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The bottom line: Montana has no emissions testing, no release of liability form, and as of October 2025, no notarization requirement for title signatures.
As the seller, you sign the title over to the buyer, complete Form MV24 (the state’s required bill of sale), and remove your license plates before they drive away. The buyer then has 40 days to register the car at their local County Treasurer’s office.
Key Takeaways
- Title notarization: Montana removed its notarization requirement as of October 2025. Just sign the title in blue or black ink, exactly as your name appears.
- Missing title: A replacement currently costs $10.30 (dropping to $5 on July 1, 2026 under MCA 61-3-204). Download Form MV7 and mail it with your ID to the Vehicle Services Bureau. Processing takes up to four weeks.
- Buyer deadline: The buyer has 40 days to register the car at their local County Treasurer’s office. A $10 late fee applies if they miss the deadline.
- License plates: They stay with you, not the car. Remove them before the buyer drives away.
- Release of liability: Montana has no required form. The signed title and completed MV24 bill of sale serve as your proof of sale.
- Bill of sale: Required for all private sales in Montana. Use the official Form MV24. No notarization is needed.
- No sales tax: Montana has no state sales tax, which often attracts buyers from neighboring states looking for a better deal.
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Step-by-Step Process for Montana
Step 1: Prepare Your Montana Paperwork
Documents you’ll need:
- Vehicle title – Must be in your name and clear of liens
- Valid Montana driver’s license – Names must match exactly
- Lien release documentation – If you still owe money on the car
If your title is missing:
You’ll need to get a replacement first. Download Form MV7 and submit it to the Vehicle Services Bureau with your ID and $10.30 (dropping to $5 on July 1, 2026). Processing takes up to four weeks, so apply early.
Learn more: How to Sell a Car Without a Title?
If you still owe money on the car:
Your lender needs to release the lien before you can transfer the title. In Montana, the lien holder can complete a Release of Security Interest or Lien (Form MV37A), or provide a release on their official letterhead with the vehicle details.
If you owe more than the car’s worth, you’ll need to pay the difference.
Learn more: How to Sell a Financed Car?
Name matching requirement:
Check your title carefully. The name on your driver’s license must match the name on the title exactly. If you got married or changed your name, bring documentation showing the name change.
Step 2: Prepare Your Car
Clean your car inside and out, gather maintenance records, and run a VIN check to get the best price and build buyer confidence.
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Step 3: Price Your Car
Learn more: Best Free Car Valuation Tools
Step 4: Advertise Your Car
Facebook Marketplace works best in Montana, especially in Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls where buyer activity is highest. Cars.com and Autotrader are good for reaching buyers statewide and from neighboring states.
Montana has no sales tax and no emissions testing, so older trucks and project vehicles often attract buyers from Idaho, Wyoming, and the Dakotas. Peddle or Wheelzy will buy your old or damaged car directly, and Carvana will give you competitive offers if you have a newer car.
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Step 5: Meet with Buyers Safely
Always meet at public places like bank parking lots during daylight hours.
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Step 6: Handle Payment and Negotiate
Cash for cars under $5,000, cashier’s check (verify at bank), or meet at the buyer’s bank for wire transfer.
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Step 7: Complete the Montana Title Transfer
Montana processes all vehicle transactions through County Treasurer offices. There’s no centralized DMV. The buyer registers the car at the County Treasurer’s office in their county of residence.
On the title, fill in the buyer’s full legal name and current address. Also include the sale date, the sale price, and the current odometer reading. Odometer disclosure is required for vehicles from model year 2011 or newer, under 16,000 pounds, and self-propelled. If your title doesn’t have space, use Form MV90A for the odometer statement.
Use blue or black ink only. White-out, cross-outs, or erasures void the title entirely. If you make a mistake, you’ll need to apply for a duplicate title using Form MV7 before you can complete the sale.
Montana removed its notarization requirement as of October 2, 2025, under House Bill 165. You no longer need a notary to sign the title over. If you have an older title that still has a notary section printed on it, you can leave that section blank.
If the title lists two owners with “AND” between names, all listed owners must sign. If it says “OR,” one owner is enough to complete the transfer.
The buyer has 40 days from the sale date to bring the signed title and Form MV24 to their local County Treasurer’s office. If they miss that deadline, a $10 late fee applies.
Step 8: Sign the Bill of Sale (Required)
Montana requires a bill of sale for all private vehicle sales. Use the official Form MV24. Both the buyer and seller sign the form.
The MV24 needs to include the VIN, the current odometer reading, the sale price and date, and both parties’ full contact information. No notarization is required for a standard private sale.
You can fill out Form MV24 on your computer and then print it, but it can’t be submitted electronically. Keep a signed copy for yourself after the sale.
Learn more: What is Bill of Sale for a Car? (Seller Guide + Templates)
Step 9: Handle Montana License Plates and Registration
Remove your license plates before the buyer drives away. In Montana, plates belong to you (the owner), not the car.
You can transfer your plates to another vehicle you own, or destroy them. The buyer gets new plates when they register the car at the County Treasurer’s office.
Don’t let the buyer use your plates even temporarily. If your plates are on the car when they get a ticket or are involved in an incident, you may be held responsible.
Learn more: How to Remove License Plates Safely?
Step 10: Submit the Release of Liability
Montana has no required release of liability form. The signed title and your completed Form MV24 already serve as your proof of sale.
Keep a copy of both documents for your records. This creates a paper trail showing you’re no longer responsible for the vehicle.
Step 11: Cancel Insurance
Cancel your insurance only after the title transfer is complete.
Learn more: When to Cancel Car Insurance After Selling a Car?
Montana DMV Resources
State Resources:
Phone Support:
- Vehicle Services Bureau: (406) 444-3661
- Email: mvdtitleinfo@mt.gov
Montana Fees and Costs
| What You Pay? | Cost | When? |
|---|---|---|
| Duplicate title (Form MV7) | $10.30 (drops to $5 on July 1, 2026) | If original is lost or damaged |
| Lien payoff (if applicable) | Loan balance | Before sale |
| Everything else | $0 | Buyer pays |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the buyer have to transfer the title after we complete the sale?
The buyer has 40 days from the sale date to register the car at their local County Treasurer’s office. Montana law requires titling and registration to happen at the same time.
If they miss the 40-day window, a $10 late fee applies. If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, they can complete it the next business day.
Do I need to get the title notarized when I sign it over in Montana?
No. Montana removed its notarization requirement for individuals as of October 2, 2025, under House Bill 165. You no longer need a notary for private vehicle sales.
If you have an older title with a notary section printed on it, you can leave it blank. The County Treasurer’s office will accept it.
When is a bill of sale required in Montana?
Montana requires a bill of sale for all private vehicle sales. Use the official Form MV24, available as a fillable PDF from the Montana MVD website.
No notarization is needed for a standard private sale. Both the buyer and seller sign the form, and each party should keep a copy.
Can I sell my car if I still owe money on it in Montana?
Yes, but you need to coordinate the lien release with your lender first. Montana is not a title-holding state, so the physical title is mailed to you as the registered owner.
Your lender holds a security interest filing, not the actual title.
Your lender can complete Form MV37A (Release of Security Interest or Lien) or provide a release on their official letterhead. You can’t sign the title over to a buyer until the lien is cleared.
If you owe more than the car’s worth, you’ll need to pay the difference.
My car was inherited. What additional Montana forms do I need?
It depends on whether the estate went through probate. If it did, you’ll need certified Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration along with the title to complete the transfer.
For smaller estates that don’t go through probate, Montana may allow a small estate affidavit along with a certified copy of the death certificate.
Contact your local County Treasurer’s office to confirm the exact documents required for your situation.
Both my spouse and I are on the Montana title. Do we both need to sign?
It depends on how the title reads. If your names are joined by “AND,” both owners must sign the title to complete the transfer. If it says “OR,” either owner can sign alone.
Check the title carefully before you meet with a buyer. If one co-owner isn’t available, the sale will be delayed until both have signed.
What if I make a mistake on the Montana title?
Don’t try to fix it yourself with white-out or cross-outs. Any correction attempt voids the title entirely under Montana law.
You’ll need to apply for a duplicate title using Form MV7 and pay the $10.30 fee (dropping to $5 on July 1, 2026). Processing takes up to four weeks, so plan ahead to avoid delays with your buyer.
The buyer is from out of state. Does Montana require anything special?
Your obligations as the seller are the same regardless of where the buyer lives. Sign the title, complete Form MV24, and remove your plates.
The buyer is responsible for registering the vehicle in their home state.
Some states require a VIN inspection before they can register an out-of-state vehicle, so let the buyer know they should check their home state’s requirements.
Do Montana license plates transfer to the buyer?
No. Montana license plates stay with you (the seller), not the car. Remove them before the buyer drives away.
You can transfer your plates to another vehicle you own, or destroy them. The buyer gets new plates when they register at their County Treasurer’s office.
Do I need to file a release of liability after selling my car in Montana?
No. Montana has no required release of liability form. Your signed title and completed Form MV24 bill of sale serve as proof that you transferred ownership.
Keep copies of both documents. If a parking ticket or fine comes in after the sale, your paperwork shows when the car changed hands.
Article Update History
All forms, fees, and deadlines have been verified against the Montana Motor Vehicle Division.
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