What Is a Temporary License Plate in Montana?
A Temporary Registration Permit (TRP) in Montana allows for the short-term operation of a vehicle on public roads until permanent license plates are issued. The Montana Motor Vehicle Division administers the program in accordance with MCA 61-3-224.
TRPs are issued by county treasurers, authorized agents, and licensed dealers. An individual can also issue a TRP themselves through a department-approved electronic interface. The permit bridges the gap between the purchase of a vehicle and permanent registration at the county treasurer’s office.
The TRP is a paper document placed in a sturdy license plate-style plastic sleeve and attached to the rear of the vehicle.
What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Montana?
| Class | Official Name | Trigger | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Temporary Registration Permit | Vehicle purchase or lack of license plate | County treasurer, authorized agent, or dealer |
| Non-resident | Temporary Registration Permit (Non-resident) | Non-resident acquires a vehicle in Montana | County treasurer, authorized agent, or dealer |
| Electronic Self-Issuance | Temporary Registration Permit (Electronic) | Any authorized purpose via electronic interface | Individual via department-approved interface |
| Title Delay | 90-Day Temporary Registration Permit | Owner cannot surrender previous title | County treasurer or authorized agent |
TRPs are non-renewable. The permit holder must title and register the vehicle before ownership can be transferred again in accordance with MCA 61-3-224(7).
When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Montana?
- A buyer receiving a vehicle from a dealer receives a temporary registration permit at the time of sale to operate the vehicle while awaiting permanent license plates from the county treasurer.
- A buyer from a private party must obtain a TRP before operating the vehicle on public roads; the seller must remove existing license plates in accordance with MVD guidelines.
- A non-resident purchasing a vehicle in Montana requires a non-resident TRP to take the vehicle out of state in accordance with MCA 61-3-224(5)(b).
- A new owner who cannot surrender a previously assigned title receives a 90-day temporary registration permit in accordance with MCA 61-3-303(4)(b).
How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Montana?
- Gather a bill of sale or properly signed title, valid ID, and vehicle description (year, make, model, VIN).
- For dealer purchases, the dealer issues the TRP at the time of sale through a department-approved electronic interface.
- For private party purchases, visit your county treasurer’s office or an authorized agent.
- Pay the applicable fee as outlined in the next section.
- Place the printed TRP in the provided plastic sleeve and attach it to the rear of the vehicle.
The MVD license plate information page contains details on TRP issuance and display requirements.
How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Montana?
| Class | Fee | Add-on | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $19.50 | — | Vehicle owner |
| Non-resident | $24.50 | — | Non-resident buyer |
| Electronic Self-Issuance | $24.50 | — | Permit applicant |
| Title Delay (90-Day) | $24 | — | Vehicle owner |
Fees are set by MCA 61-3-224(5) as currently published by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Montana?
Partially. Montana law allows any individual to issue a TRP through a department-approved electronic interface in accordance with MCA 61-3-224(2).
Dealers regularly use this electronic system at the time of sale. Buyers receive a printed TRP at the dealership counter without needing a separate office visit.
For private party purchases, the in-person route goes through the county treasurer’s office in the buyer’s county of residence.
A TRP issued by a dealer at the time of sale is the simplest route for most vehicle purchases in Montana.
How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Montana?
| Class | Validity | Geographic Cap | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 40 days or until registration | None | None |
| Non-resident | 40 days or until registration | None | None |
| Electronic Self-Issuance | 40 days or until registration | None | None |
| Title Delay (90-Day) | 90 days | None | None |
Buyers have 40 days from the date of sale to title and register. After 40 days, a late fee applies according to MVD policy. Operating without valid registration or insurance is an offense according to MCA 61-6-304.