First, what are you buying?
A used vehicle from a dealer
This works just like a purchase from a private seller. The dealer signs the vehicle's prior title over to you (made out in your name as it appears on your passport, with visitor.us' address as the buyer's address), and you send that original title to us to register the vehicle. Follow the normal registration flow in your dashboard — there's nothing special you need to do because the seller is a dealer rather than an individual.
A brand-new vehicle from a franchise dealer
New vehicles are different. Many manufacturers now require the dealership - not the buyer - to register a new vehicle on the buyer's behalf, so the dealer will usually handle the Montana registration for you rather than handing you the ownership document (the MCO/MSO). The good news is that dealers are generally able to register your new vehicle in Montana to visitor.us' address. The full walkthrough is here: Can my dealership register my new vehicle in Montana?
An auction or wholesale vehicle (e.g., Copart)
You can register an auction vehicle as long as you receive a clean, transferable title for it. Two things to watch: auction and wholesale titles can take longer to arrive (lien releases and paperwork often clear after the sale).
Salvage, bonded, or no-title vehicles CANNOT be registered through visitor.us.
Rebuilt title vehicles CAN be registered through visitor.us.
What to give the dealer
Whichever path applies, the dealer needs two things from you:
Your name exactly as it appears on your passport — this is the name that goes on the registration application and your Montana title.
visitor.us' address as the buyer's address:
544 E Main St, Suite B, Bozeman, MT 59715
A note on sales tax
Buying from a dealer in a state like California, Washington, or Arizona? Those states handle sales tax for out-of-state buyers differently, and it's worth understanding before you sign. See Do I have to pay sales tax when I buy from a U.S. dealer? and always confirm the dealer's out-of-state policy upfront.
What visitor.us does and doesn't do
We handle your vehicle's registration. We don't negotiate your purchase or contact the dealer on your behalf — that part is between you and them. What we can do is tell you exactly what we need and confirm the moment your title or paperwork reaches us. If your dealer has a question about how our process works, you're welcome to forward it to [email protected] and we'll reply in writing.
If your title is taking a while
Dealer title delays are common and usually procedural. If you're waiting, you can still get your temporary registration and drive in the meantime — see Why your dealer hasn't sent your vehicle title yet.
Not sure which path is yours? Email [email protected] with what you're buying and where, and we'll point you in the right direction.