How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration: Online, or After It Expires
Renewing your vehicle registration should be straightforward, but when life gets in the way, you might miss a deadline or struggle to know where to start. Whether you’re located in Billings, Montana or registering a car from out of state, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about renewing your registration, especially if it’s expired or you’re stuck waiting on paperwork.
Billings, Montana Vehicle Registration
If you live in or near Billings, Montana, renewing your vehicle registration typically involves one of three options: online, by mail, or in person at the Yellowstone County Treasurer’s Office. Montana vehicle registrations are usually valid for one year, and renewal notices are often mailed out a few weeks before your expiration date.
Montana residents can renew their vehicle registration online through the MVD’s portal, as long as their registration is not more than 12 months expired, according to the Montana Department of Justice Vehicle Services Bureau.
To renew online, you’ll need:
- Your current registration or renewal notice
- Proof of insurance
- Payment method for registration fees
If your registration is more than 12 months overdue, you may need to visit your local treasurer’s office to complete the renewal in person.
Billings Vehicle Registration
Missed your renewal deadline? You’re not alone. If your Montana registration has expired—even for several months—you can still renew it, but you’ll need to pay a late fee. That said, Montana is more lenient than many states.
Montana does not charge interest on expired registration but may assess a $10 late renewal fee, according to the Montana MVD.
If your tags are over a year expired, be prepared to show proof of ownership and a valid Montana address. In some cases, a VIN inspection may be required if your vehicle has been off the road or out of state.
Vehicle Registration Billings, MT
To avoid future problems, it’s best to keep your address current with the MVD so you don’t miss your next renewal notice. If you’ve recently moved to Billings or changed addresses, stop by the Yellowstone County Treasurer’s Office to update your contact info. You can also update your address during your renewal.
Registration renewals in Billings are handled by the Yellowstone County Treasurer’s Office, located at 217 N 27th St, Billings, MT, according to Yellowstone County public records.
To learn exactly how to register your business vehicles in Billings—without delays, penalties, or red tape:
Billings, MT Vehicle Registration
What if you’re renewing a registration but also changing ownership, such as after buying a used vehicle? In that case, you’ll need to complete a title transfer and re-register the vehicle under your name simultaneously.
Montana requires registration and titling to be completed together for used vehicles, according to the Montana MVD.
If the title is clean and properly signed over, the process is usually straightforward. But if paperwork is missing or there are lienholder delays, expect a longer timeline, which leads to our next common question…
It’s taken almost 3 weeks for my registration to come through on my vehicle. I bought it from a family member, so it has their plates on it. Can I drive the vehicle while I wait for my temp tags and registration to come, if I have the bill of sale?
This is a very common situation—and yes, you may be able to drive your newly purchased vehicle if you’ve started the registration process and have a temporary permit. However, you cannot compliant drive with the previous owner’s plates, even if they’re family.
Montana allows a buyer to operate a newly acquired vehicle for up to 40 days with a bill of sale and a temporary registration permit, according to the Montana Code Annotated § 61-3-301.
Make sure to carry proof of insurance and the bill of sale with you until your official plates arrive.
In the Process of Purchasing a Vehicle Out of State. What Dealer Fees Should I Be Paying? My Car Is Going to Be Shipped, Should I Still Have to Pay for Registration, or Do I Pay for That in My State?
When buying a car out of state, the general rule is this: registration should be paid in the state where the car will be titled and garaged, which is Montana, if that’s where you live or have a qualifying LLC.
Montana does not collect sales tax on vehicle purchases, and registration must be completed through the local county treasurer’s office or a professional service, according to the Montana Department of Revenue.
You should not be paying registration fees in the dealer’s state if the vehicle will be titled in Montana. However, you might still be charged a documentation fee, transportation charges, or a temporary tag fee to get the car to your location.
Need Help With Your Registration?
Whether you’re renewing your vehicle registration online, dealing with expired tags, or sorting out an out-of-state purchase, the process can get tricky fast. That’s where Montana Registration Services comes in.
We help individuals and businesses handle:
- Online and in-person renewals
- Title transfers and bonded titles
- Out-of-state vehicle registration
- Temporary permits and more
Want your vehicle registered fast and correctly the first time? Visit mtregistrationservices.com or call 406-540-6801 and let our team take it from here.