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Motor Vehicle Refunds

The Missoula County Board of County Commissioners has limited authority to authorize refunds or to waive certain taxes, penalty and interest, fees and costs that have been paid to the Missoula County Treasurer's Office. Review our refund policy by clicking here.

Under certain circumstances, Missoula County will authorize a refund of fees and taxes paid for a motor vehicle transaction.

Examples of requests that may be approved:

  • The vehicle was renewed in error after it had been sold or totaled. The sale or accident must have occurred on or before the registration expiration. You must submit your request within 30 days after the date it was renewed.
  • The vehicle was totaled after registration. Missoula County has the authority to issue a prorated refund only of the Missoula County Local Option Tax.

Examples of requests that will not be approved:

  • You intend to skip registration for a year but register prior to the end of the renewal period.
  • Motor vehicle falls under the Montana lemon law statute, MCA 61-4-503.

If you paid to use a credit/debit card or electronic check, the processing fee will not be refunded.

Submit a request for a refund

Refund requests falling under the Montana "lemon law" statute (MCA 61-4-503) will not be considered. Please contact the manufacturer or dealership to request a refund of registration expenses.

Missoula County Treasurer's Office may refund the prorated county local option tax. If a vehicle is operated at any time during a calendar month, the registration for the entire month is considered used and must be paid in full. A permanent registration is considered the equivalent of a 24-month registration. For additional information on prorated county local option tax refunds, please visit our refund policy by clicking here.

 

Missoula County does not have the authority to prorate or refund the following fees:

  • State Title Fees
  • State Vehicle Registration Fees
  • Montana Highway Patrol Salary & Retention Fees
  • State Park Fees
  • Brain Injury Donation
  • Opt-in Donation Fees
  • Motor Vehicle Department Administration Fees
  • Specialized Plate Donation Fees
  • Plate Production Fees
  • Personalized Plate Fees
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