Montana boat — quick answer
In Montana, a boat bill of sale is situational and notarization of the title transfer is situational. The state form used for titled vehicles is MV24. Boats in Montana may be registered through the DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency — confirm with the Montana MVD.
Is a boat 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. For boats specifically, registration authority can differ from cars — verify whether your vessel is handled by the Montana MVD or a separate wildlife/parks agency.
Does a Montana boat 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.
What to include on a Montana boat bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, model, and length
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) — 12 characters
- Motor details (make, horsepower, serial number)
- Whether a trailer is included
- Price, date, and signatures
How to transfer a boat in Montana
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, and date. Both parties sign and date.
- 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 boat, bringing Bill of Sale. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Montana MVD before you sign. Not legal advice.
Montana Boat Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a boat bill of sale required in Montana?
A bill of sale is situational in Montana. 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 boat 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.
What is a HIN on a boat bill of sale?
The Hull Identification Number is a 12-character code unique to the boat, similar to a VIN on a car. It is required to register the vessel and should be copied exactly.
Do I need a separate bill of sale for the boat trailer and motor?
The motor is usually described on the boat bill of sale. A trailer often has its own VIN and may need its own bill of sale and registration — use our trailer bill of sale for that.
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.