Montana ePART and eTRIPS: MDT’s Carrier Systems

Quick Answer

Montana motor-carrier business runs through MDT Motor Carrier Services in Helena on two systems: ePART for IRP registration and IFTA (accounts for Montana-based carriers with an established account), and the newer eTRIPS for permits — oversize/overweight, GVW fee permits, winter weights. Proof of Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is required at 55,000 pounds or more: an IRS-watermarked e-file copy, a manually stamped copy, or an unstamped 2290 with the payment receipt or cancelled check — and for IRP vehicle adds, the 2290 must be in the name of the owner of the vehicle. Intrastate trucks register at county treasurer offices.

Montana is one of the few states where the Department of Transportation — not a DMV — runs apportioned registration, and since March 2025 the Helena Motor Carrier Services office even titles the power units and trailers headed for IRP. The systems recently reorganized: permits moved out of ePART into the new eTRIPS application, and payments moved to a new processor in late 2025, so guides written even a year ago point at the wrong screens.

Two systems, one office

ePART (electronic Permitting, Auditing, Registration, and Tax System) handles IRP registration, renewals and supplements plus IFTA licensing and quarterly returns — online accounts are for Montana-based companies with an established account. eTRIPS is the permits side: oversize/overweight single-trip and term permits, GVW fee permits, custom combine and winter weight permits, with self-issue available for some types.

Behind both sits Motor Carrier Services at 2701 Prospect Avenue, Helena — main line 406-444-6130, IRP technicians 406-444-2998, ePART support 406-444-7638, and renewals or supplements accepted by email at mdtmcsirpcontact@mt.gov. Plan real time for a walk-in new account: MDT itself says to allow an hour and a half to two hours, and incomplete forms are returned, not corrected.

The 2290 rules Montana publishes

MDT keeps a dedicated HVUT page, and its rules are concrete: proof that Form 2290 has been filed is required before a vehicle is registered, and MCS asks for the 2290 when issuing a GVW Fee Permit at 55,000 pounds or greater. The check happens at the county at licensing time, or in MCS when registering under the IRP.

Accepted formats: a 2290 carrying the IRS watermark; a manually stamped copy if it was not e-filed; or, without either, a copy of the 2290 along with the payment receipt or cancelled check. One rule that catches leased operators: when adding power units of 55,000 pounds or more to an IRP fleet, the receipted 2290 must be in the name of the owner of the vehicle.

Recent system changes worth knowing: permits split off ePART into eTRIPS, and payments moved to the PayZang processor effective October 1, 2025. Third-party guides citing "ePART for permits" are already outdated — MDT’s own pages are the reference.

Registration structure and renewals

Intrastate heavy trucks register through county treasurer motor vehicle offices on an intrastate license application, with titling under the Department of Justice MVD — except IRP-bound units, which Helena MCS now titles directly (title numbers due to MCS within 90 days of purchase). Out-of-state carriers working in Montana longer than 72 hours can obtain Registration Purposes Only (RPO) plates through the county where they work.

Montana IRP runs on a staggered twelve-month license year that does not usually equal the calendar year. Distance reporting covers the July-through-June year, and MDT warns that rounded figures — actual or estimated — will not be accepted. Residency proof is re-checked at least every three years, and third-party providers need a fresh power of attorney each year.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ePART and eTRIPS?⌄
ePART is MDT’s system for IRP registration and IFTA licensing and returns; eTRIPS is the newer permits application for oversize/overweight, GVW fee permits, term permits, and winter weights. Permits used to live in ePART — they moved, so old bookmarks and guides point to the wrong system.
What 2290 proof does Montana accept?⌄
An IRS-watermarked e-filed copy, a manually stamped copy if paper-filed, or an unstamped 2290 accompanied by the payment receipt or a copy of the cancelled check. For IRP vehicle adds at 55,000 pounds or more, the 2290 must be in the name of the vehicle’s owner.
Where do intrastate Montana trucks register?⌄
At county treasurer motor vehicle offices, on an intrastate license application with GVW fees per MDT’s schedules — the 2290 check for heavy trucks happens right at the county counter. IRP fleets deal with MCS in Helena instead.
When does my Montana IRP registration expire?⌄
On your fleet’s own staggered twelve-month cycle — Montana’s license year does not usually match the calendar year. Renewal notices arrive electronically when your account has email notification on, and the distance reporting period is always the preceding July 1 – June 30.

Related guides

More in State Motor-Carrier Portals & IRP Offices

Official sources

Agency rules, fees and contacts can change — confirm current requirements with the agency before acting. This guide is general information for truckers, not tax or legal advice.

Need your stamped Schedule 1 for the paperwork above?

E-file Form 2290 with Send 2290 and download the IRS-watermarked Schedule 1 — typically within minutes of IRS acceptance.

E-File Form 2290