Question 1

How old does a car have to be for permanent plates in Montana?

Accepted Answer

Eleven years or older, counted from the model year. That covers cars, SUVs, vans and pickups rated 1 ton or less, and motorhomes. Newer ones renew once a year until they reach 11.

Question 2

Do Montana permanent plates expire?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no renewal for as long as the same owner keeps the vehicle (MCA 61-3-562). When your Montana LLC owns it, that means as long as the LLC owns it.

Question 3

What happens to permanent registration when I sell?

Accepted Answer

It ends. Montana cancels the permanent registration at the sale, the plates stay with the seller, and the buyer titles and registers the vehicle in their own name.

Question 4

Can you transfer permanent plates in Montana?

Accepted Answer

The plates can move to another vehicle the same owner has, through a plate transfer. The permanent registration itself cannot pass to a new owner: a buyer always registers the vehicle fresh.

Question 5

My vehicle is registered with you and just turned 11. What now?

Accepted Answer

Nothing to do on your side. At the next renewal we move it to permanent registration, and from then on it no longer renews.

Question 6

Which vehicles are permanent at any age?

Accepted Answer

Motorcycles and quadricycles, travel trailers and fifth wheels, other trailers under 26,000 lb declared weight, boats and jet skis, off-highway ATVs and UTVs, and snowmobiles. Boats and off-highway vehicles get a permanent decal instead of a plate.

Question 7

Do I still need insurance with permanent plates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Permanent registration removes the renewals, not the insurance requirement. Your policy lists the LLC as owner and you as the driver.

Question 8

Can I keep a personalized or specialty plate?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes. A few plate types cannot be registered permanently, including Montana National Guard, reserve armed forces and amateur radio plates.

Question 9

Does a heavy truck qualify?

Accepted Answer

No. Trucks rated over 1 ton are registered by weight and renew every year.