Montana LLCs register vehicles under the business name, not a personal name

When you own a vehicle through a Montana LLC, the registration certificate lists the LLC as the owner, not you personally. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) will issue the registration in your business name. You'll need the LLC's legal name exactly as it appears on your Articles of Organization filed with the Montana Secretary of State.

The vehicle itself must be titled to the LLC as well. You cannot register a vehicle to an LLC without first obtaining a title in the LLC's name. If you're transferring an existing vehicle into the LLC, you'll need to complete a title transfer before you can register it under the business.

Key Takeaways

  • Montana titles and registers vehicles to the LLC name as shown in your Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.
  • You must obtain a title in the LLC's name before you can register the vehicle, whether it's new or transferred from personal ownership.
  • Registration documents should list the LLC as owner; you can designate yourself as the registered owner's representative if needed.
  • Renewal notices and registration documents will be mailed to the address you provide for the LLC, so keep that current with MDT.
  • Insurance must be in the LLC's name, and the policy should list the LLC as the named insured.

Titling a vehicle to your Montana LLC

Before registration, you need a title issued in the LLC's name. If the vehicle is new, the manufacturer's certificate of origin goes to the LLC. If you're transferring a vehicle you already own personally, you'll complete an process for Montana Vehicle Title and Registration (Form MV-14) and submit it to MDT with the current title, a bill of sale, and proof of the LLC's existence.

Proof of the LLC's existence typically means a certified copy of your Articles of Organization from the Montana Secretary of State, or a Certificate of Good Standing if your LLC is already registered. Some county offices accept a copy of the Articles; call your local MDT office to confirm what they require before you submit.

The title process must show the LLC as the owner. If you want to be listed as the registered owner's representative (the person authorized to handle registration matters), you can request that on the form. This is optional but useful if you're the only person managing the vehicle for the business.

Completing the registration process

Once you have the title in the LLC's name, you'll register the vehicle using Form MV-14 or by renewing online through the MDT website if it's a renewal. The registration form asks for the owner's name (your LLC's legal name), the owner's address (your LLC's business address), and the vehicle information.

You'll need the vehicle identification number (VIN), the title number, proof of insurance, and payment for registration fees. Montana registration fees vary by vehicle weight and type; check the MDT fee schedule or call your county office for the exact amount for your vehicle.

If you're registering the vehicle in person at a county office, bring the title, proof of insurance, and a form of payment. If you're registering by mail, include copies of the title and insurance documentation. Do not mail the original title unless the county office specifically requests it.

Insurance requirements for LLC-owned vehicles

Montana requires all registered vehicles to carry liability insurance. The policy must be in the LLC's name, with the LLC listed as the named insured. You cannot register a vehicle to an LLC without proof of insurance, and you cannot maintain registration without keeping the policy active.

When you obtain insurance, tell the agent that the vehicle is owned by an LLC and provide the business name exactly as it appears on the title. The insurance company will issue a policy in that name. You'll need proof of insurance (usually the declarations page) when you register or renew.

If your insurance lapses, MDT can suspend the registration. If you cancel the policy, notify MDT when ready so they can remove the vehicle from active registration status.

Renewing an LLC vehicle registration in Montana

Montana vehicle registrations expire on the last day of the month shown on your registration certificate. You can renew online through the MDT website, by mail, or in person at a county office. Renewal notices are mailed to the address on file for the LLC, so update your address with MDT if the business moves.

To renew, you'll need proof of current insurance in the LLC's name and payment for the renewal fee. If you renew online, you can pay by credit card. If you renew by mail or in person, you can pay by check, cash, or card depending on the county office's options.

Renew before the expiration date. If the registration expires, you cannot legally operate the vehicle on Montana roads, and you may face a fine if stopped by law enforcement.

Transferring or selling an LLC vehicle

If you sell the vehicle or transfer it out of the LLC, you'll need to complete a bill of sale and submit a title transfer form to MDT. The buyer (whether a person or another business) will explore for a new title in their name. You remain responsible for the vehicle until the new title is issued to the buyer.

If you're transferring the vehicle to another LLC you own, the process is the same: submit a title transfer form showing the current LLC as seller and the new LLC as buyer. Both LLCs must be registered with the Montana Secretary of State.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not attempt to register a vehicle to an LLC without first obtaining a title in the LLC's name. MDT will reject the registration process if the title and registration don't match. This is the most common delay people encounter.

Do not use a shortened or informal version of the LLC name on the registration. The name must match exactly what appears on the title and your Articles of Organization. If your LLC is registered as "Mountain View Logistics, LLC," that is the name that must appear on all documents.

Do not let insurance lapse. Montana suspends registrations when proof of insurance is no longer valid. If you're changing insurance companies, obtain the new policy before the old one expires and provide proof to MDT if they request it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a vehicle to an LLC I just formed?

Yes, but only after your Articles of Organization are filed with the Montana Secretary of State and you have a title in the LLC's name. You cannot register a vehicle before the LLC legally exists. Once your LLC is registered, you can title and register vehicles in its name.

Do I need a separate insurance policy for each vehicle the LLC owns?

Not necessarily. Many insurance companies allow you to add multiple vehicles to a single business policy. Each vehicle will be listed on the policy, and the LLC remains the named insured. Ask your insurance agent about multi-vehicle business policies to see if that option saves money.

What happens if I sell the LLC but keep the vehicle?

If you sell the LLC to another person or business, the vehicle title transfers with it unless you specifically exclude it from the sale. If you want to keep the vehicle, you must complete a title transfer showing the LLC as seller and yourself (or another entity) as buyer before the LLC sale closes.

Can I register a vehicle to an LLC if I'm not a Montana resident?

Yes. The LLC must be registered with the Montana Secretary of State, but you do not have to be a Montana resident. You'll provide the LLC's business address (which can be a registered agent address in Montana) on the registration form.

How do I update the LLC address on vehicle registrations?

Contact your county MDT office or use the online renewal system to update the address on file. If you have multiple vehicles registered to the LLC, you may need to update each registration separately, or the office may be able to update them all at once if you provide a list of the vehicle identification numbers.