Updated September 2026. In Montana, a buyer generally has 40 days from the sale date to transfer ownership. The buyer titles and registers the vehicle through the County Treasurer’s office in the county of residence. Waiting longer can trigger a late fee.
Montana title transfer checklist
- Original vehicle title
- Seller’s proper assignment and signatures on the title
- Buyer’s valid identification
- Lien or security-interest release, if shown on the title
- Supporting bill of sale when applicable
- Title and registration fees
- Any additional county-requested documents
A bill of sale does not replace a properly assigned Montana title. Montana’s 2026 Title Manual states that all registered owners must sign off on the title itself.
How to transfer a Montana vehicle title
- Check the title. Confirm the VIN, owner names and lien information before money changes hands.
- Complete the seller assignment. Every required registered owner should sign where instructed. Do not erase or alter entries.
- Get the lien release. If a security interest appears, obtain acceptable release documentation from the lienholder.
- Prepare buyer documents. Bring valid identification and any bill of sale or supporting forms required for the transaction.
- Visit the County Treasurer. Apply for title and registration in the buyer’s county of residence.
- Pay the fees. Title, registration, plate and other charges depend on the vehicle and transaction.
40-day deadline and late fee
The Montana Motor Vehicle Division says a buyer has 40 days from the sale date to transfer ownership. Its buyer/seller guidance lists a $10 late fee when the buyer waits beyond 40 days. Apply early so missing signatures or lien documents can be corrected before the deadline.
Montana title fees
The current MV1 application lists a title fee of $12.36 for light vehicles, trucks and buses weighing less than one ton and $10.30 for other vehicles. Registration, plate, security-interest and other charges may also apply. Use the official fee estimator or ask the County Treasurer for the complete total.
Correction: Montana has no general state sales tax. The previous version of this guide incorrectly described a 4% vehicle sales tax. Buyers can still owe title, registration, plate, local-option or transaction-specific charges, so verify the final amount with the county.
Buying from a private seller
The seller must be the titled owner and provide the most current title, properly signed by every required owner. If a lien appears, the buyer should receive the lien release. Review the VIN on the vehicle and title, keep a copy of transaction records, and do not accept an altered title.
Selling a vehicle
Montana MVD says a vehicle generally must be titled and registered to the seller before it can be sold. Private sales are not reported to the state until the buyer titles and registers the vehicle, so sellers should keep dated transaction records and follow MVD’s seller checklist.
Lost or replacement title
The owner of record can request a replacement using MVD Online Services or the Certificate of Title Replacement Application (MV7). Montana currently lists a $10.30 replacement-title fee. MVD advises that a mailed replacement can take up to four weeks. Obtain the replacement before attempting a normal sale when the original title is lost, destroyed or altered.
Vehicle with a lien
A lien shown on the record requires acceptable release documentation. Montana accepts its lien-release form, a generic release, or a signed lienholder letter containing the required vehicle and lien information. Releasing the security interest does not automatically create a new clear title; the owner may need to request a replacement title.
New Montana residents and out-of-state titles
New residents generally title and register vehicles within 60 days of establishing residency. If an out-of-state secured party holds the title, ask the County Treasurer for a Request for Foreign Title Transfer (MV63). The secured party sends the out-of-state title to the county, where the owner completes Montana title and registration.
Gifted or inherited vehicles
Gift and estate transfers can require additional forms or proof of authority. Requirements depend on how ownership passes and whether probate or a personal representative is involved. Contact the County Treasurer or Montana MVD before signing the title so the correct names and documents are used.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting beyond the 40-day buyer deadline
- Accepting a bill of sale without a transferable title
- Missing a registered owner’s signature
- Ignoring a lien shown on the title
- Writing over, erasing or altering title information
- Using outdated fee amounts
- Mailing original documents without keeping copies
Frequently asked questions
Can a bill of sale transfer ownership by itself?
No. Montana’s Title Manual says a bill of sale cannot be used to transfer a Montana resident’s ownership interest in place of the title.
Where does the buyer apply?
At the County Treasurer’s office in the buyer’s county of residence. Titling and registration occur together.
How long does the buyer have?
Generally 40 days from the sale date. A late fee can apply after that deadline.
Does Montana charge vehicle sales tax?
Montana has no general state sales tax. Title, registration, plate, local-option and other applicable fees can still be due.
Can I replace a missing Montana title online?
MVD says replacement-title applications are available through MVD Online Services, with a mail-in MV7 option also available.
