Montana Horse / Livestock Bill of Sale Overview
Montana has one of the most comprehensive brand inspection programs in the nation, administered by the Montana Department of Livestock. Brand inspections are mandatory for all cattle, horses, and mules at change of ownership, prior to transport, and at slaughter. Montana Code Annotated Title 81 governs livestock brands, inspections, and theft prevention. The Department of Livestock has law enforcement authority and actively investigates livestock theft. Montana has no state sales tax.
0%
Sales tax
Yes
Brand inspection
Required
Health certificate
Required
Coggins test
Montana Livestock Transfer Requirements
Here's what you need to know for a smooth horse or livestock transaction in Montana:
Important: Montana Health Documentation
Montana requires a current negative Coggins test for all equine change of ownership. Ensure your Coggins test is within the required timeframe before completing the sale. For interstate transport, both a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and negative Coggins are required.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Bill of Sale: Complete bill of sale with animal description, sale price, and both parties' information
- Current Negative Coggins: EIA test within 12 months performed by an accredited veterinarian
- Registration Papers: Signed transfer section on breed registration certificate (if registered)
- Health Records: Vaccination history, deworming schedule, and veterinary records
- Disclosure of Known Issues: Any known health problems, lameness, vices, or behavioral issues
What the Buyer Should Obtain
- Signed Bill of Sale: Original copy with both signatures
- Coggins Test Certificate: Copy of the current negative Coggins report
- Registration Certificate: With signed transfer (if registered animal)
- Health Certificate: If transporting across state lines, CVI within 30 days
How to Fill Out a Montana Horse Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Montana horse or livestock bill of sale.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name, farm or ranch name (if applicable), Montana mailing address, phone number, and email. If the seller is a licensed dealer or breeder, include the license or business registration number.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name, farm or ranch name, Montana address, phone number, and email. The buyer's location determines which local tax rates apply to the transaction.
Describe the Animal
Provide a detailed description: species (horse, cattle, goat, etc.), breed, registered name and number (if applicable), sex, age or date of birth, color, height (in hands for horses), weight, and all identifying markings, brands, tattoos, or microchip numbers.
Document Health Status
Record the Coggins test date and result (for equines), health certificate number and date, vaccination history, and deworming schedule. Attach copies of all health documentation to the bill of sale.
State Sale Price and Terms
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Note the payment method and any installment terms. State whether the sale is as-is or includes warranties (soundness, breeding, vice-free, etc.). Disclose any known health issues or behavioral concerns.
Sign and Complete Documentation
Both buyer and seller sign and date the bill of sale. Print two copies. Transfer breed registration papers by signing the transfer section. Ensure Coggins and health certificates are current. Complete any required brand inspections before transport.
Montana Brand Inspection Requirements
Montana's brand inspection program is administered by the Montana Department of Livestock and is one of the oldest and most extensive in the country. Inspections are required for all cattle, horses, and mules at change of ownership, before leaving a county, at time of sale at a livestock market, and at slaughter. Montana brand registration is mandatory for livestock owners and is perpetual once recorded. The Department of Livestock employs over 40 brand inspectors statewide. Montana brand inspectors also have law enforcement authority.
Montana Health & Veterinary Requirements
Montana requires a negative Coggins test within 12 months for all equine change of ownership and for entry to events. Interstate imports require a CVI issued within 30 days and negative Coggins. Montana has specific cattle import requirements related to brucellosis due to the presence of the disease in the Greater Yellowstone Area wildlife population. Cattle from designated surveillance areas require additional testing. Montana is vigilant about livestock diseases that may interact with wildlife populations.
Montana Livestock Fees & Taxes
Here's a breakdown of the typical costs associated with a horse or livestock transaction in Montana:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Brand Inspection (cattle, per head) | $13 - $18 |
| Brand Inspection (horses, per head) | $13 - $18 |
| Coggins Test | $20 - $45 |
| Health Certificate (CVI) | $25 - $65 |
| Brand Registration | $100 (permanent recording) |
| State Sales Tax | None (no state sales tax) |
Sample Montana Horse Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Montana-specific horse bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required for Montana livestock transactions.
STATE OF MONTANA
HORSE / LIVESTOCK BILL OF SALE
Equine & Livestock Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Farm/Ranch: [Farm Name]
Address: [Montana Address]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Farm/Ranch: [Farm Name]
Address: [Montana Address]
ANIMAL DESCRIPTION
Species: [Species] Breed: [Breed]
Registered Name: [Name]
Reg. #: [Number] Sex: [Sex]
Coggins Date: [Date] Result: [Negative]
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Montana Horse / Livestock Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Montana horse and livestock bills of sale, health requirements, and transfer regulations.
Official Montana Resources
Use these official state resources to verify requirements, check import regulations, and access government information for your Montana livestock transaction.
Montana Department of Livestock
Livestock regulations and agricultural services
Montana State Veterinarian
Animal health, Coggins testing, and import requirements
USDA APHIS — Veterinary Services
Federal animal health regulations and accredited veterinarians
USDA — Interstate Livestock Movement
Federal requirements for transporting livestock across state lines
Other Montana Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Montana? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
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Create Your Montana Horse / Livestock Bill of Sale
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