House Bill No. 165 revises the vehicle transfer and registration requirements in Montana, particularly focusing on simplifying the process for both residents and nonresidents. The bill allows for vehicle transfers to occur with an affidavit instead of requiring notarization, streamlining the process for obtaining a certificate of title when the original title is unavailable. Applicants must submit a sworn affidavit detailing the vehicle's acquisition and any known liens, while the Motor Vehicle Division of the Department of Justice is prohibited from requiring notarization for these affidavits. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for delayed issuance of titles without incurring a fee and modifies application requirements to include affidavits in lieu of notarized documents under certain circumstances.

The bill also addresses vehicle registration for nonresidents with an interest in real property in Montana, allowing them to register vehicles in the county where the property is located. It permits Montana residents who co-own a vehicle with nonresidents to register the vehicle if they are the principal operator. Furthermore, a 90-day temporary registration permit is introduced for new owners unable to surrender a previous title due to uncontrollable circumstances. The amendments enhance the registration process by updating the Department of Justice's rulemaking authority and deleting specific sections related to fees, ultimately making vehicle registration and transfer more accessible for all individuals involved.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 61-3-208, 61-3-216, 61-3-218, 61-3-220, 61-3-303, 61-14-101
HB0165_1(1): 61-3-208, 61-3-216, 61-3-218, 61-3-220, 61-3-303, 61-14-101
HB0165_1(2): 61-3-208, 61-3-216, 61-3-218, 61-3-220, 61-3-303, 61-14-101
HB0165_1(3): 61-3-208, 61-3-216, 61-3-218, 61-3-220, 61-3-303, 61-14-101
HB0165_1(4): 61-3-208, 61-3-216, 61-3-218, 61-3-220, 61-3-303, 61-14-101
HB0165_1(5): 61-3-208, 61-3-216, 61-3-218, 61-3-220, 61-3-303, 61-14-101
HB0165_1(6): 61-3-208, 61-3-216, 61-3-218, 61-3-220, 61-3-303, 61-14-101
HB0165_1(7): 61-3-208, 61-3-216, 61-3-218, 61-3-220, 61-3-303, 61-14-101
HB0165_1(8): 61-3-208, 61-3-216, 61-3-218, 61-3-220, 61-3-303, 61-14-101
HB0165_1: 61-3-208, 61-3-216, 61-3-218, 61-3-220, 61-3-303, 61-14-101
HB0165_X(1): 61-3-208, 61-3-216, 61-3-218, 61-3-220, 61-3-303, 61-14-101
HB0165_X(2): 61-3-208, 61-3-216, 61-3-218, 61-3-220, 61-3-303, 61-14-101
HB0165_X(3): 61-3-208, 61-3-216, 61-3-218, 61-3-220, 61-3-303, 61-14-101
HB0165_X(4): 61-3-208, 61-3-216, 61-3-218, 61-3-220, 61-3-303, 61-14-101
HB0165_X(5): 61-3-208, 61-3-216, 61-3-218, 61-3-220, 61-3-303, 61-14-101
HB0165_X: 61-3-208, 61-3-216, 61-3-218, 61-3-220, 61-3-303, 61-14-101