The state of Montana requires drivers to register their motor vehicles with the Montana Department of Justice Motor Vehicles Division. Before you can choose from one of many of the Montana license plates available, you must first undergo registration for your vehicle and pay all the necessary fees.
Standard Montana License Plates
Standard Montana license plates are issued to all owners unless they request other license plates. Montana law requires new plates to be issued every five years. Vehicle owners who want to use new Montana license plates can request them after surrendering their old plates after paying a $10 new issue fee, a $10 replacement plate fee for a new license number or $15 duplicate plate fee for the same number, and a $10 duplicate permanent tab.
Sponsored Montana License Plates
There are many sponsored plates representing different groups that you can choose from, including those supporting Agriculture and Forestry, Arts and Culture, Government, Collegiate, Education, Youth Groups, Service Organizations and Associations, Museums and History, Parks and Environment, Wildlife and Other Animals, and Sports
To qualify for these sponsored plates, you have to register your vehicle annually. A portion of the fees goes towards the sponsoring organization.
Military Montana License Plates
To qualify for military Montana license plates, you must be an active member of the military, veteran, or the surviving spouse of a veteran who has not remarried. There are a total 17 differently labeled plates, and all with the exception of ex-Prisoner of War and Disabled Veteran cost $10 year.
To apply for military Montana license plates, you must have an official certificate from your unit commander proving your eligibility for the plates. You must also submit all applicable fees and documents to prove eligibility.
