Hank Peters, the Treasurer, Assessor, and Superintendent of Schools, oversees three county departments:

• Motor Vehicle
• Property Tax
• Superintendent of Schools

The Motor Vehicle Department is responsible for the collection of approximately $24.5 million in licensing title fees and assessment of all vehicles, which require titles under state law. In 2024, 43,983 title and registrations were issued through the department and 100,654 registration renewals were processed. The department has three locations: the main location in the courthouse (open 7:00 am to 5:45 pm), the Laurel City Hall satellite office (open 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm), and the MetraPark satellite office (open 6:30 am to 3:00 pm). Each office is open Monday through Friday, except holidays.

The Property Tax Department is responsible for the collection of approximately $345 million in real and personal property taxes. Approximately 75,000 real estate; 5,900 mobile home; and 1,050 personal property tax bills are processed each year. In addition, this department records miscellaneous revenues from county departments, school districts and other special taxing districts of Yellowstone County. The Department also issues real property tax assignment certificates and tax deeds for those properties.

The Superintendent of Schools Department serves the public by providing general information on the K-12 schools in Yellowstone County. The office registers the licenses of school district professional staff and houses numerous official school records. The superintendent’s office also oversees the county’s private and home schools.

NOTICE

Administration & Fees

The office of the Treasurer receives and disburses all monies, as dictated by state law, and records these transactions. The Treasurer, an elected official, reports to the Montana State Department of Revenue on administrative matters while the County Commissioners have budgetary authority.

The office is divided into two groups. One deals with motor vehicle matters, including registrations, title transfers and applications, and the issuance of temporary stickers and permits. The other serves as the general office for activities including receipts from taxes, fees and intergovernmental transfers. It also processes disbursements, invests funds, maintains bank accounts, seizes tax delinquent property, handles tax protests, and issues moving permits for mobile homes.

There is a 2% penalty and 5/6 of 1% of interest accumulated monthly if taxes are paid delinquent. This applies to real property, personals, mobile, and farm and ranch.