required to register a vehicle in Montana. (A Certification Letter for a Montana Limited Liability Company is proof of residency.)

Identity

If you do not have a Montana Driver’s License or ID, you must present a Government Issued Photo ID, Out of State Driver’s License or ID, Passport, a Rental Agreement signed by you and your Landlord (within the last year), The deed to your home, the property tax statement, or closing documents to your home - or Two forms of proof that are in your name and reflect your physical address. Acceptable forms include a Bank Statement, Insurance Card, Utility Bill, Certified Court Documents, Montana Hunting/Fishing License, Pay Stub, Phone Bill, School Transcript/Report Card, Voter Registration.

Cost of owning a vehicle

When you register a vehicle - apply for ownership and permission to drive it on public roads - two costs are due:
  • Sales tax
  • Registration fees
Sales tax and registration fees are due in the state in which the vehicle is registered, not where the vehicle is purchased.
These are the costs to own a vehicle in this state.
Sales tax is due where a vehicle is owned, not where it is bought - so owning a vehicle in Montana can save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.

Sales tax (state + local average)

0.7% of the vehicle's value

Registration fees

$48.30-$237.3

Inspection Requirements

In order to register a vehicle (or renew a registration in this state, the vehicle must meet the following inspection requirements:
None required.

There are 38 states that

Don't require proof of residency.

There are 21 states that

Don't require proof of residency.
Don't require a US driver's license.

There are 7 states that

Don't require proof of residency.
Don't require a US driver's license.
Don't require vehicle inspections.

Montana is the only US state that

Allows non-residents to register vehicles through a company.
Doesn't require a US driver's license.
Doesn't require vehicle inspections.
Doesn't have vehicle sales tax.

Want an easier way?

Let visitor.us register your vehicle in Montana, which has:
• No US driver's license requirement
• No vehicle inspection requirement
• No sales tax (purchase your vehicle in any US state)
Mountain West

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Nevada

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New Mexico

How to register a vehicle in New Mexico as a non-US resident
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Utah

How to register a vehicle in Utah as a non-US resident
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Wyoming

How to register a vehicle in Wyoming as a non-US resident

Let's Get You on the Road

We make US vehicle ownership easy so you can enjoy your visit.