Montana Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
Montana stands out as one of only five states in the nation with no sales tax, making it a uniquely attractive state for vehicle purchases. A Montana vehicle bill of sale is required for all private party transactions and serves as the official record of the sale. The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) oversees titling and registration statewide, but all transactions are processed through local county treasurer offices.
While the absence of sales tax simplifies the financial side of buying a vehicle in Montana, the state has a strict 10-day transfer deadline — one of the shortest windows in the country. Buyers must act quickly after purchasing a vehicle to avoid penalties and ensure proper registration. Montana also requires notarization of the title assignment, so plan ahead to have a notary public available at the time of sale.
Registration fees in Montana are based on the age of the vehicle rather than its value. New vehicles start at $217 for the first year, with fees decreasing annually. County treasurers handle all title transfers and registration, and each of Montana's 56 counties may have slightly different local option taxes and processing procedures.
0%
No sales tax
10 Days
Transfer deadline
Yes
Notarization required
No
Emissions test
Montana MVD Requirements
Montana's vehicle transfer requirements are processed through county treasurer offices. Here's everything you need for a smooth transaction:
Important: Montana's Strict 10-Day Rule
Montana law requires the buyer to transfer the title within 10 calendar days of the purchase date. This is one of the shortest transfer windows in the country. The date on your bill of sale starts this clock, so visit your county treasurer's office promptly after purchasing the vehicle.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed and Notarized Title: The seller must sign the title on the designated line with a notary public witnessing the signature. The buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading must be filled in
- Bill of Sale: A completed bill of sale with all required fields (buyer/seller info, vehicle details, VIN, price, date, signatures)
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement — must state the mileage and accuracy on the title or a separate disclosure form
- Lien Release: If the vehicle had a loan, a lien release or satisfaction letter from the lender is required
What the Buyer Must Bring to the County Treasurer
- Notarized Title: With seller's notarized signature and all fields completed
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties
- Valid Photo ID: Montana driver's license or state-issued identification
- Proof of Insurance: Montana minimum liability coverage ($25,000/$50,000/$20,000)
- Payment: Title fee ($12), registration fee (based on vehicle age), and any applicable county option taxes
How to Fill Out a Montana Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Montana vehicle bill of sale. Our template guides you through each field to ensure compliance with Montana MVD requirements.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name as it appears on the Montana vehicle title, current mailing address, and phone number. If the title lists multiple owners, check whether the title reads "and" (both must sign) or "or" (either can sign). Montana titles require the seller's signature to be notarized.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name (exactly as it should appear on the new title), current Montana address, and phone number. The county where the buyer resides determines which county treasurer's office will process the title transfer and what local option fees apply.
Describe the Vehicle
Enter the year, make, model, body type, and exterior color. Record the full 17-character VIN from the dashboard or door jamb. Verify the VIN matches the title exactly — any discrepancy will delay the title transfer at the county treasurer's office. Include the current license plate number if applicable.
Record the Odometer Reading
Document the current odometer mileage at the time of sale and check whether the reading is accurate, has exceeded mechanical limits, or is not the actual mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA regulations. Vehicles 20 years old or older and those with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs may be exempt.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Although Montana has no sales tax, the sale price is still recorded for legal documentation and may be relevant if the buyer registers the vehicle in another state. If the vehicle is a gift, write "$0 — Gift."
Sign, Notarize, and Date
Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. The seller's signature on the title must be notarized — arrange for a notary public at the time of signing. Print two copies of the bill of sale — one for each party. Take all documents to the county treasurer within 10 days to complete the transfer.
Montana Title Transfer Process
After completing the bill of sale and having the title notarized, the buyer must visit their county treasurer's office to complete the transfer. Montana processes all title and registration transactions at the county level through the 56 county treasurer offices.
Complete the Sale with Notarization
Sign the bill of sale, have the title notarized, exchange payment and keys
Get Insurance
Obtain Montana minimum liability insurance before visiting the county treasurer
Visit Your County Treasurer's Office
Bring the notarized title, bill of sale, photo ID, and proof of insurance within 10 days
Pay Fees
Title fee ($12), registration (based on vehicle age), and county option taxes — no sales tax
Receive Your New Title and Plates
Montana issues a new title in the buyer's name and provides license plates or a plate transfer
Montana Vehicle Fees (No Sales Tax)
Montana is one of only five states with no sales tax on any purchases, including vehicles. However, there are still title, registration, and county fees to consider. Here's a breakdown:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | None (0%) |
| Title Transfer Fee | $12 |
| Registration Fee (1st year) | $217 (decreases with vehicle age) |
| County Option Tax | Varies by county |
| License Plates | $10.30 standard plates |
| Late Transfer Penalty | Penalty applies after 10 days |
| Duplicate Title | $12 |
Sample Montana Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Montana-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by Montana county treasurer offices and the MVD.
STATE OF MONTANA
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Montana Address]
County: [County]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Montana Address]
County: [County]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Montana Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Montana vehicle bills of sale, title transfers, and MVD requirements.
Official Montana Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify requirements, find your county treasurer, and access government forms for your Montana vehicle transaction.
Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD)
Title transfers, registration, and vehicle information
Montana Title & Registration Info
Forms, fees, and step-by-step transfer instructions
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
IRS — Vehicle Sale Tax Reporting
Federal tax implications of selling a vehicle
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.
Montana Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Montana Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Montana Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Montana Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Montana General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Montana ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Montana Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Montana Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Montana Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Montana-compliant document in minutes. No sales tax — accepted by all 56 Montana counties.
No account required. Free to create and preview.