Used car buyers in Montana are encouraged to conduct a VIN Lookup before purchasing the vehicle. The VIN check provides information about the vehicle, such as its history and the type of damage it may have sustained from accidents. This information is important in making purchasing decisions.
The State of Montana has one of the fastest-growing road infrastructures in the US, leading to an increased purchase of new and used cars. Residents near the Rocky Mountains and Glacier National Park with rugged terrain prefer using four-wheel-drive trucks due to their versatility and performance. However, residents living in urban areas like Butte, Billings, and Helena benefit from buying other cars like sedans and sports cars because of the good road network.
If you are buying a used car in Montana, you can request a VIN check through the state's Motor Vehicle Division. Residents can also use the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) Recall Check, which provides a car's safety information, such as recall, flood, or salvage status. A person can also use The NHTSA VIN Decoder to verify if a vehicle's VIN matches the information on the title.
Additionally, Montana residents can use the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), which holds all vehicle information in the Country. Lastly, third-party VIN check services, like Infotracer, also provide car information to help people make better buying decisions.
VIN verification is the process of ensuring that the vehicle's VIN matches the one on supporting documents. Authorities in different states may require individuals to take their vehicles through the verification process in some instances, such as when registering the car.
In Montana, VIN verification or inspection can be conducted for the following reasons:
Montana has two VIN inspection stages. Individuals reach the inspection stage based on the reason it is required. Requirements and fees differ depending on the stage.
Montana is among the states with the highest car ownership rates. In 2021, 95.2% of households reported access to at least one vehicle.
The average driver in Montana records an annual average mileage of 15,880, matching the high car ownership rate.
The most popular vehicle in Montana is the Ford F-150 because the state has rugged terrain and wide open spaces.
In 2023, Montana recorded 203 fatalities caused by traffic crashes.
Montana is among the top 10 states with the most speeding fatalities. The state had 83 speed-related fatalities in 2021.
Alcohol-impaired driving is a serious concern in the state. In 2020, 66% of all fatalities resulted from impaired driving.
In 2021, Montana had 58.7 teen driving fatalities per 100,000, ranking second among all states for teen traffic fatalities.
The Montana Motor Vehicle Division provides services related to motor vehicles, driver licensing, and vehicle registration. Some of the key services offered by the MVD include:
Various organizations oversee compliance with federal laws and environmental quality resources for drivers in Montana. They include:
Purchasing a used car in Montana can be a great way to save money. However, individuals should follow various laws to ensure they register their cars correctly. In addition, it helps to take precautions and learn about available protections for used car buyers in the state.
Unfortunately, the Montana Lemon Law does not cover used cars. The law protects vehicles under two years old with 18,000 miles or less on the odometer and applies to motorcycles.
If the vehicle was bought out of state, individuals have 60 days to transfer the title. During registration, the individual must present various documents, including the car's original title and an original photo ID.
Because the state Lemon Law does not protect used car buyers, it is important to conduct a VIN check. With the VIN check, buyers can decide whether to purchase the vehicle with all the noted issues.
Montana is among the states with no statewide sales tax on car purchases. Used car buyers can save money, as the registration fees are also significantly low.
Conducting a VIN check in California is essential for several reasons:
Potential vehicle buyers in Montana have several VIN check services. They include:
Montana residents can request a VIN search from their nearest Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office. The Montana MVD maintains a database of all state car records and driver information.
Montana residents can also obtain information on car history through the NHTSA website. One way is to use the VIN Decoder service, which allows residents to verify a vehicle's identifying number and determine whether it matches the title. They can also use the NHTSA Recall Check service, which provides information about a vehicle's safety features, such as if the model was recalled, flooded, damaged, or salvaged.
People can also use the NMVTIS database to look up a vehicle's VIN in Montana. The NMVTIS database provides information about all cars in the United States.
Finally, InfoTracer is a database that records car information from around the United States. Using the VIN, one can obtain a detailed history of a vehicle's ownership status, damage report, and last odometer readings.
In Montana, any vehicle without a VIN or with an altered or defaced VIN must apply for a replacement identification number. The state's Vehicle Service Bureau issues VIN replacements.
When asking for a state-issued VIN for their car, the applicant should have the following:
The State of Montana requires people to register their new cars within 60 days of purchasing them. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is responsible for registering new vehicles in the state.
When registering a vehicle, a resident should provide:
A car title is a legal document that establishes vehicle ownership. Montana requires the title to be transferred to the new owner within 15 days of purchasing a car. During the transfer, the new owner will receive all car information, including the VIN.
In Montana, title transfers are handled by the County Treasurer's office. To perform a title transfer, a person should have the following information:
The report provides a comprehensive overview of a vehicle's past in Montana, offering crucial information to potential buyers or current owners. It includes details such as the vehicle's title information, reported accidents or damage, odometer readings, and history of ownership transfers.
Individuals may use third-party services to find a car's VIN via license plate. The license plate lookup services provide information about the vehicle, such as the VIN.
The state does not require individuals to take their vehicles for emission or safety inspections. Instead, they are voluntary, and individuals can receive incentives for taking their cars through emissions and safety inspections.
In Montana, a vehicle inspection report thoroughly examines various aspects of a vehicle to ensure adherence to safety and emissions standards. The inspection aims to verify that the vehicle meets state regulations.
Here are a few things a person should expect during a vehicle inspection: