Custom Built Car Registration

Montana defines a custom-built vehicle as:

• a vehicle that's more than 25 years old and that has a manufactured model year after 1948.

• a vehicle that was built to mirror a car or truck manufactured after 1948 and at least 25 years before the current year.

• A vehicle that has been revamped from the manufacturer's original design, or sports a body constructed from unoriginal parts.

If this applies to your four-wheel prize, you can register it as a custom-built vehicle at your county treasurer's office. But to do so, you will need to bring:

1. either a title or a Certificate of Origin (a vehicle's version of a birth certificate). If neither exist, you will to need apply for a bonded title.
2. a completed Application for Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle.
3. proof of inspection.
4. a completed fact sheet, depending on the decision of the county.
5. check or cash to pay a $28 registration fee.

After all forms are deemed in order, you will have the option of registering under regular or Vintage and Pioneer statutes. The latter will allow you to apply for a special vintage or pioneer plate as defined in Montana Code Annotated 61-3-411. Regardless of how you choose, your vehicle will be titled and registered under the year and make that the vehicle resembles, and your title and registration receipt will bear the branded identification label of "Custom Veh."

Note: Motorcycles cannot qualify for custom vehicle status.