Montana vehicle — quick answer
In Montana, a vehicle 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 vehicle 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 vehicle 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 vehicle bill of sale
- Full legal names and addresses of the buyer and seller
- Year, make, model, color, and body style
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — 17 characters
- Exact odometer reading on the date of sale
- Sale price (or "gift") and payment method
- Date of sale and signatures of both parties
How to transfer a vehicle 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 vehicle, 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 Vehicle Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a vehicle 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 vehicle 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 bill of sale to register a car?
It depends on your state. Many states accept the signed-over title alone, while others require a bill of sale to confirm the purchase price for sales tax. Our state pages tell you exactly what your DMV expects.
Does a vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
In most states, no. A handful of states require the title assignment to be notarized for a private sale: Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Kentucky. A few others require notarization only in specific tax situations.
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.