As tourists we purchased our travel trailer from a dealer in Tampa, FL and avoided paying Florida state and county sales tax (~7.5%) by registering (tagging) the trailer under a Montana business LLC.
If you’re a tourist planning to explore the stunning landscapes of the US with a RV or travel trailer, it’s essential to ensure proper registration of the title and tag while also navigating the state’s tax regulations. This guide will help you register your travel trailer in Montana while avoiding sales tax as a tourist.
### Understanding Registration Requirements
In Montana, all vehicles, including RVs and travel trailers, must be registered with the county treasurer’s office. To register your travel trailer, you’ll need to provide proof of ownership, such as a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin or a title signed over to you, along with other documents like a bill of sale and proof of insurance.
Our Florida vehicle title took over 60 days for the title to be transferred. By then we had driven over 1,000 miles away and had the title sent from the dealer to our Virtual Mailbox. To learn more about the Anytime Mailbox we used, see Unlocking the Benefits of a Virtual Mailbox for Digital Nomads.
Temporary Tag
When needing to quickly get on the road with a newly acquired vehicle, obtaining a temporary tag offers a convenient solution. Temporary tags serve as a temporary registration permit, allowing vehicles to legally operate while awaiting permanent registration.
To obtain a temporary tag (i.e. a paper number plate), your dealer will provide on driveway or individuals typically visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or county treasurer’s office and provide documentation such as proof of ownership, identification, and insurance.
In Florida, a 30 day temporary tag can be issued, and an additional 30 days on request. The tags can be printed and placed on the back of the vehicle.
The temporary tag is issued on-site, providing immediate legal authorization for the vehicle to be driven for a specified period, usually ranging from a few days to a few weeks.
Whether purchasing a vehicle from a dealership or through a private sale, obtaining a temporary tag ensures compliance with registration laws while allowing for immediate use of the vehicle.
Our 60 days (30+30) of Florida temporary tags expired before we could get to Montana county treasures office in time (we picked Yellowstone County as the location of our mailbox, and registered agent for the LLC). When the 60 days expired we called, left voicemail, faxed and emailed the Yellowstone County office requesting a tag. They required the Bill of Sale. The tag was to be faxed back, but luckily their fax machine was broken and we received the MT temporary tag in pdf via email. We printed at a CVS and stuck to the back of the travel trailer.
Steps to Registering Title and Tag
1. Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including proof of ownership, bill of sale, valid identification, and proof of insurance.
2. Complete Application Form: Fill out the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) Form MV20 accurately, providing all required information.
3. Visit the County Treasurer’s Office: Head to the county treasurer’s office during regular business hours to submit your application and documents. At Yellowstone County this was done as an online appointment, and walk-in took a ticket and waited for the next 15 minute timeslot.
4. Submit Required Fees: Pay the registration fees, which vary based on factors like the trailer’s weight, age, and value.
5. Obtain Title and Tag: Upon successful registration, you’ll receive license plate(s) for your travel trailer. The Certificate of Title will be mailed out within 6 to 8 weeks (but we received ours in 2 weeks at our virtual mailbox in Billings, MT).
### Avoiding Sales Tax
As a tourist, you may be eligible to avoid paying sales tax on your travel trailer purchase in Montana. The state does not impose sales tax on vehicle purchases, making it an attractive destination for travelers looking to explore its natural beauty (or thrill seekers looking to buy a hyper car!)
### Additional Considerations
– Insurance Requirements: Ensure your travel trailer is adequately insured with liability coverage as mandated by Montana law. Our travel trailer was covered by our trucks insurance policy.
– Renewal: Remember to renew your trailer’s registration annually to stay compliant with state regulations.
– Legal Compliance: Familiarize yourself with Montana’s vehicle registration laws and regulations to avoid any potential issues during your travels.
### Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this guide and understanding Montana’s tax regulations, you can easily register the title and tag for your travel trailer while enjoying your adventures in the Treasure State. With proper documentation and compliance with state laws, you’ll be ready to explore Montana’s breathtaking landscapes hassle-free.
For more information and specific inquiries regarding vehicle registration in Montana, contact the Montana Department of Justice or visit their official website.
### References
– Montana Department of Justice: Vehicle Registration
– Montana Motor Vehicle Division: Recreational Vehicle Registration
– Montana Code Annotated: Title 61 – Motor Vehicles
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