Question 1

Do trailers really get a permanent plate right away?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Montana registers trailers permanently at the first registration, whatever their age: travel trailers and fifth wheels under MCA 61-3-321(9), and utility, cargo, equipment, horse and boat trailers under 26,000 lb declared weight under MCA 61-3-303(10). Motorhomes are different: they renew yearly until they turn 11. A trailer has no waiting period.

Question 2

Can I drive today?

Accepted Answer

Yes — you can be road-legal the same day. We issue 40- and 90-day temporary tags for $99, delivered by email so you can print and drive immediately while your permanent Montana plates are processed. A 40-day tag is the standard issue; we normally issue a 90-day right away when your order includes a sponsor plate — on its own or with a custom/vanity plate.

Question 3

What does permanent mean when I sell the trailer?

Accepted Answer

Permanent registration lasts for as long as the same owner, your LLC, keeps the trailer. When you sell, Montana cancels it, the plate stays with you, and the buyer registers fresh. If the buyer takes over your LLC with the trailer in it, nothing changes.

Question 4

Is Montana trailer registration legal if I don't live in Montana?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A Montana LLC can own and register property in Montana, and Montana registers all trailers permanently by statute. The LLC is the registered owner, and the plate is valid in all 50 states under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Nothing changes about your tow vehicle's plates.

Question 5

What if my fifth wheel is financed?

Accepted Answer

No problem. The LLC holds the Montana title and your lender stays on it as lienholder. Send us the lender's name and address and we include it on the application. No refinancing, no payoff, no change to your loan.

Question 6

What about insurance?

Accepted Answer

You keep insuring the trailer. The policy lists the LLC as the owner and you as the operator. Most RV and trailer carriers do this routinely; we give you the exact wording for your agent.

Question 7

Do I pay sales tax?

Accepted Answer

Montana has no sales tax, so none is charged when the LLC registers the trailer. On a $90,000 fifth wheel in a 7% state, that's $6,300 you aren't handing over at the counter.

Question 8

Does the LLC cost anything each year?

Accepted Answer

The registered agent from $12.50 a month and a small annual report to the Secretary of State. That's the whole yearly cost, and one LLC holds every trailer and vehicle you own, so the second rig costs nothing extra on the company side.

Question 9

What paperwork does a trailer need?

Accepted Answer

New: the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO/MSO) from the dealer. Used: the current signed title. If your state doesn't title trailers, ask us what we can accept. Plus photos of the VIN tag and weight sticker, and the lender's details if it's financed. Homemade or untitled? Ask us about title recovery.

Question 10

Do I need to visit Montana or have an address there?

Accepted Answer

No. The process is 100% remote. Your LLC's registered agent provides the Montana address; the plate ships to you.

Question 11

Is there an inspection or weight check?

Accepted Answer

No inspection, no emissions, no visit. We register the trailer by its declared weight from the manufacturer's sticker.

Question 12

Can I register a boat trailer, horse trailer or car hauler?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Utility, cargo, equipment, horse and boat trailers under 26,000 lb declared weight get the permanent plate, as do travel trailers and fifth wheels. The boat itself is registered separately; see our Boats & Marine page.

Question 13

Can I put the tow vehicle in the same LLC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. One Montana LLC holds the truck, the fifth wheel and the toy hauler. The truck follows the cars, SUVs and trucks rules; the trailers are permanent from day one.

Question 14

How long does it take and what does it cost?

Accepted Answer

$499 flat for the trailer registration, plates in 3-5 business days. LLC formation from $175 and the registered agent from $12.50 a month only if you don't already have a Montana LLC. No state fees are hidden in the price.