Permanent registration means that the vehicle will not require an annual renewal as long as the vehicle remains in the same ownership in the State of Montana.

Effective January 1,2001

The option to register a vehicle permanent applies to the following vehicles: Light vehicles (cars, passenger vans, SUV’s) and pick-up’s (1 ton or less) that are 11 years old or older. The approximate cost for permanent registration is 3 to 4 times the yearly charge. No exemption applies for these vehicles if registered permanent.

Effective January 1,2004

The following vehicles must be registered permanent: ATV’ s (off road and street legal), motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, trailers, and travel trailers. This does not apply to motor homes; they are still an annual registration. Motor homes continue to expire on April 30th and must be renewed by June 15th.

Effective January 1, 2006

Large trailer plates will no longer include the letters TR but will display the word PERMANENT across the single plate.

There will no longer be a distinction between small trailer and motorcycle plates. The word PERM will be printed on the single plate.

Effective January 1st motor homes 11 years old or older MAY be registered permanently. Pickups and passenger cars 11 years old or older may be registered permanently. Permanent registrations do not stay with the vehicle on transfer of ownership.