What you need to register a car under a Montana LLC
When you register a vehicle in Montana under an LLC, the Montana Department of Justice — Motor Vehicle Division handles the paperwork. You'll need to provide proof that your LLC exists, proof of ownership of the vehicle, and proof of insurance. The vehicle title must be transferred into the LLC's name, which requires a separate step from registration itself. Montana does not charge a separate LLC registration fee for vehicles, but you will pay the standard registration fee based on the vehicle's age and weight.
The process takes roughly two to four weeks once you submit everything, though it can be faster if you file in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office rather than by mail. You cannot register the vehicle until the title is in the LLC's name, so that step must come first.
Key Takeaways
- The vehicle title must be transferred to your LLC's name before you can register it, and this requires a separate process to the Motor Vehicle Division.
- You will need your LLC's Articles of Organization, the vehicle's current title, proof of insurance, and a completed registration process.
- Montana charges standard registration fees based on vehicle weight and age, not on the fact that the owner is an LLC.
- Filing by mail takes two to four weeks; filing in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office is usually faster.
Transferring the vehicle title to your LLC
Before you register the vehicle, the title must show your LLC as the owner. To do this, you submit an process for Title to the Montana Motor Vehicle Division. The form is available on the Montana Department of Justice website under "Forms" in the Motor Vehicle section.
On the process, you will list your LLC as the owner and provide your LLC's legal name exactly as it appears in your Articles of Organization. You will also need to provide the vehicle's current title, the bill of sale or proof of transfer, and a copy of your LLC's Articles of Organization. If the vehicle is financed, the lender must sign off on the title transfer, which may add time to the process.
Submit the completed process, the current title, and supporting documents to the Motor Vehicle Division by mail or in person. The address is on the form. Once approved, the Motor Vehicle Division will issue a new title in your LLC's name. This usually takes one to two weeks.
Gathering documents for registration
Once you have the new title in your LLC's name, you can move forward with registration. Collect the following before you start the registration process: the new title showing your LLC as owner, proof of insurance for the vehicle, and your LLC's Articles of Organization or a certified copy.
Proof of insurance must show your LLC as the named insured or as an additional insured on the policy. Most insurance companies can issue this as a certificate of insurance or a declarations page. Call your insurance agent and ask them to send proof that your LLC is covered on the vehicle; do not assume your personal auto policy covers an LLC-owned vehicle, because most do not.
You will also need to complete the process for Vehicle Registration, available on the Motor Vehicle Division website. Fill in your LLC's name and address as the registered owner. If your LLC has a registered agent in Montana (which is required for all LLCs), use that address.
Submitting your registration process
You have two options: file by mail or file in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Filing in person is faster and allows you to ask questions if something is unclear.
To file by mail, send the completed process for Vehicle Registration, the new title, proof of insurance, and the registration fee to the Motor Vehicle Division. The fee varies based on your vehicle's weight and age; check the Motor Vehicle Division website for the current fee schedule. Include a check or money order payable to "Montana Department of Justice." Mail everything to the address listed on the process form.
To file in person, visit any Motor Vehicle Division office with the same documents and payment. Bring cash, a check, or a debit card. You can find office locations and hours on the Montana Department of Justice website. Filing in person usually results in same-day or next-day processing, whereas mail filing takes one to two weeks after the office receives your envelope.
What happens after you submit
The Motor Vehicle Division will review your process and documents. If everything is complete and correct, they will issue your registration and mail it to your LLC's registered address in Montana. You should receive it within one to two weeks if you filed by mail, or within a few days if you filed in person.
If something is missing or incorrect, the Motor Vehicle Division will contact you by phone or mail. Common issues include a mismatch between the LLC name on the title and the name on the registration process, or proof of insurance that does not clearly show the LLC as the insured. If this happens, correct the problem and resubmit; there is no additional fee.
Once you receive your registration, keep it in the vehicle along with proof of insurance. Montana law requires you to carry both when you drive.
Renewing your LLC vehicle registration
Montana vehicle registrations expire annually. The Motor Vehicle Division will mail a renewal notice to your LLC's registered address about 30 days before expiration. You can renew by mail, online through the Motor Vehicle Division website, or in person at any office.
To renew, you will need proof of current insurance and the renewal fee. The fee is the same as the original registration fee. If your LLC's information has changed — such as a new registered agent address — update it when you renew. You do not need to resubmit your title or Articles of Organization unless the Motor Vehicle Division specifically asks for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a vehicle in my LLC's name if the LLC is registered in another state?
No. Montana requires that an LLC be registered to do business in Montana before it can own property, including vehicles. You will need to register your out-of-state LLC with the Montana Secretary of State first. This is a separate process from vehicle registration and typically takes one to two weeks.
Do I need a registered agent in Montana to register a vehicle under my LLC?
Yes. All Montana LLCs must have a registered agent with a Montana address. This is a requirement of LLC formation, not specific to vehicle registration, but you will need to provide the registered agent's address on your registration process.
What if my LLC has multiple members — do they all need to sign the registration process?
No. Only one authorized representative of the LLC needs to sign. This is typically the manager or managing member. Make sure whoever signs has authority to act on behalf of the LLC.
Can I register a vehicle under my LLC if it is financed?
Yes, but the lender must approve the transfer. Contact your lender before you start the title transfer process and ask them to sign off on the process. Some lenders require the vehicle to remain in the individual's name; if yours does, you cannot register it under the LLC until the loan is paid off.
What if I need to register the vehicle before the title transfer is complete?
You cannot. Montana law requires the title to be in the owner's name before registration is issued. If you are in a hurry, file both the title transfer and registration in person on the same day; the Motor Vehicle Division can often process the title transfer same-day, allowing you to register when ready after.