Montana License Plate Lookup
In 2022, about 5.93 million car accidents caused minor and major damage that affected the reliability and safety of these vehicles. Use the Montana license plate lookup and get the report to see if the vehicle has any hidden damage.
Table of Contents
What is a Montana License Plate Lookup?
The Montana license plate lookup is a tool you can use to look up a license plate and get the vehicle history report before you decide to buy a used car. On the vehicle history report, you will be getting the complete information you need to know before buying a used vehicle, like: accident records, past owners, recalls check, warranty coverage, full specifications, and more.
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:
- Associated VIN number
- Year, Make, and Model
- Country of Origin
- Market Value
- Transmission Type
- Fuel Type
- Drive Type
- Body Type
- Trim Information
- MSRP
- Engine Specifications
- Dimensions
- VIN
- Engine Value
- MSRP
- Manufacturer
- Fuel Type
- Body Type
- Year & Model
- Transmission
- Vehicle Type
- Sales Record
- Drive Type
- Mileage
- Market Value
- Doors
- Country of Origin
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 Specification
Detailed information about the car’s make, model, year, transmission, engine type, fuel type, MSRP, country of origin, and drive type. Examine this section to see if the vehicle matches your needs and budget.
Ownership History
A record of previous owners, including the duration of ownership, year of purchase, and registration locations.
Accident Reports
Check if the vehicle has ever been involved in an accident. See the date and the location of the accident. You can also see if the vehicle suffered from any damage.
Sales Records
Information about the car’s sale prices, locations, types of sellers, and any repairs or damages.
Auction History
Details of auction sales, including dates and prices. In this section, you will also get up to ten pictures that show the vehicle’s condition during the auction.
Lien/Loan Records
Information on any active liens or loans that may affect the transfer of ownership. Make sure that the line/loan records are cleared off by the previous owners, so you do not need to
Theft Records
Verify if the vehicle has ever been reported stolen or involved in theft. See the date, location, and data source of the stolen vehicle.
Mileage Records
Confirm the vehicle’s mileage to assess wear and tear. Check the recorded mileage along with the date and the last recorded mileage of the vehicle before it was put on sale.
Title Information
Clarify whether the title is clean, salvaged, or branded, impacting the car’s safety and value. Make sure that the title is clean before you purchase the vehicle, so there’s no need to
Warranty Coverage
Verify if the vehicle has suffered from damage caused by flood, fire, accident, structural alteration, dents, or scratches.
Recalls and Safety Concerns
Check for any ongoing recalls or unresolved safety concerns. See the date of recalls, what caused the recalls, and the resolution of the recalls.
Recall Information
Be informed if the vehicle was properly serviced by the previous owner. Access records of maintenance and repairs, including the types of services performed and parts replaced.
Why Do You Need a Montana License Plate Lookup?
A rule of thumb is that 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 license plate 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:
- Verify Vehicle Authenticity: Be sure a vehicle is just as it is described and hasn’t been misrepresented.
- Identify Hidden Issues: Find out if there are hidden accidents, liens, thefts, or title brands that could affect the car’s value.
- Know What You’re Paying For: Get an accurate estimate of the car’s market value and avoid overpaying.
- Protect Yourself from Fraud: Check for stolen records to avoid going home with a stolen car and legal problems.
- Improve Transparency: Show your buyers clear and verifiable information to help gain their trust.
- Price Your Vehicle Accurately: Get the accurate price of each vehicle in your inventory and set fair prices.
- Avoid Future Disputes: Provide all information upfront to avoid any post-sale issues.
- Increase Your Sales Chances: Providing accurate info increases buyers’ confidence and makes sales faster.
How to Lookup A Montana License Plate Number
Enter the License Plate Number
Find the license plate number of the vehicle you want to check. Then, fill out the form on this page and submit it.
Review and Purchase
Check the preview page, and complete the payment to get the full vehicle history report.
Get Your Report
After the payment has been successfully processed, you can download the report in PDF format.
Why a Vehicle History Report is Important in Montana?
Actual Condition
- Rolledback odometer
- 1 accident record
- 2 Record(s) of damage
- 4 specific events reported
- 8 service & repair records
- 1 auction & 3 sales records
- 5 lien or loan records
- 2 theft records
- 5 open recall records
- Has a salvage title
Seller’s Claim
- Never been in an accident
- Not a stolen
- Serviced regularly
- Way cheaper than other dealerships
Outcome
- The buyer was surprised after knowing all the hidden information about the vehicle and decided to cancel his buying process
Why Checking the License Plate is a MUST
- Look up the license plate and get the report before you buy a used vehicle to see important and hidden info
- Do not get tempted by a cheap price
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.
How to Get a License Plate in Montana
To get a Montana license plate, you must first title and register your vehicle through the Vehicle Services Bureau (VSB) at your local County Treasurer’s Office. Titling and registration usually happen at the same time.
Steps
- Apply within 60 days of establishing residency (for new residents).
- Prepare documents and contact your County Treasurer’s Office (some require appointments).
- Pay required fees, which vary by vehicle type, age, and weight.
Processing and Costs
- Plates are issued once the title, registration, and fees are complete.
- If plates aren’t immediately available, a 40-day temporary permit will be issued.
- Standard plate fee: $12
- Personalized plate fee: + $25.75
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
- Standard Plates
- Personalized Plates
- Specialty Plates (military plates, college plates, etc)
- Dealer Plates
- Commercial Plates
- Temporary Plates
- Apportioned Plates (for vehicles operating in multiple states)
- Vanity Plates (customized text options)
- Historic Plates (for vehicles over 25 years old)
- Special Organization Plates (e.g., fraternal or charitable groups)
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
Window Sticker Lookup
Build Sheet by VIN
Classic Car History Report
Why You Should Use Detailed Vehicle History Montana License Plate Lookup?
If you plan to buy a used vehicle in Montana, don’t forget to look up the license plate to ensure you get all the needed information about the vehicle. Here are some perks when you decide to use the Detailed Vehicle History’s Montana License Plate Lookup.
- Reliable 24/7 customer service
- 10 real auction photos
- Reasonable price
- No expiration date and downloadable vehicle report
- Support all kinds of vehicles
