Montana’s former Title Loan Act was repealed in 2013. Montana’s official Mortgage and Consumer Finance division directs consumers to the current Consumer Loan Act instead. Do not rely on ads using the phrase “title loan” as proof that a separate title-loan license or historical rate rule still applies.
Last reviewed: August 13, 2026. General consumer information, not legal advice.
Are title loans legal in Montana?
The Montana Title Loan Act was repealed by HB 118 during the 2013 legislative session. Consumer lending is now governed through the Montana Consumer Loan Act and other applicable law. A person making consumer loans may not charge compensation except as authorized by that chapter, and the Department of Administration’s Banking and Financial Institutions Division may investigate licensees and suspected violations.
Sources: Montana Mortgage and Consumer Finance, MCA §32-5-103, and MCA §32-5-402.
Montana borrower checks
| Topic | Current Montana check |
|---|---|
| Former Title Loan Act | Montana’s official regulator says the Title Loan Act was repealed in 2013. |
| Applicable framework | Confirm the lender’s authority and the law governing the proposed consumer loan; labels alone do not determine it. |
| Compensation | Consumer-loan compensation must be authorized by the Consumer Loan Act. MCA §32-5-103. |
| Written terms | A licensee cannot take a note or promise that omits loan amount, payment schedule, agreed interest, or fees. MCA §32-5-305. |
| No blanks | A licensee cannot take an instrument with blanks left to be filled after the loan is made. MCA §32-5-305. |
| No confession of judgment | A licensee may not take a confession of judgment or power of attorney to confess judgment, subject to the statute’s stated exception. MCA §32-5-305. |
| Payment receipt | A licensee must provide a plain, dated, complete receipt for each cash payment. MCA §32-5-304. |
| After payoff | Within 10 days after repayment, a licensee must memorialize satisfaction, release security, and return or cancel specified instruments. MCA §32-5-304. |
| Complaints | The department can investigate licensees and persons suspected of violating the chapter. MCA §32-5-402. |
Before signing
Ask for the lender’s legal name, license information, APR, total finance charge, payment schedule, lien/security documents, payoff amount, and default terms. Do not sign a note with missing fields. Keep a copy of every signed document and receipt.
Default and vehicle security
Vehicle-secured credit can put transportation at risk even though Montana no longer has a separate Title Loan Act. If a default notice arrives, request a written payoff and accounting, keep all notices and payment records, and obtain legal advice promptly for a time-sensitive dispute.
Alternatives and help
- 211 can help locate local food, housing, utility, and transportation support.
- Ask a bank or credit union about a personal loan, hardship option, or payment plan.
- Contact Montana’s Banking and Financial Institutions Division about licensing or consumer-loan concerns.
- Use the CFPB for covered consumer-financial complaints.
Cities we serve in Montana
Local pages remain subject to lender-relationship and quality review. This statewide hub is the current-law reference until individual destinations are validated.
Frequently asked questions
Does Montana still have a Title Loan Act?
No. Montana’s official regulator says it was repealed in 2013.
Can a loan document leave terms blank?
No. A Montana consumer-loan licensee cannot take an instrument with blanks left to be filled after the loan is made.
What must happen after a loan is paid?
A licensee must release security and memorialize satisfaction within 10 days, as provided in MCA §32-5-304.
Who can investigate consumer-loan violations?
Montana’s department may investigate licensees and suspected violations under MCA §32-5-402.
