How to own a vehicle in
Montana
as a non-US resident
Montana
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.
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Mountain West
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