Free Montana Vehicle Bill of Sale (2026)
A Montana vehicle bill of sale acts as a formal receipt recording the transaction between a buyer and a seller. It outlines the specific details of the vehicle transfer, including the agreed-upon purchase price, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and the contact information for both parties. While the vehicle title is the primary document used to transfer legal ownership, a bill of sale provides essential legal protection and serves as definitive proof of purchase.
In Montana, a bill of sale (Form MV24) is legally required if the purchase price or date of sale is not listed on the title, or if you are registering a vehicle to supplement the title assignment. Most importantly, Montana law strictly dictates that the seller's signature on both the vehicle title and the bill of sale must be notarized in order for the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) to process the transfer.
Montana Automobile Bill of Sale
Official printable document required for the private sale and title transfer of a vehicle in Montana. This PDF is optimized for clear printing and accepted by local county tax and DMV offices.
How to Sell a Vehicle in Montana (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Negotiate the purchase price and terms with the buyer. Make sure to agree on the payment method and clarify that the vehicle is being sold in 'as-is' condition.
Step 2: Complete the official Montana Bill of Sale (Form MV24) and the odometer disclosure. Vehicles under 20 years old require an accurate, recorded odometer reading at the time of sale.
Step 3: Notarize the signatures. Montana strictly requires the seller's signature on both the vehicle title and the bill of sale to be officially notarized before the title can be transferred.
Step 4: Sign over the vehicle title and remove your license plates. Under Montana law, license plates belong to the seller and must be removed before the buyer takes possession of the vehicle.
Step 5: The buyer must visit their local county treasurer's office within 40 days to register and title the vehicle. Montana does not require smog or emissions testing, making the local registration process quite straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana Vehicle Sales
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a vehicle in Montana?
Yes, you generally need a bill of sale. While the notarized title is the primary transfer document, the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) requires a Bill of Sale (Form MV24) if the sale price and date are not recorded on the title, or if there is no room left on the title to assign it.
Does a Montana vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Yes. Montana is one of the specific states that strictly requires the seller's signature on the bill of sale (Form MV24) to be notarized. Furthermore, the seller's signature on the actual vehicle title must also be notarized.
Can I write my own bill of sale in Montana?
While you can legally draft a custom bill of sale, it is highly recommended to use the official Montana MVD Form MV24. Any generic bill of sale must include the seller's notarized signature, buyer details, vehicle information (VIN, make, model, year), and the purchase price to be accepted by the county treasurer.
Are private vehicle sales in Montana considered 'as-is'?
Yes, private vehicle sales in Montana are considered 'as-is'. Montana's lemon laws apply only to new vehicles purchased from licensed dealers. Buyers in private party transactions assume all risks regarding the vehicle's mechanical condition once the sale is final.
How is sales tax calculated on a private vehicle sale in Montana?
Montana is unique because it has no general state sales tax. Therefore, you do not pay state sales tax on a private vehicle purchase. However, buyers will be required to pay registration fees and a county option tax based on the vehicle's age and Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).
What documents does the buyer need to bring to the Montana DMV?
To successfully transfer the title and register the vehicle, the buyer must bring the notarized original title, a notarized Bill of Sale (Form MV24), proof of Montana liability insurance, and valid identification to their local County Treasurer's office. Montana does not require smog or emissions certificates.