Reach out to your states DMV website and search for reporting fraud and fill out the form and submit it online. celebrities. The largest drop would be by Powder River County, which would go from its current code of 9 all the way down to 48, two spots lower than its deserved 1930 ranking. If you get a new car, you can transfer your plate so that you keep the same license plate number. Please make an appointment for more than three Out of State titles or personalized/specialty plate (sponsor plate for a trailer, Amateur Radio plates, etc.) Put Montana license plate and search vehicle history. personal credit or employment, or to assess risk associated with any The cost depends upon type of plate chosen and vehicle type (motor vehicle, motorcycle, trailer, etc.) Though ranked 20th when license plate codes were issued, Lake County received a number 15, providing further evidence that the population rankings weren't the only method used to decide which number each county received. You can also go online to dispute your charges with the relevant state toll road agency. Sec. The first number on standard plates in Montana coincide with the county the. However, do not hope to get personal information about vehicle owners via this form. The commonly held belief is that the numbers were assigned based on the population of each county during the 1930 U.S. census. There are over 250 million registered vehicle in the United States, as of 2020, according to the Federal Highway Administration, and each state has its own Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a similar agency responsible for registering vehicles and issuing license plates. You can apply for specialty plates in Montana by meeting certain eligibility requirements and paying any applicable fees. What Do the Prefix Numbers on Montana License Plates Mean? The cost of the replacement is $10.30. A number of military plates are also available for military members, veterans, or surviving spouses. Is the personalized plate LOCK EM available in Montana? Contact the MDT Motor Carrier Services Division at 406-444-6130 for interstate licensing and registration questions. Sec. If you are in the market to purchase a used vehicle from a dealership, they should provide you with a car fax or some kind of vehicle history report but you can run one on your own using either the plate or vehicle identification number, so make sure to request that before making the purchase. Without your plate number, you may need other identifying information, such as your driver's license number or vehicle identification number (VIN). The list is organized alphabetically by county name as well as numerically by license plate number. In the US, vanity plates account for as much as 10% of the registered vehicles in some states and their popularity is growing. For this reason, your driver's license will be requested when registering your vehicle. In the 1930s, the state legislature devised a system that could be used to identify vehicles by the county in which they were registered. At least one person (not a business entity) listed on the title must be a Montana resident. (3)(a)(i)New license plates issued under 61-3-303 or this section must be a standard license plate design first issued in 1989 or later or current collegiate or generic specialty license plate designs. (8)Each type of special license plate approved by the legislature, except collegiate license plates authorized in 61-3-463 and generic specialty license plates authorized in 61-3-472 through 61-3-481, must be a separate series of plates, numbered as provided in subsection (5), except that the county number must be replaced by a design that distinguishes each separate plate series. Because these standard license plates are of a permanent nature, they are subject to replacement by the department only when the physical condition of the license plates requires it and a year number may not be displayed on the plates. The plates are not transferable between individuals, such as on a sale of the vehicle to another person, but the registrants may transfer their plates to their replacement vehicle. 247, L. 2011; amd. As of January 2023, there are over 285 million vehicles on the road, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, which means vehicle related public records are in high demand. 1, Ch. Firefighter Recognition Additionally some information such as Montana vehicle owner information may be restricted to certain entities and reasons such as for insurance investigations, police investigations, skip tracing and business to business inquiries. 226, L. 1971; amd. The word "Montana" must be placed on each license plate and, except for license plates that are 4 inches wide and 7 inches in length, the outline of the state of Montana must be used as a distinctive border on each standard license plate. (d)The department shall issue plates that are 4 inches wide and 7 inches in length for trailers with a declared weight of less than 6,000 pounds unless a person registering a trailer with a declared weight of less than 6,000 pounds requests plates that are 6 inches wide and 12 inches in length. Please subscribe to keep reading. (DPPA), 18 U.S. Code 2721 et seq., as amended. During the search, personal data of those who look up license plate numbers is well protected. Up to two out of state titles may be processed by logging in to the kiosks and waiting in the lobby. Itll usually cost a few bucks but its a worth while expenditure when purchasing a used vehicle, which can uncover any surprises that are not forthcoming from the seller. Depending on the state you live in, it might possible to transfer a license plate number to another vehicle but this would mean updating the title and registration of your vehicle as well as your auto insurance carrier. Sec. Pay the $25 Yearly Fee For Personalized Plates Pet Lovers If plate codes were reassigned today, Lewis & Clark County is one of the few counties that would receive the code it should have received in the 1930s. Yellowstone County's 1930 population was 30,785. Wheatland and Garfield counties have both seen decreases in population over the last eight decades, but their rankings among the 56 counties remain the same as when the codes were issued. Its possible that the license plate is a specialty license plate but there should still be a state listed on the plate somewhere. County Seats & Corresponding License Plate Numbers Secs. Please note that calling 911 is for emergencies so if you see a reckless driver putting other people at risk then calling 911 is appropriate. 63, Ch. The initial cost starts at $36.05 for plate manufacture and then $10.30 annually in addition to normal registration fees.Specially designed plates for veterans, colleges, military units and others are also available at their own initial and annual rates. Required fields are marked *. Before 2003 Non-passenger plates Discontinued County coding 5. Montana began requiring vehicle registration plates in 1915. If you would like to have personalized license plates, they are available to you for an additional fee. 406-447-8328. Distinctive registration numbers for plates assigned to motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, or pole trailers of each of the counties in the state and those of the municipalities and special districts that obtain plates within each county must begin with number one and be numbered consecutively. Conservancy Sec. Now, with the advent of cloud based online databases that can index billions of public records in seconds, license plate information can now be obtained on the fly by anyone. If you do not have the plate number available, its also possible to lookup vehicle information with the 17 digit VIN that is stamped on multiple locations on all cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles and RVs. If you want to know the easiest and most cost effective way to run a Montana license plate lookup, an online vehicle record website is the best way to proceed. 72, L. 2001; amd. As of January 2023, there are over 285 million vehicles on the road, according to the, There are over 250 million registered vehicle in the United States, as of 2020, according to the, License plates vary quite a bit by state in terms of appearance, materials, lettering and numbering and special characters. Missoula's City Attorney looks back on 48-year career, Were there Mullan BUILD Phase One complete, Missoula Food Bank sees record demand, plans to limit visits, Montana's license plate numbers, reordered. Special Interest, I have the plate # but there is no State on the plate. 28, Ch. Sec. Vehicles that meet specific requirements for historic or classic vehicles can have special antique license plates. Not only because of "the Montana thing" described above but also because distributing this information is illegal. The Montana license plate is a metallic plate tag with a reflectorized background showing the registration numbers and characters assigned to the vehicle. If the vehicle did not stop or acknowledge the accident, this is called a hit and run and you will follow the same process outlined above but without the other vehicle owner and insurance information. With the largest loss of population of any county in Montana, it's little wonder that Silver Bow County would lose its number 1 license plate code in an updated system. Please make an appointment for more than three Dealership titles or personalized/specialty plate (sponsor plate for a trailer, Amateur Radio plates, etc.) Calling 911 indicates a serious situation. the DPPA, we will retain a record of your request, including your 127, L. 2011; amd. Montana license plate Search So, what does a typical Montana plate look like? (4)(a)All license plates must be metal and treated with a reflectorized background material according to specifications prescribed by the department. (5)The distinctive registration numbers for standard license plates must begin with a number one or with a letter-number combination, such as "A 1" or "AA 1", or any other similar combination of letters and numbers. The 1930 Gallatin County population was 16,124, while its population was 89,513 in the 2010 census. Odometer information has been completed for street legal vehicles weighing 1 ton or less that are less than twenty years old. Sec. 3. The cost is $10.30 and will be issued the same day. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}. Copyright 20102023 FAXVIN. 3, Ch. **Attention: For quickest response times, contact us by email atDOJMVDLewis&ClarkCounty@mt.govRenewal Line: Open 7:00am-5:00pm. A VIN number will give you the make and model, manufacturer, body style, engine, year and much more. If that is not an option then the VIN should be used in leu of the specialized plate number, Your email address will not be published. Next, make sure you have a valid reason as outlined in the Montana license plate search process. 8 How long does it take to get a Montana license plate? 516, L. 1985; amd. There are 56 Counties in Montana. and should not be used to determine an individuals eligibility for Motor Vehicle Questions and Information. At least one person (not a business entity) listed on the title must be a Montana resident. DPPA, and that you are conducting your search for a purpose For example, Powder River County was assigned a vehicle registration code of 9, but its population in the 1930 census was only 3,909 people, making it the 46th most-populous county at the time. 29, Ch. DOJMVDLewis&ClarkCounty@mt.gov. Sec. Please be aware that the information obtained using SearchQuarry.com If you notice a reckless driver, dangerous distracted driving or a super aggressive driver then you should call 911. 88, L. 1943; amd. To apply for a duplicate Montana registration decal or license plate, visit your local MT county treasurer's office in person and: Provide your MT license plate number (or show your vehicle title). With a paid report, you may also see non-personal information like driving records, crash history, driving offenses, and court-related driving incidents and cases. I need to find out who owns this car. for any purpose other than a DPPA permitted purpose may subject you License Plate Code for Montana Counties County numbers were originally assigned based on most populous to least populous counties; sequence numbers were assigned about 1930 and have not changed since then. 6, L. 1941; amd. Each states also offers the ability to register personalized or vanity plates, allowing vehicle owners to choose a custom sequence of letters and numbers and special characters, that must be first approved by the DMV. Start Your License Plate Search Here License Plate VIN / Vehicle History How to Lookup Any Montana License Plate Number 1. Remember that the plates don't tell the whole story, especially the plates of Montana. 158, L. 1933; re-en. All Rights Reserved. Its population in 1930 was just 9,541. The proposal gained little support, possibly due to the confusion it would cause among residents used to the decades-old system already in place. For the sake of argument, we've put together a list of what today's license plate codes would be if the codes were to be updated based on the most recent official population data, from the 2010 census. 390, L. 1975; amd. Locate the boat registration number You cannot use your license plate on another car unless cleared by the DMV. Automobile accident reporting is a common use for reporting a license plate number to the authorities, especially if you were involved in, or witnessed a hit-and-run accident or suspicious activity involving a vehicle. Initially these plates were made of leather or metal with owner-provided numbers and sometimes initials. Next, you will want to file a police report and give them the license plate number and make and model of the vehicle if you know this. Please do not send cash through the mail. Montana started to use County Codes in 1926. Spaces cannot be used at the beginning or end of the message. 26, Ch. The next step is to verify the make and model of the vehicle and then the user can proceed to accessing the available information, such as vehicle owner contact details, title verification, or a vehicle history report. Flathead County, with a 1930 population of 19,200 people, was given the license plate code of 7, two spots below its 1930 ranking. All Rights Reserved. (b)Plates for semitrailers, travel trailers, pole trailers, trailers with a declared weight of 6,000 pounds or more, and motor vehicles, other than motorcycles and quadricycles, must be 6 inches wide and 12 inches in length. The county number must be separated from the distinctive registration number by a separation mark unless a letter-number combination is used. 243, L. 1977; amd. MDT does handle interstate licensing and registration. A license plate number lookup can be used for verification purposes or for other allowable personal reasons that are outlined by each states privacy laws. The coveted "Number 1" would be assigned to Yellowstone County, by far Montana's most populous county. Schedule a Title Work Appointment. You can also renew your plates easily by following the same steps as you took to apply. An See below for how to contest a Toll Violation with the bill you were sent, Disputing a toll violation can be done by filling out the Contest of Notice portion of the toll evasion youre accused of. in the member's area prior to conducting your search. In the state of Montana, a license plate lookup can be easily performed from the comfort of your home or on the fly from your smartphone. If you see the notorious number with the state outline, do an extensive Montana license plate search with our tool. How to Get License Plates in Montana HoursMonday-Friday (except Holidays), 7:00am to 5:00pmThe department is open during the noon hour; however some windows may be closed due to staffing availability.Title work is not processed after 4:30pm. this service and of the results of your motor vehicle records search (8) Each type of special license plate approved by the legislature, except collegiate license plates authorized in 61-3-463 and generic specialty license plates authorized in 61-3-472 through 61-3-481, must be a separate series of plates, numbered as provided in subsection (5), except that the county number must be replaced by a design that . 392, L. 2007; amd. You can cancel at any time. SearchQuarry.com (9)(a)A Montana resident who is eligible to receive a disability parking permit under 49-4-301 may and a person with a low-speed restricted driver's license operating a low-speed electric vehicle or golf cart as provided in 61-5-122 must, upon written application on a form prescribed by the department, be issued a disability license plate with a design or decal bearing a representation of a wheelchair as the symbol of a person with a disability. Businesses, on the other hand, can access much more detailed information for vetting drivers, applicants and employees, and other official purposes. Each states also offers the ability to register personalized or vanity plates, allowing vehicle owners to choose a custom sequence of letters and numbers and special characters, that must be first approved by the DMV. Check out the Motor Vehicle Department Webcam to see how long the title and registration lines are. However, applicants cannot get an MT DMV license plate until they title and register their motor vehicles with their county treasurer's office. If you keep your address updated, a courtesy renewal notice will be mailed directly to you from the State of Montana. The information DPPA, and that you are conducting your search for a purpose Free Montana License Plate Lookup | Enter a License Plate & Search The word "MONTANA" must be placed on the license plate with the outline of the state of Montana used as a distinctive border on the standard plate. (DPPA), 18 U.S. Code 2721 et seq., as amended. What does the first number on a Montana license plate mean? Is there a secret? Fred Allendorf: Science and Nature: What is your blood type, and does it matter? In the 1930s, the state legislature devised a system that could be used to identify vehicles by the county in which they were registered. Montana has very strict rules and stipulations about who can access this information, as well as the intended purpose of this information. Both the state and federal governments have put restrictions and limitations on what personal information can be shared to the general public. 515, L. 1999; amd. public sources from which the information is aggregated. An out of state driver's license will require two proofs of physical residency. License Plate Designs and Fees - Montana Department of Justice. These mistakes happen from time to time and you should be able to easily sort this out with the Toll agency. Sec. Sec. penalties. AND; Were made no earlier than 1934. In the state of Montana, a license plate lookup can be easily performed from the comfort of your home or on the fly from your smartphone. 3, Ch. Please search responsibly and make sure to use the vehicle information obtained in a responsible and legal fashion. penalties. Though numbers have fluctuated recently, Silver Bow County's 2010 population of 34,200 would give it a license plate code of 8. If the tags on the vehicle are expired then there might be an issue with the used vehicle. Only two counties would get to keep their current license plate code if the system were updated using 2010 census data. If the Certificate of Title to your vehicle is being held by a lien holder, the Motor Vehicle Department will provide you with a Foreign Title Transfer form(MV-63). The county has continued to grow, though, and today it would have a code of 4 if based on 2010 rankings. Fee: The fee for a personalized license plate in Montana is $25 in addition to the regular renewal fee. Reimagining Montana license plates based on current populations The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) does not issue or control Montana driver licenses, in-state vehicle license plates, or in-state vehicle registration. Montana License Plate Lookup However, you will only see the make, model, and year of the car or truck. If you have moved, and not submitted a change of address with the County Motor Vehicle Department your renewal done on the web may be sent to an incorrect address. The 1987 Montana license plate commemorated 100 years of statehood and this art was on the bottom left. Documents allowed for proof of residency can be found at www.dojmt.gov/driving/required-docs/#proof. 1. Silver Bow County, having the largest population at the time, was given a code of 1. Unlike the data about cars, it is never saved from future. Sec. 1, Ch. But while the population explanation holds true for some counties, a cursory look at a ranking of each county by 1930 population shows some discrepancies with the final vehicle registration codes. By using the services 674, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 2. Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MT) - MVD - License Plates The search starts by entering the full plate number and state into the license plate search field and selecting a reason to run this search. 570, L. 1999; amd. through our service. Montana license plate numbers. Some examples can be there might be an issue with the vehicle title or if it was registered as non-operational for a period of time or perhaps it didnt pass a smog test and has some mechanical issues, or it was in a major accident and deemed totaled by an insurance company. A legislative proposal for revising the system was introduced in 1999 to make the system more meaningful. Montana License Plates & Placards Information | DMV.ORG Montanas license plates have a rich history that reflects the states cultural heritage. The Lewis and Clark County Motor Vehicle Department accepts cash, personal checks and money orders made out to Lewis and Clark County in the exact amount of your registration. personal credit or employment, or to assess risk associated with any Up to two out of state titles may be processed by logging in to the kiosks and waiting in the lobby. You may also make an appointment for up to three transfers. Violators may be subject to civil and criminal litigation and You must be the registered owner of the trailer Our fast and easy app will get you there. 6, Ch. Cascade County was next, then Yellowstone County, which is why most of the standard blue license plates in the Billings area start with a 3. Sec. Along with the color and model of a vehicle, it will help you discover such important things as manufacturer and history of recalls, engine specs, and other important aspects. 2, Ch. For more information on driver license change of address or other Montana Driver License related forms visithttps://dojmt.gov/driving/driver-licensing-forms/. 472, L. 1997; amd. During this process, it is crucial to know its history, including any accidents, thefts, or recalls it may have been involved in. But in Montana, you may want to read the rules before looking up a license plate number. Nevertheless, if none is received, each driver is still responsible for timely registration renewal. Sec. A person registering a trailer shall pay all applicable fees for the plates chosen. Any new counties must be assigned numbers by the department as they are formed, beginning with the number 57. Travelers on Montana's highways often wonder what, if anything, the numerical prefixes on the state's license plates mean. Your best option to help the situation is to contact the police or call 911 if you think this is a drunk driving situation. Montana MT License Plate Options And Numbers Lookup - InfoTracer 12, Ch. (6)For the use of exempt motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, or pole trailers and motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, or pole trailers that are exempt from the registration fee as provided in 61-3-321, in addition to the markings provided in this section, standard license plates must bear the following distinctive markings: (a)For motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, or pole trailers owned by the state, the department may designate the prefix number for the various state departments. Submit an explanation of why you are contesting the toll violation. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. 167, L. 2001; amd. for any purpose other than a DPPA permitted purpose may subject you 1935; amd. (d)The provisions of this subsection (3) do not apply to a travel trailer, motorcycle, quadricycle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer. How to help prevent your child from drinking, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Public Health and Human Services, National Missing and Unidentified Persons Database, https://app.mvdmt.gov/vrr/renewal/index.html, https://dojmt.gov/driving/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/, https://dojmt.gov/driving/vehicle-title-and-registration/, https://dojmt.gov/driving/license-plates/, https://dojmt.gov/driving/plate-designs-and-fees/, https://dojmt.gov/driving/vehicle-title-registration-forms/, https://g1.ipcamlive.com/player/player.php?alias=5b633c65a034d&autoplay=1, www.dojmt.gov/driving/required-docs/#proof, Change of Driver License Address (Electronic Record). Sec. Motor Vehicle Supervisor. The owner of this explorer hit my vehicle today in buffalo minnesota plate number DFM037, In order to get a duplicate license plate for your trailer you can visit the DMV website and fill out the form to replace your lost trailer license plate. (c)A light vehicle described in subsection (2)(b) or a motor home that is permanently registered may display the license plate and plate design in effect at the time of registration for the entire period that the light vehicle or motor home is permanently registered. 399, L. 2003; amd. Montana license plate numbers First come, first served. A renewal decal (or tab), that will make your license plate current, will be issued each year after the fees are paid. 5. This data is only made convenient for searching, so you can look up a plate number in the matter of minutes. In Montana, this service will cost only several hundred dollars. With a simple search form, anyone can perform a license plate number lookup with a plate number or VIN number from the convenience of a laptop, tablet or smartphone. Check to see if expiring registrations address matches the front of the card. You may conduct a motor vehicle records search only for a purpose If your registration receipt has an expiration date, you have until the last day of the following month to renew your registration. Sec. Montana began requiring vehicle registration plates in 1915. License Plate Prefixes Montana license plates start with a number that indicates the county where the vehicle is registered. orders. in the member's area prior to conducting your search. searches may not always be accurate and up to date as we do not create, For all the requirements and details you can check the Application Form for Personalized License Plates. Silver Bow County, having the largest population at the time, was given a code of 1. 29, L. 1953; amd. The county's 2010 population was 90,928. Cacade County's 1930 population was 41,146, while its most recent official population was 81,327. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Sec. You can usually find your license plate number on your registration card or certificate. Visit the DMV website in your state of residence Montana License Plates - Classic, New, and Custom - LICENSEPLATES.TV Sec. 500, L. 2005; amd. 209, L. 1993; amd. Sec. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Glacier Park plans temporary Swiftcurrent closure, 'Absolutely epic': Blackfeet release wild buffalo on tribal land, MT School Board Association: Church/state rules outdated, Multiple people rescued from Clark Fork Monday, Letter to the editor: Montana born, with Montana values, Huge mural going up in downtown Missoula alley, Missoula's large, growing Muslim community looks for a mosque, Names of fatal Flathead crash victims released, Conservation license required to use state lands. Types of Special License Plates in Montana is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by Fair Credit Reporting Act 231, L. 2011; amd. Vehicle Services - Montana Department of Justice Skip the Line! 1, Ch. 1, Ch. For example, the owner of a 1976 . 2, Ch. 389, L. 2021; amd. Then tell the officer you would like to file a Hit and Run report and give them and details of the other vehicle. Vehicle owner information is not always You will need to make a request with the DMV if its possible to use your license plate on another vehicle but it is not legal to do this before doing so. 614, L. 1981; amd. Please make an appointment for more than three Out of State titles or personalized/specialty plate (sponsor plate for a trailer, Amateur Radio plates, etc.) You understand and agree that your use of