At Dirt Legal, we make complex title and registration services simple. Many truck owners and operators — from RV enthusiasts to heavy haulers — turn to Montana LLCs as a powerful tool for saving money on sales tax and simplifying ownership. But what about big rigs and long-haul trucks? Let’s clear up what’s possible, what’s not, and how a Montana LLC fits into your trucking operation in 2025.
Do Commercial Vehicles Need a Special Registration in Montana?
Here’s the truth: Montana does not have a separate “commercial” plate or registration category. Every vehicle is simply registered as a vehicle — whether it’s a Toyota Corolla, a Ford F-350, or a Peterbilt tractor.
That said, long-haul trucks are different because of their weight and use. If you’re using your truck in interstate commerce, you must also comply with federal and state requirements such as:
- IRP (International Registration Plan): apportioned plates for interstate operation
- IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement): quarterly fuel tax reporting
- USDOT/MC authority: required if hauling for hire
- Commercial insurance: meeting federal minimums
A Montana LLC makes it easy to title and register your truck in Montana, but it does not replace these compliance requirements.
What a Montana LLC Provides
Forming a Montana LLC creates a presence in the state. This gives you the right to:
- Title and register vehicles in Montana (no sales tax on purchases)
- Own multiple vehicles under one LLC (trucks, trailers, RVs, even motorcycles or boats)
- Streamline ownership by keeping business vehicles under a single entity
For truckers, that means your LLC can hold title to your big rig and trailer, even if you live in another state.
What Else Truckers Need
An LLC and registration aren’t the whole picture. Here are a few additional considerations:
Mailbox Services
While Dirt Legal provides a registered agent for your LLC, you’ll want a mail forwarding service to handle day-to-day business correspondence on the road. Digital mailboxes let you receive scanned mail anywhere, keeping your trucking business running smoothly.
Titles
We recommend titling your truck and trailers in Montana under the LLC. If you run multiple rigs, you can consolidate all your equipment under the same LLC. This creates a clean paper trail for your business assets.
Registration
Yes — Dirt Legal can register your Peterbilt, Kenworth, or Freightliner in Montana. However, for interstate use, you’ll need IRP apportioned plates in addition to Montana registration. For non-commercial or private use rigs (like show trucks or privately owned haulers), standard Montana plates may be enough.
Permanent Registration: What Applies and What Doesn’t
Montana allows permanent registration for passenger vehicles and light trucks once they reach 11 years old. That means cars, pickups, motorcycles, and many RVs can be registered for life with no renewals.
Big rigs and heavy commercial trucks are excluded. They require renewals, even if they are older than 11 years.
Why Register Out of State Instead of at Home?
It almost always comes down to money. Montana has no sales tax, meaning you can save thousands — sometimes tens of thousands — on a truck purchase compared to your home state.
- Buy a $200,000 truck in Kansas? Expect nearly $20,000 in state sales tax at home.
- Buy through a Montana LLC? $0 in sales tax.
Even if your state only charges sales tax once at purchase, many states also levy annual property or ad valorem taxes on vehicles. A Montana LLC shields you from those recurring costs.
How Much Can an Owner/Operator Save?
Your savings depend on:
- The purchase price of your truck/trailer
- Your home state’s tax rate
- Whether your state charges annual vehicle taxes
For many truckers, the first year’s savings on sales tax more than pays for the LLC and registration service. For those in states with annual vehicle taxes, the savings continue year after year.
Final Thoughts
Yes, big rigs can be registered through a Montana LLC, but owners need to understand the difference between registration and compliance. Montana offers unbeatable savings on sales tax and a streamlined way to hold titles, but long-haul truckers must still handle IRP, IFTA, DOT authority, and insurance separately.
At Dirt Legal, we’ll make sure your LLC, title, and registration are set up correctly — giving you the foundation to run your trucking business without the DMV headaches.
