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Montana VIN Lookup

Montana VIN Lookup

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

VIN Verification

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:

  • Correcting inaccurate data on a vehicle title.
  • Properly identifying rebuilt salvage vehicles. However, this does not include off-highway vehicles, vessels, and snowmobiles.
  • Verifying a vehicle description.
  • Verifying that there was no VIN before issuing the state-assigned VIN.
  • Confirming that the vehicle in possession is the same on the title paperwork.

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 Car Ownership and Driving Information

Ownership Rate
95.2%

High Car Ownership Rate

Montana is among the states with the highest car ownership rates. In 2021, 95.2% of households reported access to at least one vehicle.

Miles Per Year
15,880

Average Annual Mileage

The average driver in Montana records an annual average mileage of 15,880, matching the high car ownership rate.

Popular Car
Ford F-150

Popular Car Makes in Montana

The most popular vehicle in Montana is the Ford F-150 because the state has rugged terrain and wide open spaces.

Fatalities
203

Car Accidents

In 2023, Montana recorded 203 fatalities caused by traffic crashes.

Fatalities
83

Speeding Related Crashes

Montana is among the top 10 states with the most speeding fatalities. The state had 83 speed-related fatalities in 2021.

Fatalities
66%

Alcohol-Impaired Driving

Alcohol-impaired driving is a serious concern in the state. In 2020, 66% of all fatalities resulted from impaired driving.

Fatalities
58.7

Teen Safety

In 2021, Montana had 58.7 teen driving fatalities per 100,000, ranking second among all states for teen traffic fatalities.

Montana DMV

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:

  • Driver Licensing involves issuing and renewing driver's licenses, conducting written and road tests for various licenses, and managing driving records and points.
  • Vehicle Registration: Registering and titling vehicles, renewing vehicle registrations, and handling personalized and specialty license plates.
  • Vehicle Titles: Processing and issuing vehicle titles and handling vehicle ownership transfers.
  • Specialty Plates: Providing a variety of specialty license plates for personalization or specific causes.
  • Online Services: Offering online services for vehicle registration renewal, address changes, and more.
  • Real ID Compliance: Assisting residents with obtaining Real ID-compliant driver's licenses or identification cards.
  • Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL): Manage commercial driver's license issuance and renewals and conduct tests for CDL applicants.
  • Boat and OHV Registration: Handling boats and off-highway vehicle (OHV) registrations.

Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Resources for Car Drivers/Vehicle Owners in Montana

Various organizations oversee compliance with federal laws and environmental quality resources for drivers in Montana. They include:

  • Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ): This department manages environmental quality and pollution control efforts within the state and implements air quality, water quality, and waste management programs.
  • Montana Motor Vehicle Division(MVD): This division handles driver licensing, vehicle registration, and compliance with federal and state regulations. It also provides information on Real ID compliance and driver's license standards.
  • Montana Department of Transportation (MDT): This agency oversees the state's transportation infrastructure and safety programs and provides information on road conditions, construction projects, and traffic safety.
  • Montana Highway Patrol (MHP): Enforces traffic laws and ensures safety on Montana's roadways. Provides information on vehicle inspections, commercial vehicle regulations, and safety programs.
  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): This agency oversees compliance with federal regulations for commercial motor vehicles and provides information on Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) and regulations for interstate commerce.
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): This agency sets and enforces standards for vehicle emissions and provides information on emissions testing requirements for certain areas.
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Buying a Used Car in Montana

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.

Understanding Lemon Laws

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.

Title Transfer and Registration

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.

Conducting a VIN Check

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.

Sales Tax

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.

Reasons to Do a VIN Check in Montana

Reasons to Conduct a VIN Lookup in Montana

Conducting a VIN check in California is essential for several reasons:

  • Evaluate Environmental Impact: Given Montana's diverse weather conditions, a VIN check can reveal if the vehicle has endured challenges like rust or damage due to harsh climates.
  • Terrain-Specific Usage: Determine if the vehicle has been used for specific activities, such as off-roading, considering Montana's varied terrain and outdoor activities.
  • Assess Title Issues: Examine the vehicle's title information through a VIN check to ensure a clear and accurate history.
  • Odometer Verification: Confirm odometer readings to prevent potential fraud or discrepancies in mileage information.
  • Condition Assessment: Use the VIN to assess the vehicle's overall condition, considering its unique usage patterns in Montana.

How to Lookup a VIN Number in Montana

Potential vehicle buyers in Montana have several VIN check services. They include:

Option 1: Requesting VIN information from the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD)

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.

Option 2: Using the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) portal

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.

Option 3: Using the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) database

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.

Option 4: Montana VIN Number Lookup using InfoTracer

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.

VIN Replacement in Montana

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:

  • A state-issued identification card or driving license.
  • A completed Request for State Assigned VIN.
  • A certificate of title, manufacturer's certificate of origin, or court order as proof of ownership.
  • A completed physical inspection of the vehicle
  • A bill of sales.
  • Pay the VIN replacement fee.

New Vehicle Registration in Montana

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 valid driver's license or identification card.
  • Proof of car ownership: a certificate of title, Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO), or court order.
  • Bill of sale with both the buyer's and seller's signature.
  • Provide proof of insurance.
  • A vehicle inspection if the new car is bought out of state.
  • A power of attorney is when someone other than the owner registers the vehicle.
  • Payment of registration fees.

How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in Montana

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:

  • Provide proof of vehicle ownership, such as a certificate of title.
  • A state-issued identification card or driver's license.
  • A completed and signed application of title transfer.
  • Bill of sale.
  • Completed physical inspection if the car was titled or registered out-of-state.
  • Valid state insurance policy.
  • Payment of transfer fee.

What Would Vehicle History Report Include in Montana

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.

How Can I Find the VIN by License Plate?

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.

Vehicle Inspections in Montana

Vehicle Inspections in Montana

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.

What Does the Vehicle Inspection Report Include in Montana?

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:

  • Engine inspection.
  • Tire condition.
  • Seat belt inspection.
  • Brake check.
  • Exhaust system examination.
  • Light functionality.
  • Odometer check.
  • Bumper inspection.
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