If you’ve spotted a Lamborghini or Rolls-Royce wearing Montana tags, you might’ve wondered: how does that work—and is it legal?
The answer is both simple and powerful. Savvy supercar owners are using a Montana LLC structure to save tens of thousands of dollars on taxes and registration fees—without breaking a single law, according to the Montana Secretary of State and Montana Code Annotated Title 35.
This isn’t some internet gimmick or backdoor hack. It’s a legitimate registration strategy that turns heads in luxury garages and financial planning circles alike.
Let’s explore how this works, why it’s 100% compliant with Montana law, and how you can apply the same strategy to your exotic or collector vehicle.
Does Montana Have Sales Tax on Cars?
Montana has zero state sales tax on vehicle purchases, according to the Montana Department of Revenue. This means if you buy a $400,000 Ferrari, you could avoid paying $30,000 or more in sales tax compared to states like California or New York.
In California, for example, a $500,000 vehicle could trigger over $40,000 in sales tax, depending on local rates. In Montana? You pay $0 in sales tax and a flat registration fee, according to Montana Code Annotated §15-68-102 and MVD fee schedules.
Montana Luxury Tax Savings for an Exotic Car Purchase
It’s not just sales tax that buyers are avoiding. Some states also impose luxury taxes or surcharges on high-value vehicles. Montana does not impose these additional fees on vehicle purchases, according to the Montana Department of Revenue and Montana Code Annotated §61-3-321.
When you register through a Montana LLC:
- You pay no sales tax
- You avoid emissions or smog checks
- You may be eligible for permanent registration in many cases
Getting a Supercar Discount No One Talks About
Most dealerships won’t tell you this, but you don’t have to register your exotic car in your home state. By forming a Montana LLC and titling the vehicle to that entity, you gain asset protection and tax advantages, according to the Montana Secretary of State.
You’re not changing your residency, hiding anything, or doing something deceptive—you’re just choosing where your LLC is formed. That’s a supercar discount no one talks about, because it’s built directly into Montana’s tax structure and business registration laws.
How It Works: The 5-Step Registration Walkthrough
- Set up a Montana LLC
You don’t need to live in Montana. The LLC becomes the owner of the vehicle, according to the Montana Secretary of State. - Buy your vehicle or transfer the title
The vehicle is purchased or retitled in the name of the LLC. - Submit the required documents
This includes a bill of sale, your ID, vehicle title, and LLC formation documents. - We register your vehicle in Montana
Ride Legal handles all paperwork and communication with the Montana MVD on your behalf. - Receive your Montana tags and title
Plates and documents are delivered by tracked mail to your preferred address—no DMV trips required, according to Ride Legal’s internal fulfillment policy.
Real-World Examples of Montana Registration Savings
Imagine buying a supercar and instantly keeping tens of thousands in your pocket—just by choosing where to register it. That’s the Montana advantage.
| Vehicle | Purchase Price | Home State Tax Rate | Home State Tax Owed | Montana Sales Tax | Total Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamborghini Huracán (California) | $320,000 | 8.25% | $26,400 | $0 | $26,400 |
| Ferrari 812 Superfast (Florida) | $450,000 | 6.00% | $27,000 | $0 | $27,000 |
| McLaren Artura (Illinois) | $300,000 | 7.25% | $21,750 | $0 | $21,750 |
| Rolls-Royce Ghost (California) | $350,000 | 8.00% | $28,000 | $0 | $28,000 |
Each of these vehicles would owe zero sales tax in Montana because the state does not charge tax on vehicle purchases, according to the Montana Department of Revenue.
Why Ride Legal?
Ride Legal is not a volume-based platform. It’s a concierge partner built for supercar owners, collectors, and RV enthusiasts who want things done right the first time.
You’ll never deal with a chatbot, upload portal, or generic intake process. Instead, you’ll be paired with a real expert who handles:
- LLC creation
- Secure document handling
- MVD paperwork
- Vehicle registration strategy
Most clients receive their Montana registration and license plates within 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the vehicle and paperwork.
Ride Legal provides high-touch service, total privacy, and compliance from start to finish.
→ Get Started today and let Ride Legal take care of your Montana registration from start to finish.
