When it comes to registering your car in Montana, there are certain fees that you will need to pay. These fees vary depending on the type of vehicle you own and its weight. It’s important to understand these fees and budget for them accordingly.
Registration Fees
The registration fee is the basic fee that you will need to pay to register your car in Montana. The amount of this fee depends on the age of your vehicle. For vehicles that are 11 years old or newer, the registration fee is based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of the vehicle. For vehicles that are older than 11 years, the fee is based on the weight of the vehicle.
MSRP-based Registration Fee
If your vehicle is 11 years old or newer, the registration fee is calculated based on the MSRP of the vehicle. The MSRP is the price that the manufacturer suggests the vehicle should be sold for when it is new. The fee is calculated using a percentage of the MSRP, with the percentage decreasing as the vehicle gets older. The current percentage is 1.4% for vehicles that are 0-4 years old, 1.2% for vehicles that are 5-10 years old, and 0.9% for vehicles that are 11 years old.
Weight-based Registration Fee
If your vehicle is older than 11 years, the registration fee is based on the weight of the vehicle. The fee is calculated using a formula that takes into account the empty weight of the vehicle and the number of axles it has. The fees range from $28.50 for vehicles weighing less than 1,850 pounds to $217 for vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds.
Other Fees
In addition to the registration fee, there are other fees that you may need to pay when registering your car in Montana. These include:
- County Option Tax: This is a tax that is collected by the county where the vehicle is registered. The amount of this tax varies depending on the county.
- Special Plate Fee: If you choose to get a personalized or specialty license plate, there may be an additional fee.
- Driver’s License Fee: If you are applying for a new driver’s license or renewing an existing one, there may be a fee associated with that.
Conclusion
Registering your car in Montana involves paying certain fees, including the registration fee, which is based on the age or weight of your vehicle. In addition, there may be other fees such as county option tax, special plate fee, and driver’s license fee. It’s important to be aware of these fees and budget for them accordingly to ensure a smooth registration process.