From standard retro-inspired plates to designs that support your favorite organization or cause, Montana has tons of license plate options for a wide variety of drivers.

Customized license plates can tell you a lot about a driver. And fortunately for Montana drivers, there are more personalized license plate options than ever before, whether you’re looking to support the arts, agriculture, or your local Montana university.

Let's take a look at all of the license plate options available in the Treasure State, along with information on what a Montana license plate is, and how you can get an awesome customized plate to add to your vehicle in Montana.

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What are Montana license plates and why do I need them?

In order to verify registered vehicles on the road, license plates are provided by the state. Simply put, license plates are essentially identification tags for your vehicle.

Why are license plates necessary though? License plates are vital to our society because they can help law enforcement hunt down stolen vehicles and find the perpetrator of a Montana hit-and-run—just to name a few reasons!

According to

Section 61-3-301

of the Montana Code Annotated 2021, all vehicles must have a front and rear license plate. However, Montana has recently expanded single license plate usage into law. As of October 2021, automobiles registered as street rods or customized vehicles, along with vehicles unable to display a front plate, are exempt from having a front license plate.

Ultimately, it’s important for you to have the right license plates before you get behind the wheel. Now that we’ve established the significance of license plates, let’s check out some of your license plate options in Montana.

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Montana car insurance laws

What license plates does Montana have?

As you’ll soon see, Montana has a ton of license plate options. Here are the three main categories:

Standard plates

, which you’ve most likely seen in abundance by now. The most current license plate has a blue background and white lettering.

Special interest plates

support various causes like the arts, education, or organizations like the American Red Cross.

Special plates

tend to vary widely. Special plates can be used by drivers with antique vehicles, for those who served in the military, and more!

Standard license plates

White and blue “retro” plates: The current license plate takes inspiration from Montana’s past. It looks similar to the Montana license plate of the 1970s, while the “Treasure State” slogan on top was used back in the 1950s.

State centennial plates: These plates were designed back in 1989 to celebrate Montana’s centennial. However, this design is not available in the military or amateur radio plate options.

Blue, white, and yellow plates: This “New Issue” plate was introduced in 1991 with “Big Sky” written on the bottom along with a bison skull.

Blue and white plates: Similar to the previous plate, this 2000 design uses similar colors, though a bit more muted. “Big sky” and a bison skull are still part of the design.

Blue-green with gold plates: The 2006 design features Montana’s sky with a grand mountain in the background. “Montana” is written in old west gold lettering with “Big Country Sky” displayed underneath.

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Special interest license plates

Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras (MASO): Are you a classical music enthusiast? Then you’ll want these symphony design plates so you’ll also have the chance to apply a $20 donation to

MASO for public educational outreach support

Collegiate: From Carroll College to Montana State University, support your local school with a collegiate design plate on your vehicle and make a $30 donation as well.

Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO): This colorful design of rural Montana with wind turbines in the background will help

support sustainable agriculture

Montana Public Radio: If you’re a big public radio fan, then these plates will support all vital broadcast programming that you’ve come to depend on with

Montana Public Radio

Montana 4-H Foundation: Your investment in these plates will help thousands of Montana youths with life-skill development and empowerment as donations go to

4-H clubs and activities

Special license plates

Antique plates: If your vehicle is 30 years or older, vintage and pioneer plates are available for you! Just complete an

MV3 form

and send it to the Vehicle Services Bureau.

Military plates: Special military and veteran plates are available to active military personnel, veterans, the surviving spouse of a fallen hero, and those who qualify for a Gold Star Label Button. You will need to

show proof of your eligibility

Amateur Radio Operator plates: If you hold an unrevoked and unexpired official amateur radio station license, these plates are available to you.

Disabled Persons/Veterans: Those with permanent disabilities can apply for physical disability plates to obtain special parking privileges. Just send in a completed

MV5 form

to the county treasurer’s office.

As mentioned before, Montana has countless license plate designs to choose from. For the exhaustive list, check out Montana DMV’s

license plate designs and fees

page for more.

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How do I get a Montana license plate?

If you’re looking to get new license plates in Montana, the process is relatively simple. First, you need to

through the Montana DMV. But if you currently have plates and just want a new design, you’ll need to apply for new plates when it’s time to renew your registration.

Registering your vehicle requires the following:

Apply in person at the nearest

county treasurer’s office

Provide last year’s registration receipt or an out-of-state title

You may be asked to complete a

Statement of Fact

form

Payment for fees (

registration fees

depend on the age of your vehicle)

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Car loan in Montana 2022

How to customize your car insurance for savings in Montana

Since you’ve customized your license plate, why not customize your insurance policy next? The process is quick and easy with

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FAQs

How many license plates does Montana have?

Montana has

several license plates

to choose from! The Montana DMV provides fourteen different categories of license plate options, from agriculture and forestry designs to plate designs that support youth groups.

Do I need a front license plate in Montana?

Yes! However, as of October 2021, a new Montana law passed to waive this rule if your car is registered as a street rod or customized vehicle.

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