Crypto ATM laws in Montana: a guide for operators (2026)
Montana doesn't license money transmitters at all, so there's no state license for a kiosk. A kiosk bill is expected in the 2027 session.
No kiosk-specific law · Last checked
Licensing in Montana
Montana does not license or regulate money transmitters at all, so no state money transmitter license exists for kiosk operators. The Division of Banking and Financial Institutions says money transmission is not defined in Montana law and operators should check NMLS and their own counsel for any other licenses (consumer loan, escrow, etc.). Federal FinCEN MSB registration still applies. Montana has not adopted the MTMA.
Regulator: Division of Banking and Financial Institutions (Dept. of Administration) does not regulate money transmitters; the State Auditor / Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) handles crypto fraud complaints · License: None (no money transmitter law)
Sources: Montana DBFI: Montana Does Not Regulate Money Transmitters · Montana DBFI home page
Kiosk-specific rules
Montana has no law written specifically for crypto ATMs as of 2026-10-28. The general money transmission rules above and the federal rules still apply.
Bills and changes to watch
- No kiosk bill can pass before the 2027 session: the Legislature meets only in odd-numbered years.
- The interim Blockchain & Digital Innovation Task Force heard crypto kiosk fraud presentations (AARP, DBFI Commissioner, CoinFlip, CSI) at its 2026-02-11 and 2026-06-01 meetings, and AARP circulated a 'Virtual Currency Kiosk Fraud Prevention Bill' draft (updated December 2025) for 2027.
- State Auditor James Brown has said kiosk enforcement authority will take legislation in the 2027 session.
Practical hurdles
- No state license is needed today, but the 2027 session is likely to take up a kiosk bill (task force and AARP draft), so rules could arrive quickly.
- CSI reported $3,423,908.39 in Montana crypto scam losses for 2025, which drives police and retailer warnings.
Sources: Montana Blockchain & Digital Innovation Task Force page (2026 meetings and handouts) · Task Force minutes, 2026-02-11 (crypto ATM scam presentation) · CSI, 2025-06-03: State Auditor sounds the alarm on Bitcoin ATM scams · CSI, 2025-11-04: Crypto ATM fraud prompting Montana regulatory push
What we couldn't confirm
- Exact contents of the AARP draft kiosk bill and any 2027 pre-filed bill (a 2027 Montana bill appears on FastDemocracy but was not opened).
- Any Montana city ordinances on kiosks (none found).
Run machines in Montana? Put them on Bitcoin Scouts
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