MontanaSB 38069th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Generally revise laws related to motor vehicle laws

Sponsored By: Shelley Vance (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Motor VehiclesRule Making

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

33 provisions identified: 10 benefits, 11 costs, 12 mixed.

Dealer licenses: bonds, fees, paperwork

To get a dealer, broker, auto auction, or wholesaler license, you must meet strict rules. You must post a surety bond: $50,000 for general dealers, $15,000 for motorcycle/quadricycle‑only, or $5,000 for certain boat and off‑highway sellers. You must carry liability insurance naming the department, give owner and officer details (including Social Security numbers), and show zoning compliance. A separate application is required for each business location. The application fee is $30 for dealer, broker, or wholesaler licenses. Licenses stay valid until you return them or the state suspends or revokes them; the department can deny licenses for risks to the public.

Nonresident title bond of $100,000

Nonresident business applicants for Montana vehicle titles must post a penalty bond of at least $100,000 payable to the motor vehicle division. Financial institutions are exempt.

Stricter DUI test rules and suspensions

Officers may request alcohol or drug tests only if both the officer and device are certified. If you refuse a test, your license is suspended: six months for a first refusal and one year for a second within five years. For a CDL, a first refusal is a one‑year suspension and a second can be for life, with possible reinstatement after at least 10 years. The officer must seize your license, give notice, and issue a 5‑day permit that starts 12 hours later. You can ask a district court to pause the suspension during your appeal. The department no longer reports a seized nonresident license to the driver’s home state. The state no longer recognizes tribal seizures or tribal‑court orders on licenses under tribal law.

Annual fees for cars and motorhomes

Light vehicles: $217 if 4 years or newer, $87 if 5–10 years, $28 if 11+ years. Add $825 if a light vehicle is 10 years or newer with MSRP over $150,000. Motor homes: $282.50 if under 2 years; $224.25 if 2–4; $132.50 if 5–7; $97.50 if 8+. You can choose a one‑time $237.50 permanent registration for a motor home. Add $800 if a motor home is 10 years or newer with MSRP over $300,000.

Tighter rules for vehicle wholesalers and dealers

To buy, sell, broker, or consign vehicles as a business, you must hold a state dealer license. Wholesalers cannot sell to the public and cannot get dealer plates. Dealer license expirations are spread across the year by the department. If a wholesaler cannot certify the required annual sales, the state may revoke the license. The law narrows who counts as a dealer; some property leasers and out‑of‑state sales are excluded when there is no Montana title and no local staff or public hours.

CDL lasts longer; 60‑day fraud ban

A Montana commercial driver’s license can now last up to 8 years. A different rule may apply if you just added a HAZMAT endorsement after holding one in another state. If your license is canceled for giving wrong information or fraud on the application, you are disqualified from commercial driving for 60 days from the cancellation date.

Dealer loaner plate rules tightened

The department can suspend a dealer’s loaner‑plate privileges for up to six months if the dealer allows misuse. Dealers may apply for more loaner plates when they show a business need. Dealer permits and transit plates now expire on the same date as the dealer plate instead of December 31.

Dealer plates, IDs, and wholesaler reports

Wholesalers may get demonstrator plates for vehicles they sell. They must file an annual report by the 15th of the month before license expiration and pay a $30 fee. They must certify at least 12 sales a year, or average one per month if licensed part‑year. Dealer, demo, loaner, and courtesy plates follow the standard replacement cycle and must show a yearly decal. Customers driving loaner‑plated cars must carry written proof they are authorized. New power‑sports dealers get 1–2 ID cards at issuance; extra cards cost $2 each with justification. The department keeps certain permit and plate fees to run the program.

Electronic titles and faster service pilot

An electronic title is legal title in Montana. The motor vehicle division runs a pilot to send and keep title records electronically and to file and release liens online. It may certify electronic records for official use and audit authorized agents. Faster, optional title services are available for a fee that funds the vehicle IT system.

More options for collector plates

If your vehicle is a registered collector item, you may use original Montana plates or approved metal reproductions. A highway patrol officer must inspect the plate and certify it is legible; a $5 certification fee applies. The department issues a unique validating decal you must affix. Vehicles made in 1948, 1949, or 1950 may display one original rear plate that matches the model year. Once approved, general‑transportation collector items receive permanent registration and must display the permanent decal.

Rules for medium‑speed electric vehicles

The law defines medium‑speed electric vehicles. They are fully enclosed, have at least one door, and top out at 45 mph. They count as light vehicles for title and registration. They must weigh 5,000 pounds or less, have a proper VIN, and show a rear‑window sticker with the top speed.

Driver license and ID updates

The minimum age for a standard driver’s license is now 15. A restricted license for hardship is still allowed at age 13. You can get a Montana ID card if you show accepted Montana residency documents and have authorized presence in the U.S. Digital driver’s licenses and ID cards count under state law. The department may offer limited license services through county treasurers. If your license is canceled, you can usually reapply anytime, and you no longer must surrender a canceled license. Old surrender/return rules were removed.

Easier registration for USS Montana crew

People serving or who served aboard the USS Montana can register by mail in Lewis and Clark County or online. You must provide proof of current orders or prior service in the way the department requires.

Replacement title fee drops in 2026

The replacement title fee is $10 today. Beginning July 1, 2026, the fee is $5, and all $5 goes to the state general fund. You pay $5 starting on that date.

Donate $1 at registration to health causes

When you register a vehicle, you can donate $1 or more to organ and tissue donation education, traumatic brain injury programs, or a cancer screening program. The state deposits each donation into the named health accounts that support those efforts.

Short interim disability parking permits

Certified doctors, chiropractors, and advanced practice nurses can issue an interim disability parking permit. It is valid only in Montana and expires five days after issue. It cannot be renewed or extended. The provider must also have submitted a request for a standard disability parking permit.

Government vehicles skip registration fees

Vehicles owned or controlled by the U.S., the state, or local governments are exempt from registration fees. Property that is tax‑exempt under state law also qualifies, unless another law says otherwise. Most households are not affected.

State creates chief cybersecurity officer

The state names a chief information security officer. This person advises and oversees security for many state and local agencies and schools. The role protects state systems and residents’ data.

More IDs covered under privacy rules

A name plus a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands ID number is now treated as protected personal information when not encrypted. This expands what data must be handled under Montana’s privacy rules.

Refusing DUI test costs $300

If you refuse a required alcohol or drug test, you must pay a $300 administrative fee. The money goes to a special account used only for blood or breath testing. This supports forensic testing tied to DUI enforcement.

Extra $9 parks fee and $10 add-on

You pay an extra $10 each year for many vehicles you register. A $9 parks and recreation fee is added to each light‑vehicle registration unless you opt out by certifying you will not use state parks or fishing access sites; the opt‑out remains until you change it or the vehicle changes owners. You can also choose to add $5 per light vehicle at annual registration to support state transportation projects.

Fees for trailers, bikes, boats, snowmobiles

Trailers: $61.25 one‑time if under 6,000 lbs; $148.25 if 6,000 lbs or more. Off‑highway vehicles: $61.25 one‑time, or $41.25 with a valid summer trail pass. Motorcycles/quadricycles: $53.25 one‑time; other safety or annual fees may apply. Boats and personal watercraft: $65.50 (<16 ft), $125.50 (16 to <19 ft), $295.50 (19+ ft). Snowmobiles: $60.50 one‑time, or $40.50 with a winter trail pass; rental businesses have a reduced schedule. Low‑speed electric vehicles and some golf carts: $25 one‑time (with decal where required).

License plate and collector plate fees

You pay $12 for new standard plates or to replace special plates. To keep a pre‑2010 plate number, add $16. A collector reproduction plate costs a one‑time $50 application, split between a highway patrol salary account and the motor vehicle administration account.

Driveaway permits and transit plate costs

Businesses that regularly move new vehicles by driveaway or towaway or bring used mobile homes into Montana must get a yearly permit and pay $100. Permit holders can get five transit plate sets at $10 each. More sets cost $10 each if they show need based on last year’s Montana trips.

Loaner plate fees and strict records

New‑vehicle dealers can get loaner plate sets for $25 per set each year. Loaner plates are allowed only on new vehicles that stay on a manufacturer’s statement of origin, are in inventory for resale, and are loaned while the customer’s vehicle is being repaired. Dealers must keep who borrowed it, contact details, loan and return dates, and the actual return date. The department can audit these records.

Rules for dealer demonstrator plates and IDs

Demonstrator plates cost $5 each. Plates can be used only for sale demos (up to 72 hours), testing, or moving to or from business or service, with one rear plate shown. Dealers that only sell power sports vehicles cannot get demonstrator plates. ID cards must show the dealer name, address, license number, and vehicle type and be displayed or carried as required. Dealer, demonstrator, loaner, and courtesy plates and IDs expire the day after the dealer license expires, though prior‑year plates/IDs may be used until that date if the annual report is filed. Dealer plates must use department‑assigned numbers (up to 25 characters).

Temporary permits: display and 90 days

You may issue temporary permits using a department‑approved online system. You must attach a temp permit where it is easy to see, usually at the rear plate spot. If you get a temp permit after buying, you must title and register before re‑selling. If you cannot surrender a prior title for reasons beyond your control, the county or agent issues a 90‑day temp permit. Standard fees still apply.

Title and registration after a sale

When you sell a titled vehicle or boat, you must either authorize an agent to record the transfer or sign and deliver the title. If you buy, you must apply for title and register within 40 days. Missing the deadline adds a $10 late penalty. A lender may pay title and lien filing fees but is not liable for your late fee or taxes. Offices use the state’s online system to verify liability insurance. First-time Montana registrations follow set steps, and transfers require you to pay the listed fees. If you qualify under 61-3-460, your registration fees are waived.

Easier vehicle paperwork and online access

Manufacturers may use department‑approved electronic certificates of origin. More entities can become authorized agents to access and update motor‑vehicle records, by written agreement. You can make certain registration fee elections online. If a title application is incomplete, the department returns it and pauses issuance until you provide the missing items. Title signatures must be acknowledged by a county treasurer, authorized elected official, or department agent. Luxury MSRP surcharges ($800/$825) go to the motor vehicle administration account, and each year by August 15 any year‑end balance above 25% of that year’s appropriation moves to the general fund.

Specialty and collector plate changes

The law defines collector reproduction plates and what counts as a plate sponsor. You must file the state’s application for personalized plates, and the department can refuse combinations that are offensive, misleading, or duplicates. The permanent collector‑vehicle registration category and the combined plates option are removed.

Temporary permits: 60‑day option and fees

You can get a 60‑day temporary permit if your ordered plate must be manufactured. A base temporary permit costs $19.50 at the time of sale. It is $24.50 for a nonresident buyer or when issued by the department’s electronic system, and $24.00 for a 90‑day permit. Permits must show a temporary plate number, expiration date, and other details if required. Agents may issue a permit without the state’s electronic system only if the department authorizes it.

New vehicle definitions and exemptions

The law defines an electric personal assistive mobility device and caps its speed at 12.5 mph. Golf carts are generally exempt from title rules, but not when driven by someone with a low‑speed restricted license. A bus now means a vehicle designed to carry 10 or more passengers. Salvage terms are clarified, and banks and insured credit unions are defined as financial institutions for these rules.

How temporary permit fees are split

For every temporary vehicle permit fee, the state deposits $16.50 into a public safety special revenue account. The rest goes to the motor vehicle electronic commerce operating account. This split does not change the fee you pay.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Shelley Vance
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Neil Duram
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 287 • No: 11

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 97 • No: 2

House vote • 4/10/2025