How to Get a Copy of Your Car Title in Montana

To get a copy of your car title in Montana, request a “replacement” (duplicate) certificate of title through your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office or by mail using the state’s Application for Replacement Certificate of Title. You’ll need your vehicle details, a valid ID, required signatures (often notarized), and the applicable fee. If there’s an active lien, the duplicate title will be issued to the lienholder. Below is a step-by-step guide, required documentation, timelines, and what to do in special situations.

Who Can Request a Replacement Title

Montana’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), administered by the Department of Justice, issues replacement titles only to authorized parties connected to the vehicle record. Understanding eligibility helps prevent delays and rejections.

• Owner of record listed on the current Montana title
• All owners, if the title shows multiple owners requiring joint signatures
• Recorded lienholder (if a lien is still active)
• A legal representative with proper documentation (for example, a notarized power of attorney, a personal representative for an estate, or a court order)

If you’re not the owner of record or lienholder, you must show legally sufficient authority (such as a notarized power of attorney or court documents) to act on their behalf.

What You Need Before You Apply

Gathering the right documents up front will speed up processing. Montana counties typically require clear identification and complete, accurate vehicle details to verify they’re issuing the title to the correct party.

• Completed Application for Replacement Certificate of Title (available from your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office or the Montana DOJ MVD website)
• Government-issued photo ID for the applicant
• Vehicle information: VIN, year, make, model, and current or most recent Montana plate number (if available)
• Current legal owner information matching the MVD record (names and addresses)
• Proof of lien status (a lien release if the loan is paid but not yet released; otherwise, the title will be sent to the recorded lienholder)
• Notarized signatures if required by the form or your county (Montana frequently requires notarization on title documents)
• Payment for the duplicate title fee and any local processing fees (confirm accepted payment types with your county office)

Check the application closely for signature and notarization requirements; incomplete or non-notarized forms are a common reason for delays.

How to Apply: In Person or By Mail

You can request a replacement title at your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office or by mailing your application and payment. Processing is handled at the county level, and the title is issued by the state.

1. Obtain the official Application for Replacement Certificate of Title from your county motor vehicle office or the MVD website.
2. Complete the form fully, including VIN and owner details. Ensure all required signatures are present and notarized if indicated.
3. Attach any supporting documents (for example, lien release, power of attorney, or legal representative paperwork).
4. Include payment for the duplicate title fee. Confirm the current fee amount and accepted payment methods with your county office.
5. Submit in person at your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office, or mail your packet to the address provided by your county or the MVD instructions.
6. Track your application status with your county office if available, and allow processing and mailing time for the new title to arrive.

County offices can clarify fee totals and current turnaround estimates; calling ahead or checking their webpage can save a trip.

Special Situations and How to Handle Them

There’s an Active Lien

If your vehicle still has a recorded lien, Montana will issue the replacement title to the lienholder on record. This protects both the borrower and lender and reflects the legal ownership interest.

• If you’ve paid off the loan, ask the lender for a lien release and include it with your application.
• If the lender has merged or closed, contact your county office for instructions on acceptable proof of satisfaction.
• Do not submit a request expecting the title to be mailed directly to you while a lien is active; it will go to the lienholder.

Clearing or documenting lien status is often the single most important factor in avoiding delays.

Your Name or Address Changed

If your legal name or mailing address has changed since the last title was issued, you may need to update your records as part of the replacement request.

• Provide legal proof of name change (e.g., marriage certificate, court order) if the title must reflect a new name.
• Confirm whether your county requires a separate address update form or if the replacement title application captures the new address.

Providing the update documentation with your replacement request prevents mismatched records and returned mail.

The Owner Is Deceased

When the owner has died, you’ll need estate documentation that authorizes the transfer or issuance of a title.

• Bring letters of appointment, a small estate affidavit, or other court-approved documents as applicable in Montana.
• If multiple heirs are involved, all may need to sign, or an appointed personal representative can act for the estate.

Because estate situations vary, your county office can confirm which documents are acceptable for your circumstances.

You Never Received a Title After Purchase

If you bought the vehicle but never received a title, a simple replacement may not be possible until ownership is established. Montana provides pathways if prior paperwork is missing.

• If the seller lost the title, ask them to request the duplicate as the owner of record and then properly transfer it to you.
• If you cannot contact the seller or documentation is incomplete, ask your county office about title options, which may include a bonded title process.

Do not attempt a replacement title in your name without first establishing ownership through an approved process.

Timing, Fees, and Tracking

Processing times and costs can vary slightly by county and workload. Knowing what to expect will help you plan around registration renewals or a pending sale.

• Typical processing by mail can take from several business days to a few weeks, depending on volume.
• Expedited service is limited; ask your county office whether any faster options are available in your area.
• Duplicate title fees are set by the state, and local offices may add small processing or payment convenience fees.
• Titles are mailed to the address or lienholder of record; verify accuracy before submitting your application.
• For status updates, contact your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office; have your VIN and application date handy.

Submitting a complete, legible, and properly notarized application is the best way to limit processing time.

Where to Get Forms and Help

The official Application for Replacement Certificate of Title and instructions are available from the Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division, and at every county treasurer’s motor vehicle office. Staff can confirm current fees, notarization requirements, and mailing addresses.

• Visit your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office in person for forms and assistance.
• Download forms and review guidance on the Montana DOJ MVD website.
• Call your county office with questions about liens, estates, or bonded titles.

Use only official government sources; avoid third-party “title services” that charge extra or provide incomplete guidance.

Legal and Security Notes

Montana issues only one valid title at a time, and a replacement title voids any previously issued title. Misuse of a title or providing false information is a criminal offense.

• If your title was stolen, consider filing a police report and keep a copy for your records.
• Safeguard the title when it arrives; store it securely and separate from the vehicle.

Keeping accurate personal and lien information on file helps prevent fraud and ensures mail reaches you promptly.

Summary

In Montana, request a replacement (duplicate) car title through your county treasurer’s motor vehicle office or by mail using the state’s replacement title application. Have your VIN and vehicle details ready, include proper ID, ensure all required signatures are notarized, and address any lien issues with a lien release. Processing typically takes from several business days to a few weeks. For the correct form, fee amount, and submission address, consult your county office or the Montana DOJ Motor Vehicle Division website.

How do I get a duplicate title in Montana?

To file for a lost title in Montana, complete Vehicle Title Replacement Application Form MV7 and submit it with the required fee to a local County Treasurer’s office or by mail to the Vehicle Services Bureau. You may need to provide proof of ownership, such as a copy of the original title or bill of sale, and if applicable, the fee includes a 3% administration fee and other taxes may be due upon registration. 
Here are the detailed steps to file for a lost title in Montana:

1. Obtain the Application Form: Download the Vehicle Title Replacement Application (Form MV7) from the Montana Motor Vehicle Division website or your local County Treasurer’s office. 
2. Complete the Application: Fill out the form with accurate information about the vehicle and yourself. 
3. Provide Proof of Ownership: You’ll need to demonstrate your ownership of the vehicle. This could be a copy of the original title, a bill of sale, or another document that proves your ownership. 
4. Submit the Application and Fee:
   • In-person: Visit your local County Treasurer’s office to submit the completed application and pay the fee. 
   • By Mail: You can mail the application and fee to the Vehicle Services Bureau at the address provided on the form or on their website. 
5. Pay the Fee: The fee for a duplicate title is $10.30 for most vehicles, which includes a 3% administration fee. Additional fees and taxes will be due when you register the vehicle. 
6. Receive Your Duplicate Title: Once your application is processed, you will be issued a replacement title. 

Important Considerations:

• Lienholders: If there is a security interest or lien on the vehicle, you will need to include a copy of that agreement and the fee to process the request. 
• Lost or Stolen: If the title was lost or stolen, report it to the local law enforcement agency first. 
• Business Entity: If the application is being signed on behalf of a business, you must have the proper authority to do so. 

Can I get a replacement title the same day?

Most, if not all, states mail the replacement title. This can take from two to six weeks from the date of application. Your state may provide an express service for an additional fee. Some states will even turn the new title around in a day if you apply in person.

How long does it take to get a Montana duplicate title?

In Montana, a replacement title can be processed and mailed to you within four to six weeks, though it’s possible to receive it faster if you visit the State of Montana Vehicle Services Bureau in person. To get a replacement title, you must complete the Application for Replacement Certificate of Title (Form MV7), pay the required fee, and submit the application to the Vehicle Services Bureau. 
To get a replacement title:

1. Obtain the Application: Download or print the Application for Replacement Certificate of Title (Form MV7) from the MT Motor Vehicle Division website. 
2. Complete the Application: Fill out the form, ensuring you sign it to authorize the replacement title. 
3. Submit the Application:
   • Mail: Mail the completed form and the $10.30 fee to the Vehicle Services Bureau in the Scott Hart/DOJ Building, 302 N Roberts, in Helena. 
   • In Person: Visit the State of Montana Vehicle Services Bureau to apply in person, which allows for same-day issuance of the title. 
4. Pay the Fee: A fee of $10.30 is required for all motor vehicles, including boats and trailers. 

Processing Time:

• Mailed applications: can take up to four to six weeks to process and mail to you. 
• Applying in person at the Vehicle Services Bureau can result in the title being issued the same day. 

Can I get a same day title in Montana?

Replacement Titles
To be issued a duplicate of your Montana title, please visit State of Montana Vehicle Services Bureau at 302 N Roberts (Scott Hart/DOJ Building). The cost is $10.30 and will be issued the same day.