visitor.us helps people register a vehicle in Montana for use while they're in the United States — without needing to be a standard resident of a U.S. state, and without you or your vehicle ever having to travel to Montana.
People we commonly help
International visitors from Canada, Mexico, Europe, and beyond — whether you're here for a road trip, a longer stay, or to buy a vehicle to ship home later.
Visitors on any visa type, or on an ESTA visa waiver. Visas are issued by the U.S. federal government, while vehicle registration is handled by state governments — so for nearly every state, your visa status and your ability to register a vehicle are separate matters. (More detail: Visa requirements for purchasing and registering a vehicle.)
U.S. citizens living abroad who want to own a vehicle for visits home.
People who keep a vehicle outside their home state or country — for example, a vehicle kept in Baja, Mexico, or used for travel along the Pan-American Highway.
Students and long-term travelers who need a vehicle while they're here.
People whose vehicle is currently registered somewhere else and who want to move it to a Montana registration.
If you're not sure whether your situation fits, email us at [email protected] — we're happy to take a look before you commit to anything.
If you live in a U.S. state
If you reside in a U.S. state, you're generally required to register a vehicle you keep in that state, unless you qualify for an exemption (being a full-time student is one common example). Vehicles kept outside your state of residence — for instance, if you live in the U.S. but keep your vehicle in Baja, Mexico — generally fall outside your home state's registration requirements. If you're a U.S. resident, we'll remind you of this when you sign up.
Can I legally drive the vehicle on my foreign license?
In most cases, yes. Most U.S. states allow you to drive on a valid driver's license issued by your own country, provided the license is in English or is accompanied by an English translation (such as an International Driving Permit). Driving rules are set state by state, so if you'll be spending significant time in one place, it's worth confirming that state's specific rules.
Registering your vehicle and holding a driver's license are two separate things: visitor.us handles your vehicle's registration, while your license to drive comes from your own country (or a U.S. state, if you have one).
What about insurance?
Insurance is available to international owners, and it's one of the most common things travelers look into before buying. visitor.us is not an insurance agent, so we can't quote or arrange coverage — but our Insurance FAQ walks through how it typically works for international owners, including the insurers that have worked for others and how the "garaging address" fits in. It's worth reading before you buy. (Note: proof of insurance isn't required to register in Montana, but insurance is required to legally drive on public roads.)
Paying from outside the U.S.
You don't need a U.S. bank account or U.S. credit history to pay. visitor.us processes payments securely through Stripe and accepts credit and debit cards from anywhere in the world.
In short: if you're a visitor, an expat, a student, or anyone who wants to own a vehicle in the U.S. without being a standard state resident, visitor.us is built for you. Still unsure? Email [email protected] and we'll tell you honestly whether we can help.