Cab and chassis units carry high price tags and complex titling rules. Montana charges zero sales tax and processes both incomplete and completed vehicle registrations. Street Legal Hookup provides LLC formation and filing support, 100% remote.
Quick Answer
A cab and chassis is an incomplete commercial vehicle. The cab, engine, frame, and drivetrain are complete, while the rear body is added by a secondary manufacturer (an upfitter). Montana processes both incomplete and completed vehicle titles, and Street Legal Hookup provides the full LLC formation and filing support remotely with zero sales tax.
Cab and chassis vehicles are sold by the primary manufacturer as an incomplete vehicle. A second manufacturer (the upfitter) adds the body and issues a completed vehicle statement. Montana processes both stages.
If your vehicle is at the incomplete stage, Street Legal Hookup works with the IVD (Incomplete Vehicle Document) and the original MCO from the chassis manufacturer. Once a body is added, the upfitter provides a completed vehicle certification included in the Montana title application. Both paths are straightforward through a Montana LLC.
Questions about where your vehicle falls in this process? Contact us with your VIN and we will confirm what documentation applies to your situation.
Montana has no sales tax on vehicle purchases. For a $60,000 cab-chassis unit in a 9% sales-tax state, that is $5,400 saved before the body is even added. Montana also has no emissions testing requirement for most vehicle types, and registration fees are based on GVWR rather than purchase price.
For additional commercial vehicle options, see our heavy truck registration assistance and mini truck registration assistance pages.