A New Era for Motor Vehicle Services in Flathead County
Big changes are coming to the way Flathead County residents handle vehicle titling and registration, and we couldn’t be more excited! The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), in partnership with the Flathead County Treasurer’s Office, is rolling out the final phase of the Credentialing and Registration System (CARS), a cutting-edge upgrade designed to make vehicle services faster, more efficient, and more accessible to our community.
Gone are the days of long wait times, paperwork delays, and cumbersome processes. The new CARS system modernizes the way we do business, offering more online services, electronic payment options, and improved turnaround times. Not only will this system benefit the average car owner, but it will also streamline operations for law enforcement, car dealerships, insurance companies, and county offices, ensuring a smoother experience for everyone involved.
Flathead County Treasurer Adele Krantz, who oversees the Motor Vehicle Division, is eager to see these improvements take effect. “We’re excited to bring the expanded services of the CARS program to Flathead County,” Krantz said. “This system will streamline titling and registration, making the process faster, more efficient, and more accessible for our community.”
Flathead County has been preparing for this transition for months. New equipment arrived in November, and staff members have been diligently training to ensure seamless implementation. Once the system goes live on March 17, residents can expect an improved experience when obtaining titles, renewing registrations, and handling other vehicle-related services.
To make this upgrade possible, MVD exam stations (including the service desk at MVD Headquarters) will be closed from Thursday, March 13, through Sunday, March 16. During this time, Flathead County will not process vehicle transactions. While temporary closures are always an inconvenience, the long-term benefits far outweigh the short wait.
The CARS system isn’t just about improving efficiency, it’s about modernizing services to meet the needs of a growing and evolving community. Built in partnership with FAST Enterprises, which has successfully launched similar programs in 18 other states, this upgrade follows years of careful planning and development. In fact, Montanans have already seen the benefits of CARS in action: previous phases introduced an online appointment scheduling system and enhanced driver licensing services, making those processes easier and more convenient for residents.
This final phase is the most ambitious yet, and it’s set to transform the way Flathead County residents interact with motor vehicle services. No more unnecessary trips to the office—many transactions will now be available online. Shorter wait times and improved accuracy will help cut down on frustration. And with better tools for staff, residents will experience faster and more reliable service.
As we approach the launch of this exciting new system, we encourage residents to stay informed about office hours and service availability by visiting flathead.mt.gov. For updates on MVD exam station hours, visit mvdmt.gov.
Change can be challenging, but in this case, it’s a leap forward for Flathead County. We’re not just upgrading a system, we’re improving the way our community stays on the move. Welcome to a new era of motor vehicle services in Montana!