Montana motorcycle — quick answer
In Montana, a motorcycle bill of sale is situational and notarization of the title transfer is situational. The state form used for titled vehicles is MV24. Titling and registration are handled by the Montana MVD.
Is a motorcycle 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 motorcycle 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 motorcycle bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, model, and engine size (cc)
- 17-character VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price and date
- Both signatures
How to transfer a motorcycle in Montana
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, odometer, 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 motorcycle, bringing Bill of Sale. Confirm current fees on the official page.
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.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Montana MVD before you sign. Not legal advice.
Montana Motorcycle Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a motorcycle 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 motorcycle 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.
Does a motorcycle bill of sale need a VIN?
Yes. The 17-character VIN uniquely identifies the motorcycle and is required to register it. Our tool checks that the VIN is the correct length.
Is a motorcycle bill of sale the same as a title?
No. The title proves and transfers ownership; the bill of sale documents the sale and price. You typically need both to register the motorcycle.
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.