Motor Vehicles

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

Montana State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Military members stationed at Malmstrom and residing in the City of Great Fall will register in Cascade County. Motor Vehicle | Cascade County, MT (cascadecountymt.gov) 

1. Call your dealership and make sure they turned your paperwork in to us
2. Private vehicle sales: Make sure title has been properly filled out and notarized if needed
3. Please provide driver's license for all owner's
4. If there is a spouse, please also provide spousal military ID
5. Please provide End of Month LES.
   1. LES must be current
   2. Must show correct base (4037 for Malmstrom)
   3. Must show correct name
   4. Must show state that military member is paying taxes in.
6. If you are expecting an exemption, LES must reflect state of which you are paying taxes in. If LES shows Montana, you must get LES corrected prior to registering your vehicle.

Registration/Decals are no longer required, although you must have a valid Driver's License and State registration upon request. You must also present either a pass or proper ID to enter the base.

If you are not a Montana resident, Montana vehicle registration and license tags may be obtained at a substantial savings by presenting your Military ID, title of vehicle, and current LES to the assessor's office at the courthouse.

Malmstrom is located in Great Falls, Montana which is located in Cascade County.

Cascade County Motor Vehicle Website 

Motor Vehicle | Cascade County, MT (cascadecountymt.gov)

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving. You will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. State law requires that all children under 6 years of age or weighting less than 60 pounds must ride in a federally approved seat or booster.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles Home - Montana Department of Justice (dojmt.gov) . Tickets will be issued, and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.