Montana — quick answer
In Montana, a bill of sale is situational for a private vehicle sale and notarization is situational. No witnesses are required. The relevant state form is MV24. Ownership is transferred through the Montana MVD via the assigned title.
Montana's rules can vary by county or transaction. We've based this on official sources, but please confirm the exact requirement with the Montana MVD before you sign.
Is a bill of sale required in Montana?
Situational. A Montana bill of sale cannot transfer ownership by itself; when one is used as a supporting document it must be notarized.
Owners sign the title to transfer; the buyer titles through the county Treasurer.
Does a Montana bill of sale need to be notarized?
Situational (situational). When a bill of sale is used, the seller signature must be notarized. Ownership itself transfers by signing the title.
Witness requirements
No. Montana does not require witnesses for a standard private bill of sale.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires a written odometer disclosure when title is transferred for vehicles less than 20 years old. As of 2026 that means model year 2011 and newer; model year 2010 and older are generally exempt. Record the exact mileage — never round it. See the NHTSA rule.
How to transfer a vehicle title in Montana
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Fill in the buyer, seller, price, odometer, and date. Both parties sign and date the document.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Owners sign the title to transfer; the buyer titles through the county Treasurer.
- 3Register with the Montana MVD.
The buyer titles and registers the vehicle, bringing Bill of Sale (MV24). Confirm the current fees and documents on the official Montana MVD page.
Official Montana sources
- Montana Motor Vehicle Division (Department of Justice) — buying & selling a vehicle
- NHTSA — federal odometer disclosure rule
We link to primary government sources and review this page regularly, but requirements change. This is general information, not legal advice.
Montana bill of sale by type
Get requirements and a free template tailored to Montana for each item type — the generator applies the Montana notary and witness rules automatically:
Montana bill of sale — FAQ
Is a bill of sale required in Montana?
In Montana, a separate bill of sale is situational. A Montana bill of sale cannot transfer ownership by itself; when one is used as a supporting document it must be notarized.
Does a Montana bill of sale need to be notarized?
Sometimes. When a bill of sale is used, the seller signature must be notarized. Ownership itself transfers by signing the title.
Do I need a witness for a bill of sale in Montana?
No. Montana does not require witnesses for a standard private bill of sale.
How do I transfer a vehicle title in Montana?
Owners sign the title to transfer; the buyer titles through the county Treasurer. Titling and registration in Montana are handled by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (Department of Justice).
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.