Montana began automobile registration in 1913.  Auto owners could either supply their own plates to certain specifications, or order "official" plates from the Secretary of State for an extra fee.  From 1913 to 1916, these latter plates were not technically state-issued but they were sanctioned by the department.  Starting in 1917, state-issued plates were mandatory.  The map outline was first used in 1933, and most plates issued from 1938 to 1962 were lightly stamped "PRISON MADE".  The current issue of plates began in 2010.