Check a Vehicle’s Past Using a Montana License Plate Lookup

Run a quick and simple license plate lookup with our Montana license plate lookup service. Get a detailed vehicle history report that highlights key records such as accidents, auction history, damage reports, title status, lien data, and available warranty information.

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What is a Montana License Plate Lookup?

A Montana license plate is issued by the state for passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and approved specialty vehicles. It acts as the official identifier that connects a vehicle to its registration and title records.

A Montana license plate lookup allows buyers and sellers to review a vehicle’s background using the plate number before completing a used vehicle transaction.

Through a Montana license plate search, a vehicle history report may include details such as model year, make, engine type, accident records, title branding, lien information, mileage history, and other data that help reduce legal and financial risks.

Why You Should Search a Montana License Plate

Looking up a Montana license plate before a transaction helps verify important details that may not be obvious at first glance. Below are common situations where a plate lookup is especially useful.

When Buying a Used Vehicle

Before purchasing a used vehicle, especially from a private seller or for an older car, it is important to understand the vehicle’s past to avoid unexpected issues later.

Review Title and Ownership Records

A license plate lookup helps confirm how often the vehicle has changed hands and whether the Montana title is clean or carries branding such as salvage or rebuilt.

Identify Past Problems

Accident records, damage reports, or mileage gaps may appear in the report even if the vehicle looks fine during a visual inspection.

Selling a Vehicle

Sellers can also benefit from using a Montana license plate lookup. Knowing the vehicle’s background before listing it helps avoid surprises during the sale.

Strengthen Your Listing

Sharing verified vehicle information helps answer buyer questions and shows transparency backed by documented records.

Reduce Buyer Hesitation

Clear and consistent history details help buyers feel more confident, which can speed up the selling process.

Checking Auction or Private Listings

Vehicles sold through auctions or private-party listings may not always include full disclosures.

Match the Listing With Official Records

With a vehicle history report, you can compare the information on the listing to its official records.

Detect Missing Information

If the details are missing or do not align, it may be wise to pause the transaction. Be sure to match the VIN with the report to avoid VIN tampering.

Preventing Fraud and Costly Mistakes

Running a Montana license plate lookup helps reduce the risk of buying a vehicle with unresolved legal or mechanical problems.

Confirm Legal Status

Checking the plate can help identify stolen vehicle records or title issues that could cause serious problems after purchase.

Check for Hidden Damage

Some damage from accidents or natural events may not be visible. A plate lookup can reveal reported damage caused by collisions, floods, fires, or other incidents.

Information Included in Our Montana License Plate Report

A Montana license plate lookup report combines basic vehicle information with deeper historical records. From technical specifications to ownership, title, and incident data, the report helps build a clearer picture before any decision is made.

Vehicle Specifications

This section outlines key specifications such as engine type, fuel system, transmission, drivetrain, and manufacturing origin. These details help confirm whether the vehicle fits your driving needs, preferences, and budget expectations.

Ownership History

A Montana license plate search shows how the vehicle has changed ownership over time. You may see ownership periods and prior registration locations, while personal details remain protected under privacy laws.

Title Status

This section shows whether the vehicle holds a clean title or carries branding such as salvage, rebuilt, or lemon. Reviewing title status early helps prevent registration issues and future legal complications.

Theft Records

This section checks whether the vehicle has ever been reported stolen. When available, it may include the date and location of the report. Purchasing a stolen vehicle can result in seizure, even if bought unknowingly.

Accident Records

Reported accidents may be listed with available dates, locations, and the number of incidents on record. Reviewing this information helps assess potential impacts on safety, reliability, and resale value.

Mileage Verification

Mileage readings from different reporting points are compared to identify inconsistencies. Reviewing these records helps reduce the risk of odometer rollback or inaccurate mileage disclosures.

Auction History and Photos

If the vehicle was sold through an auction. This section includes the complete information of the vehicle’s auction history like date of auction, auction house location, the final price, and get up to ten pictures of the vehicle when it was auctioned.

Lien or Loan Records

This section highlights any outstanding loans or financial claims tied to the vehicle. Active liens can delay or block ownership transfer if they are not properly cleared.

Warranty Coverage

This section helps determine whether factory or extended warranties are still valid. It may include coverage periods, mileage limits, and details for manufacturer-backed or extended warranty plans.

Damage Records

Damage caused by accidents, floods, fires, or other events may appear in this section. Reviewing these records helps assess whether repairs were required and whether they were properly documented.

Service and Maintenance Records

Service history provides insight into how the vehicle was maintained. When available, it may show service dates, locations, and the type of maintenance or repairs performed, including missed or upcoming service items.

Recall Information

Recall records show whether the vehicle has been affected by manufacturer safety recalls. With vehicle records, you can examine if the vehicle was recalled, the date of recall, the causes, how the issues were fixed, and the final recall status (Open/closed).

How to Search a Montana License Plate

Using our Montana license plate lookup service is simple and only takes a few steps.

Locate the License Plate

Find the license plate number on the vehicle or request it from the seller. It may also appear on documents such as registration papers or a bill of sale.

Enter the Plate Details

Enter the license plate number into the form. Then, click on the button to submit the form.

View the Vehicle Report

After a short wait, a preview with basic vehicle details will appear. You can then proceed to access the complete vehicle history report.

Can You Lookup Montana License Plate With no Cost?

Yes, you can look up the Montana license plate for free by using our Montana license plate lookup service. Here’s what you will be getting from our free license plate lookup service:

Montana Laws on License Plate

Montana law mandates that most vehicles display two reflectorized metal license plates, positioned on both the front and rear. To ensure legibility, these plates must be mounted horizontally, kept clean, and remain clearly visible at all times.

Furthermore, the design must incorporate the state name, a Montana outline, and a specific county prefix. Residents are required to update their plates every five years and must complete vehicle registration within 60 days of establishing residency.

Security of Information

The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) restricts access to personal information linked to license plates, including names, addresses, and contact details. Only authorised parties, such as law enforcement, insurance providers, courts, and approved agencies, may legally access this data for permitted purposes. Public license plate searches cannot be used to obtain private owner information.

Montana License Plate Design and Format

White serial characters are screened onto a reflective blue background, separated by a buffalo skull symbol and framed by a white outline shaped like the state of Montana. The plate displays “TREASURE STATE” centred at the top, with “MONTANA – 10” screened in white below the serial number.

Format and Serialization of Montana License Plate

Montana’s current standard license plates, which debuted in 2010, feature a white-on-blue colour scheme. The serialization typically follows a C-NNNNNA format, where the initial one or two digits serve as a county designation (ranging from 1 to 56). This alphanumeric sequence is often divided by a bison skull graphic, and the design proudly displays the “Treasure State” slogan at the bottom.

Montana License Plate Design

Montana’s standard license plate uses a simple white-on-blue design that emphasizes readability and state identity. In addition to the current base plate, drivers can choose from a wide range of specialty, military, collegiate, and vintage designs.

Standard Design (2010–present): White lettering on a blue background with a minimalist layout inspired by earlier Montana plates.
Slogan: “Treasure State” appears centered at the top of the plate.
Animal Skull Separator: A small animal skull silhouette is placed between the county code and plate number.
State Outline Border: The white outline of Montana frames the plate and acts as a distinctive border.
Plate Size and Material: Made from aluminium and sized at 12 × 6 inches for standard vehicles.
Specialty and Vintage Options: Includes university, military, environmental, and cause-based plates, along with approved older base designs such as the 1989 Centennial, 1991, 2000, and 2006 issues.
Design Customization: New designs are added periodically, including recent options featuring Montana landmarks and wildlife.

Types of License Plates in Montana

Montana has several standard base designs and more than 200 speciality options. Current standard plates feature a white outline of Montana, a small animal skull separator, and blue lettering, with additional choices for personalized, military, and antique vehicles.

Standard Plates

White-on-blue “Treasure State” design with a Montana state outline and county-coded numbering.

Specialty or Sponsored Plates

Over 200 designs supporting universities, charities, conservation programs, and state causes.

Military and Veteran Plates

Plates recognizing active-duty service members, veterans, and military branches.

Personalized or Vanity Plates

Custom text options available on standard and many specialty plate designs.

Antique or Vintage Plates

Available for vehicles 25 years or older, including approved original or replica plates.

Disability Plates

Issued to eligible individuals and marked with an accessibility symbol.

License Plate Cost in Montana

License plate costs in Montana depend on the vehicle’s age, plate type, and selected design. Fees typically include a plate issuance charge, vehicle registration based on age, and optional costs for personalized or specialty plates.

Standard Plate Issue or Replacement: $12.36
Duplicate Plate: $15.45
Registration Fees by Vehicle Age:
- 0 to 4 years: $217
- 5 to 10 years: $87
- 11 years or older: $28
Permanent Registration (11+ years): $28 base fee.
Personalized Plates: $25 initial fee, with a $10 renewal fee.
Specialty Plates: Initial fees typically range from $36 to $60, plus optional annual contributions for specific organizations.
Temporary Permit: $18 for in-transit or short-term use.
County and Local Fees: Additional charges may apply depending on location.

License Plate Lookup by States

Our license plate lookup service is available statewide; you can check any other license plate from different states!

Alabama

FAQs About Montana License Plate Lookup

Can you look up someone's license plate in Montana?

Yes. License plate lookups are available in Montana, but public access is limited. State resources allow users to verify a plate’s status and validity, while personal owner information is only released with proper legal authorization.

How do I lookup the owner of a license plate?

No. The public cannot usually identify a license plate owner due to privacy laws such as the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). Legal access may occur through law enforcement reports, insurance claims, or a licensed private investigator.

What county is 42 in MT?

On Montana license plates, the number 42 identifies Carter County, with Ekalaka serving as the county seat. County numbers are used as prefixes to indicate where the vehicle is registered.

Can someone find you by looking up your license plate?

The Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) prohibits unauthorized individuals from accessing personal information tied to license plates or motor vehicle records.

What is the 10 on Montana license plates?

In Montana, the number 10 represents Carbon County. The state uses a county prefix system based on 1930 population rankings, and Carbon County, with its county seat in Red Lodge, was assigned this number.