Montana plate replacements go through your county treasurer’s office or the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). Whether your plate was stolen in a parking lot, damaged on a gravel road, or lost during a move, the process is handled locally. Montana requires two plates, front and rear, so theft or damage may affect both.
My Montana Plate Was Stolen. What Shall I Do First
A stolen Montana plate can be placed on another vehicle immediately. Acting quickly limits how much activity accumulates under your plate number before the registration is flagged.
Step 1: File a Police Report
Contact your local law enforcement agency or the Montana Highway Patrol immediately. Be sure to request the official incident report number, as you will need this for your records and next steps.
Step 2: Notify Your Auto Insurer
Call your insurance carrier to report the theft. Provide them with your policy number and the police incident report number to protect yourself from liability if the stolen plate is involved in an accident.
Step 3: Visit Your County Treasurer’s Office or MVD
Head to your local county treasurer’s office or check MVD Online Services to request a replacement. Make sure to bring your required documents (ID, registration, and proof of insurance) so you can be issued a new plate number.
Step 4: Monitor for Violations
Keep a close eye on your mail for any automated citations, toll notices, or enforcement letters tied to your old plate. If you receive any, you can quickly dispute them using your police report and the documented theft date.
How to Get a Replacement Montana Plate
Montana plate replacements are handled at your county treasurer’s office. Some replacement transactions can also be processed through MVD Online Services at mvdmt.gov. Check your county’s options before making a trip.
In Person at County Treasurer’s Office
Visit your county treasurer’s office with your current registration, valid Montana ID, proof of insurance, and payment. Your replacement plate is ordered and mailed to you, it is not typically issued over the counter at the treasurer’s office.
Online or by Mail
Some replacement transactions can be initiated through MVD Online Services. Check mvdmt.gov for current availability. For stolen plate replacements, an in-person visit is typically required.
Document Checklist
Ensure you have the correct documentation ready before initiating your replacement:
All Replacements
- Valid Montana driver’s license or state ID
- Current vehicle registration certificate
- Proof of current Montana liability insurance
- Payment for replacement fee
Stolen or Damaged Plates (Add)
- Police report or incident number (for stolen plates)
- Damaged plates to surrender (for damaged plate replacements)
Replacement Fees and Temporary Permits
Fees vary based on plate type and vehicle registration class. Contact your county treasurer’s office or use the MVD fee estimator at mvdmt.gov for current rates.
| Item | Fee / Details |
|---|---|
| Standard plate replacement | Varies, contact your county treasurer or check mvdmt.gov |
| Temporary registration permit (TRP) | Issued while awaiting new plates, valid for 40 days and must be displayed on the vehicle |
Damaged or Lost Plates
Damaged Plate
If your plate is bent, faded, or no longer legible, it must be replaced. Bring the damaged plate to your county treasurer’s office to surrender it and request a replacement. A temporary registration permit (TRP) is issued to cover you while your new plate is processed.
Lost Plate
For genuinely lost plates where theft is not suspected, the replacement process is the same as for damaged plates. A police report is not required, but is advisable if theft is possible.
Does Montana Require Two Plates?
Yes, Montana requires one plate mounted on the front bumper and one on the rear of all standard passenger vehicles. Motorcycles and trailers require only a rear plate. If both plates were stolen or damaged, you request replacement for both and pay the applicable fee for each.
Drivers moving to Montana from single-plate states should be aware of the two-plate requirement. If your vehicle was previously registered in a state that only required a rear plate, a front bracket must be installed before the front plate can be properly mounted.