Montana license plate shows the legal registration for vehicles in Montana state. It has the name of the state on top in bold letters. The unique numbers and letters below show the details of the car owner. A Montana license plate is required by law to operate vehicles on Montana roads.
Have you seen the beautiful Montana license plates while driving through the state? The scenic mountains and open landscapes depicted draw people to explore more of Montana. With “Big Sky Country” printed above the identification numbers, these license plates offer a hint of the natural wonders waiting to be discovered within the state’s borders.
Explore Further or Dive Deepe
Found what you were looking for? Great! For more in-depth insights into Montana license plates, explore the detailed information below or continue scrolling to discover fascinating details about options, numbers, state designs, and more.
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Montana license plates! Whether you’re curious about the various options available, want to understand the significance of license plate numbers, or are exploring the state’s unique plate designs, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we delve into topics such as Montana license plate options for 2024, the significance of the black Montana license plate, the county numbers system, and much more. If you’re seeking specific details, feel free to explore our dedicated sections on topics like “Montana License Plate Numbers” or “Does Montana Require a Front License Plate.” Your journey through Montana’s license plate landscape starts here—scroll down to find the information you’re looking for!
Montana License Plate Options
Montana offers residents a variety of standard and specialty license plate designs to choose from. The standard license plate features the name “Montana” at the top in bold blue letters with a bear paw imprint pictured on the left side. Below are the unique license plate number and Montana county name. Car owners can also pick from over 30 specialty license plate designs that support different causes or organizations. Some popular specialty plate options include University of Montana, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, and Montana Veterans. These specialty plates help raise additional funds for the featured group.
The state also allows personalized license plates where drivers can choose up to seven characters to display. Getting a personalized Montana plate requires paying a small additional yearly fee. This is a fun way for residents to add their own personalized flair to their official vehicle registration. With so many great standard and specialty license plate designs to pick from, Montanans have many attractive options to proudly represent their home state.
Montana License Plate Numbers
All Montana license plates will display a unique seven-character number combination. The first character is always a letter indicating the county where the vehicle is registered. For example, a plate starting with “A” represents a vehicle registered in Beaverhead County. The following six characters are numbers randomly generated by the state. Monthly, the Montana Department of Justice will issue new batches of randomized plate number combinations. This ensures that no two vehicles share the exact same plate number in the state.
Along with the unique plate number, license plates will also include the county name where the registration is held. This two-letter county abbreviation is displayed in small print below the number. Having both the county letter and name on the plate allows for quick easy identification of where the vehicle is registered within Montana. This localized tracing of license plates aids law enforcement with jurisdiction issues when motorists are pulled over or in accidents outside their home county.
Montana State License Plates
Montana requires all vehicles driven on public roads to properly display current registration through a valid license plate. Standard issue plates are fully reflective with blue lettering to increase nighttime visibility and safety. The official state motto “Big Sky Country” appears in small print at the top of the license plate below the name “Montana“. On the left side is a raised mountain silhouette and running bear paw symbol representing the state’s natural landscape and official state animal.
License plates are issued through county treasurer offices based on the owner’s residential or mailing address. Standard plates are good for one year before needing renewal. Montanans also have the option to purchase specialty license plates supporting various organizations. Partial proceeds from these specialty plate sales fund designated groups like the Montana Veterans Memorial Fund or programs within Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Displaying a specialty plate is an easy way for drivers to express support for a cause while showing Montana pride.
How Many Different License Plates Does Montana Have?
The state of Montana currently offers residents over 30 different specialty license plate designs to choose from in addition to the standard issue plate. Popular specialty plate options include:
- University of Montana Grizzlies
- Montana State Bobcats
- Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
- Montana Veterans
- Montana National Parks
- Montana Cowboys/Ranchers
- Montana Skiing
- Montana Biso
Beyond these specialty designs, there are also low-volume plates supporting various other causes. Plates can be personalized with up to seven characters for an additional yearly fee. The state legislature may also approve additional specialty plate programs that help raise money for specified organizations. This wide assortment of attractive license plate styles gives Montanans many unique ways to decorate their vehicles and express their identities and interests.
Does Montana Require a Front License Plate?
Unlike some other states, Montana only requires vehicles to properly display a single license plate, either on the front or rear of the vehicle. The specific positioning of the plate is at the owner’s discretion as long as it remains clearly visible at all times. This more lenient license plate placement rule makes it convenient for Montana residents, eliminating the need to purchase and attach a front license plate bracket if desired. As long as the single plate is securely fastened either horizontally or vertically on either the front or rear of the vehicle, it will meet Montana’s legal display requirements.
Montana License Plate Lookup
Drivers can search Montana license plate numbers online through the Montana Department of Justice’s public records search portal. Entering the desired plate number will pull up the returned vehicle’s make, model, year, and registered owner’s name and address. This can be a useful tool for activities like verifying the identity of a vehicle seen on the road, obtaining an owner’s contact information following a minor accident, or learning the history of a used car prior to purchase. However, it’s important to note that information retrieved should only be used for legal purposes in accordance with state privacy laws.
Read More Information In License Plate Lookup: What You Mean License Plate Lookup?
Montana Renew License Plates
Standard issue Montana license plates must be renewed annually. About two months prior to the listed expiration date, vehicle owners will receive a renewal application by mail at their address on file. This renewal form can be returned by mail with payment to the county treasurer’s office. Renewal can also be completed in person at many treasurer locations or online through the Montana E-Tag system.
Online renewal is the most convenient method as it only takes a few minutes to securely pay with a credit or debit card. Once processed, the renewed registration card and tags will arrive by mail within one week. Drivers are responsible for properly displaying updated validation stickers or plates by the expiration cutoff. Failing to renew registration on time will result in penalty fees added to the renewal cost. Displaying expired plates is also illegal and could lead to traffic citations if pulled over.
Line on a Montana License Plate
The bottom line of every Montana license plate prominently displays the county name where the vehicle is registered in small white lettering. This two-letter abbreviation appears directly below the unique seven-character plate number. Counties are identified by a single letter prefixing the plate number according to their location order in the state. For example, vehicles titled in Missoula County would receive a plate starting with the letter “M” followed by six random numbers and “MISSOULA” printed small along the bottom edge.
Including the county designation on license plates serves several purposes. It quickly conveys the vehicle’s local jurisdiction to law enforcement if pulled over. County lines also aid in identifying where accidents or violations took place. The labeled origin helps return lost or stolen plates to their rightful counties. Overall, this simple addition of the small county identification along the bottom line streamlines administration while emphasizing Montana’s local roots.
Montana License Plate Options 2024
Each year Montana reviews proposals for new specialty license plate programs benefitting designated organizations or causes. For 2024, several new plate designs have been approved by the state legislature and are now available for residents to purchase.
Three of the latest additions for 2024 are:
- Montana State Parks Plate: Funds will help maintain and expand state park sites across Montana. The new design features a lake scene within a State Park logo.
- Montana Agriculture Plate: Depicts farming equipment silhouettes and crops with proceeds assisting agricultural education programs.
- Keep Montana Wild Plate: Includes an image of mountains and trees with money contributed to wildlife habitat conservation efforts.
As with other specialty plates, those choosing one of the 2024 designs pay the normal registration fees plus a small additional amount. Having the new plate then allows drivers to showcase support for these important state programs through their vehicle. Contributions raised will help ensure Montana’s favorite places and industries can continue thriving for years to come.
Black Montana License Plate
For those wanting a more understated look, Montana offers black license plates as an alternative to the standard blue-lettered plates. These darker plates feature the same layout with “Montana” across the top and configuration numbers on the bottom, but with all lettering and numbers rendered in white for increased visibility at night. Whereas blacked-out plates are becoming more popular in other places, Montana’s version maintains readability and complies with regulations.
Obtaining a black plate is simple – owners just need to request the color option through their local county treasurer’s office. An additional yearly fee applies compared to traditional plates, but many feel it provides a sleek customized appearance for their vehicle. As an officially issued style, black plates remain fully legal for daily driving while expressing a driver’s subtle personalized taste.
License Plate Montana County Numbers
The 7-character plate number assigned to all Montana vehicles contains codes specifying county of registration:
- A – Beaverhead
- B – Big Horn
- C – Blaine
- D – Broadwater
- E – Carbon
- F – Carter
- G – Cascade
- H – Chouteau
- J – Custer
- K – Daniels
- L – Dawson
- M – Missoula
- N – Deer Lodge
- P – Fallon
- R – Fergus
- S – Flathead
- T – Gallatin
- V – Garfield
- W – Glacier
- X – Golden Valley
- Y – Granite
- Z – Hill
This system means a license plate starting with K immediately indicates the vehicle hails from Daniels County. Combining the county number letter with the written county name below guarantees accurate regional registration tracking across Montana.
Current Montana License Plate
The standard issue Montana license plate has remained fairly consistent in design since 2013. The current plate is composed of blue lettering on a white reflective background for enhanced night visibility and durability in extreme weather conditions.
It prominently features “Montana” spelled out in bold across the top. Below is a seven-character number combination followed by the county name in smaller letters at the bottom. On the left side is the iconic image of a running bear paw print above a stylized silhouette of the state’s mountainous landscape. This iconography is meant to evoke Montana’s natural beauty and symbolism.
While the core design has stayed the same, periodic updates have been made. In 2020, a new specialty plate manufacturing process was implemented allowing additional designs to be offered. This included the addition of new specialty plates like “Keep Montana Wild” that were not possible with previous manufacturing restrictions.
Standard issue plates are required to be replaced every eight years on a staggered schedule set by the final digit of the vehicle identification number. This ensures plates remain in good readable condition while gradually cycling to the new license plate material over time.
Overall, Montana’s consistent license plate branding over the past decade has established strong recognizability across the state. The classic design proudly displays Montana’s identity on every registered vehicle while supporting necessary improvements to better serve residents.
Need more on license plates or related topics? Check out our other informative articles for a closer look at various aspects, making it easy to understand and explore. Happy reading!
1- Florida License Plate Lookup
2- Can Someone Find Your Address From Your License Plate?
3- What You Mean License Plate Lookup?
4- What Is PM On A License Plate?
5- What Does Fp Mean On An Illinois License Plate?
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana License Plate
How many plates must be displayed on my vehicle?
Montana requires only one license plate to be displayed either on the front or rear of the vehicle. A front plate is not required.
How do I obtain a license plate for a new vehicle?
For a new vehicle, you will need to visit your local county treasurer’s office. You will need to provide the vehicle title or MSO (Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin) and proof of insurance. The treasurer will issue you license plates or tags after collecting registration fees.
Are personalized plates available?
Yes, Montana offers personalized license plates where you can choose up to 7 characters. There is an additional yearly fee for personalized plates.
What are the standard plates?
The standard Montana plate features “Montana” at the top in blue with a bear paw logo and 7-character plate number. The county name is below in small letters.
Which vehicles qualify for Permanent Registration?
Certain government vehicles, church buses, and farm trucks may qualify for permanent registration in Montana, avoiding annual renewal.
What are sponsored plates?
Sponsored or specialty plates support various organizations through a small additional fee. Popular plates support universities, state parks, veterans, and wildlife. Partial proceeds from sales are given to the sponsored organization.
Final Thoughts In Montana License Plate
Montana has different options for license plates. Drivers can pick the normal plate or special design plates. The special plates help groups with donations. Names on plates show what county cars are from. Some cars like farm trucks don’t need new plates every year. Montana makes plates easy to use.
Montana plates come in many styles. People can pick types that say who they are. Plates also raise money for important things. Montana uses plates to show its beauty to others. Cars on the road show everyone where they are from in the state.
