Selling or buying a vehicle in Montana? Montana has no state sales tax on vehicle purchases — but the seller’s signature on the title must be notarized effective October 1, 2025.
This free template is formatted for Montana’s requirements and works alongside the Certificate of Title at your county treasurer’s office.
Click Get This Template below to open it in Google Docs, then click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive.
For templates for all 50 states, visit the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Templates →
On this page:
- What Is a Montana Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
- Is a Bill of Sale Required in Montana?
- Montana-Specific Requirements
- Free Montana Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
- How to Fill Out the Template
- How to Transfer a Car Title in Montana
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Montana Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A Montana motor vehicle bill of sale is a written record of a private vehicle sale.
Montana’s official form is Form MV24 (Bill of Sale). The bill of sale is required for all private party sales and must include the date of sale, purchase price, seller and buyer names, vehicle identification information, and odometer reading. Montana titles the vehicle and registers it simultaneously — you cannot title without also registering.
Is a Bill of Sale Required in Montana?
Yes. Form MV24 (Bill of Sale) is required for all private party vehicle sales in Montana. It must be submitted alongside the signed and notarized Certificate of Title when the buyer applies for title and registration at the county treasurer’s office.
Montana-Specific Requirements
1. 40-Day Deadline
The buyer has 40 days from the date of sale to transfer ownership and register the vehicle at the county treasurer’s office. A late fee of $10 applies after 40 days. Late fees escalate significantly after 60 days — up to $180 for delays beyond 360 days.
2. ⚠️ Notarized Title Signature Required (Effective October 1, 2025)
As of October 1, 2025, Montana law requires the transferor’s (seller’s) signature on the Certificate of Title to be acknowledged before a county treasurer, deputy county treasurer, an authorized agent, or a notary public when the transfer occurs between individuals.
Do not pre-sign the title — bring the unsigned title to the notary and sign in their presence. Exception: notarization is not required for companies signing off a Montana title.
3. No State Sales Tax
Montana is one of only five states with no state sales tax on vehicle purchases. However, some counties may impose their own local option taxes — check with your county treasurer’s office for any applicable local taxes.
4. Where to Complete the Transfer
Title transfers are handled at the Motor Vehicle Office of the County Treasurer in the buyer’s county of residence. Montana has 56 counties — some require appointments for title work. Contact your county treasurer’s office before visiting.
5. License Plates Stay with the Seller
Montana license plates stay with the seller — not the vehicle. Remove your plates before handing over the vehicle. Plates may only be transferred to another vehicle registered in the seller’s name. The buyer will receive new plates at the county treasurer’s office when they register.
6. Title and Registration Are Simultaneous
Montana law requires vehicles to be titled and registered at the same time. You cannot title a vehicle without also registering it. Registration fees in Montana are based on the age of the vehicle rather than its value.
7. Buyers Must Have Same Names as Bill of Sale
When the buyer completes Form MV1 (Application for Certificate of Title), it must show the same buyers listed on the Bill of Sale. Any discrepancy in names will cause the application to be rejected.
Free Montana Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
This template opens in Google Docs. Click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive, fill it out digitally, or print and complete by hand.
How to Fill Out the Template
Enter the seller’s name exactly as it appears on the Certificate of Title. Enter the buyer’s name exactly as they want it on the new title — the names on this bill of sale must match those on Form MV1.
In Section 3, copy the VIN character by character from the dashboard plate and the title. Enter the full agreed purchase price in Section 4.
Both parties sign Section 11 and Section 13 (Notary Acknowledgment) in the presence of a notary. The seller also signs the title before a notary. Do not pre-sign either document.
For a complete field-by-field walkthrough of every section, see: How to Fill Out a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale →
How to Transfer a Car Title in Montana
For the Seller
Sign the Certificate of Title before a notary public (effective October 1, 2025). Remove your license plates before handing over the vehicle. Retain a copy of this bill of sale permanently.
For the Buyer
Within 40 days of purchase, visit the county treasurer’s office in your county of residence with the notarized title, this bill of sale (Form MV24 or equivalent), completed Form MV1 (Application for Certificate of Title), valid Montana ID, proof of insurance, and payment for title and registration fees. Contact your county treasurer’s office in advance — some require appointments.
Lost Title
Complete Form MV7 (Application for Replacement Certificate of Title) and submit it with a $10.30 fee to your county treasurer’s office or by mail to the Montana Vehicle Services Bureau before the sale proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, effective October 1, 2025. Montana law now requires the seller’s signature on the Certificate of Title to be acknowledged before a county treasurer, deputy county treasurer, authorized agent, or notary public when a transfer occurs between individuals. This requirement does not apply to companies signing off a Montana title.
No. Montana is one of only five states with no state sales tax on vehicle purchases. However, some counties may impose their own local option taxes — check with your county treasurer’s office for any applicable local taxes before completing your transaction.
40 days from the date of sale. A $10 late fee applies after 40 days. Late fees escalate significantly after 60 days — up to $180 for delays beyond 360 days. The transfer must be completed at the county treasurer’s office in the buyer’s county of residence.
Montana plates stay with the seller — not the vehicle. Remove your plates before handing over the vehicle. Plates may only be transferred to another vehicle registered in the seller’s name. The buyer will receive new plates when they register at the county treasurer’s office.
No. Montana law requires vehicles to be titled and registered simultaneously. You cannot title a vehicle without also registering it. Both must be completed at the county treasurer’s office within 40 days of the sale.
Yes. Montana’s official form is MV24, but any bill of sale that includes the date of sale, purchase price, seller and buyer names, vehicle identification information (VIN), and odometer reading is acceptable. The buyer and seller names on the bill of sale must match the names on Form MV1.
This template and all information on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Requirements vary by county. Contact your county treasurer’s office or the Montana MVD at doj.mt.gov/driving/mvd to confirm current requirements before completing your transaction.