Montana License Plate Lookup

In 2022, about 5.93 million car accidents caused minor and major damages that affected the reliability and safety of these vehicles. Find out if a used vehicle you’re considering has hidden damages with our Montana license plate lookup.

Search by VIN Number

Can You Look Up a License Plate for Free in Montana?

Yes, our tool allows you to get an MT license plate lookup for free. Although you cannot get a full vehicle history report for free, you can verify the vehicle specifications, features, mileage, sales history, and more.

Here’s a list of everything you can find with a free license plate check:

VIN
Engine Value
MSRP
Manufacturer
Fuel Type
Body Type
Year & Model
Transmission

What Can You Learn from License Plate History Records

While a free check points you in the right direction, past history records will provide you with everything necessary to avoid costly mistakes and make the best decision in the used car market.

Some information you can find through license plate history records are:

Vehicle Specifications

Detailed information about the car’s make, model, year, transmission, engine type, and key features.

Ownership History

A record of previous owners, including the duration of ownership and registration locations.

Accident Reports

Reports on past accidents, detailing severity, location, photos (up to ten), and the extent of damage.

Sales Records

Information about the car’s sale prices, locations, types of sellers, and any repairs or damages.

Auction History

Details of auction vehicles sales, including dates and prices.

Lien and Loan Records

Information on any active liens or loans which may affect the transfer of ownership.

Theft Records

Verify if the vehicle has ever been reported stolen or involved in theft.

Mileage Records

Confirm the vehicle’s mileage to assess wear and tear.

Title Information

Clarify whether the title is clean, salvaged, or branded, impacting the car’s safety and value.

Market Value Estimation

Ensure you are getting a fair deal when buying or selling.

Recalls and Safety Issues

Check for any ongoing recalls or unresolved safety concerns.

Service History

Access records of maintenance and repairs, including the types of services performed and parts replaced.

Why Look Up License Plates?

A rule of thumb is vehicles with salvage-branded titles lose between 20% to 40% of their value, and these cars cannot be identified just by looking at them. A Montana license plate number lookup can help identify these vehicles and other hidden records that may reduce your vehicle’s resale value.

Here’s why you must check before purchasing or selling:

For Buyers

For Sellers

Verify Vehicle Authenticity: Ensure the car matches its description and hasn't been misrepresented.
Identify Hidden Issues: Check for past accidents, liens, theft reports, or title issues that could impact the car's value.
Know What You're Paying For: Get a reliable market value estimate to avoid overpaying.
Protect Yourself from Fraud: Verify the vehicle isn't stolen to prevent legal troubles and financial loss.

Improve Transparency: Provide clear and verifiable details to increase transparency.
Price Your Vehicle Accurately: Use accurate market data to price all vehicles in your inventory fairly.
Avoid Future Disputes: Share all relevant information upfront to avoid post-sale conflicts.
Increase Your Sales Chances: Buyers are more likely to purchase quickly when they have confidence in the vehicle's history.

How To Lookup A Montana License Plate Number

Step 1: Enter the License Plate Number

You can find the license plate number on the front and back of the vehicle. Fill out the form on this page and submit it.

Step 2: Review and Purchase

Check vehicle specifications and features and complete your purchase.

Step 3: Access Your Report

Access your vehicle history report instantly. Download and print it easily.

Montana Laws/Legislation on License Plates

There are several laws to remember when buying a vehicle in Montana, and a combination of state statutes and administrative rules governs these laws. Here are the key aspects to remember:

Vehicle Registration and Plate Requirements

Montana requires most vehicles to have two license plates: one on the front and one on the rear. However, motorcycles and trailers are issued only one plate, which must be displayed at the rear.
The rear license plate includes decals indicating the registration's expiration date.
When selling a vehicle or moving out of state, owners must surrender their license plates to the local county treasurer’s office.
Vehicles must be registered with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) within 60 days of establishing residency in Montana. Nonresidents may operate vehicles registered in their home state without registering in Montana, provided certain conditions are met.
Registration typically expires at the end of the month one year after issuance, with exceptions for trailers and motorcycles, which have permanent registrations.

Renewing Your Montana License Plate

To renew your Montana license plate, use the online DMV portal, mail your renewal notice to the local county treasurer, or visit an MVD office. Ensure you have proof of insurance and pay the required fees.

Also, remember to renew on time to avoid penalties and maintain compliance. There is a grace period of 30 days after expiration, during which you can renew without incurring penalties.

Montana License Plate Design and Format

The current Montana standard license plate design was introduced in January 2010. It features a white-on-blue color scheme with the text “Treasure State” at the top.

The design includes an outline of the state and replaces the traditional dot between the county prefix and the plate number with a silhouette of a bison skull. License plates serve as identifiers while also showcasing Montana’s identity and pride.

Types of Montana License Plates

There are many types of plates offered in Montana. Here are some of the common ones:

Get More Than a License Plate Lookup

Easily access all the tools you need to get a full car background check and make the best decisions:

VIN Decoder

Our VIN decoder does the trick if the license plate number is unavailable. Quickly decode your VIN to access detailed information from factory details to original specifications and all vehicle history records.

Window Stickers

Get a copy of the original window sticker of any vehicle, showing all the options, packages, standard features and equipment, safety ratings, fuel economy, and factory-installed parts your vehicle came with.

Build Sheets for Classic Vehicles

Like window stickers, you can get build sheets for classic or vintage vehicles with our build sheet lookup tool for classic vehicles with the VIN only. View specifications, features, color, pricing, and more.

Classic Car History Report

You won’t find this anywhere else! Our classic car VIN check provides exclusive records for all old vehicles, giving you a full classic car vehicle history report that Carfax and AutoCheck can’t. Check a vintage car’s authenticity today!

License Plate Lookup By States

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you look up a Montana license plate number?

To look up a Montana license plate number, simply enter the license plate number and fill out the rest of the form. After this is done, you can check vehicle specifications and all past records, including theft records, damage records, lien and loan records, sales history, mileage, auction records, and more.

Can I find someone's name by their license plate?

You cannot find someone’s name using their license plate number due to privacy laws.

What information can I get from a Montana license plate lookup service?

A Montana license plate lookup with our tool provides information about a vehicle and its owner. It’s used to locate stolen vehicles and alleviate illegal automobile-related activities.