The Montana DMV bill of sale form must be submitted to an MVD (Motor Vehicle Division) in the absence of a title. Even if the title is available, the buyer and seller should still consider executing a bill of sale as it is a written record of the transaction. Why is this important? It is significant because of the fact that it can be used as evidence for tax purposes or to clear the seller of any liability pertaining to the vehicle. Details such as the VIN, mileage, and the purchase price of the vehicle are all recorded to the form creating solid documentation of the purchase and sale that transpired.

How to Register a Vehicle

To register your vehicle purchased from a private party, visit the MVD (Motor Vehicle Division) at your local County Treasurer’s Office within the county you reside and be prepared with the following essential items:

• If there was a missing title, the person registering the vehicle must provide a completed and notarized bill of sale signed by both the buyer and seller.
• The original title signed by the seller confirming the transfer of ownership.
• Individuals registering must complete a vehicle registration application upon arrival (form not available online).
• Proof of an active auto insurance policy.
• Payment for the various fees which include:
  • Registration Fees – Contingent upon how old the vehicle is as well as the time period you select the registration to extend to.
  • Titling Fees – (If Applicable)
  • County Option Tax – Depends on the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price), the depreciation of the vehicle’s overall worth, and what class of vehicle.
  • License Plate Fees – Only required for specialized plates.

How to Register a Boat

Any motor-propelled vessel or any sailboat with a length that exceeds 12 feet must be officially registered with the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Department to be utilized within the state. Exemptions from this requirement apply only to lifeboats for ships or government-owned vessels. Should a watercraft currently registered in another country or state be used upon Montana State waterways, keep in mind that the window of use without additional state registration will be limited to a total of 90 uninterrupted days.

To register a vessel, secure the following documentation for submission at your nearest Country Treasurer’s office or Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks facility:

• A Montana Application for Vessel Certificate of Title (Form MV1A), filled-out in its entirety.
• A signed and authorized Vessel/Hull Identification Number Inspection Certificate, only in the case that your boat does not have a valid Hull Identification Number. Should your vessel not come equipped with one, you can visit a nearby Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks location with the completed Montana Vehicle/Vessel/OHV Identification Number Inspection Certificate (Form MV20) to have your Hull inspected with a licensed official.
• Legitimate evidence of boat ownership utilizing:
  • A Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
  • An adequately signed over title accompanied by a finalized bill of sale.
• Valid photo identification.
• Payment to cover taxes and fees associated with the title and registration.

How to Write

Step 1 – Download in Adobe PDF.

Step 2 – Sale Details – This form requires you to provide the following details regarding the sale:

• Sum of the Purchase Price (in written form)
• Sum of the Purchase Price (numerically)
• Name of Purchaser
• DL/FEIN/Tribal ID/Corp ID* ( Driver’s License/Federal Employer Identification Number/Tribal Identification – Applicable to People of Native American Descent/Corporate Identification) – Enter the number of one of the aforementioned forms of identification pertaining to the purchaser.
• Address of Purchaser

Sep 3 – Vehicle/Vessel Specifics – Note the required vehicle information listed below:

• Year
• Make
• Model
• Style
• Vehicle/Hull Identification No.
• License Plate No.
• Is it a salvage vehicle (must be 15 years old or older)?: Check one of the two options, “Yes” or “No”.
• Is it being sold for parts only? Check either “Yes” or “No”.

Step 4 – Odometer Statement – The bill of sale form requires that participants complete an odometer disclosure statement, provide the following information:

• Does the odometer contain five or six digits? Check the box that corresponds with the correct answer.
• Mileage (Enter an accurate odometer reading into the available space without tenths.)
• Date of Reading
• Check any of the following boxes if applicable:
  • The odometer reading reflects the amount of mileage in excess of its mechanical limits.
  • The odometer reading is not the actual mileage. Warning – odometer discrepancy.

Step 5 – Purchaser’s Signature – Buyer of the vehicle or boat must supply the following:

• Signature
• Date of Signing
• & Printed Name

Step 6 – Seller’s Signature/Information – Seller must certify that they have the right to sell the vehicle/vessel described above and will warrant and defend the title against the claims and demands of all persons except the secured party noted on the Montana title application. Also, under penalty of law (MCA 45-7-203), the seller must certify that the statements made and information contained on this form are true and correct to the best of their knowledge, information, and belief; they are the person named on this form; and, if signing for a business entity or trust, they have full authority to do so. If the seller agrees, they must provide the following:

• Signature (All owners must sign.)
• Date of Signing
• Printed Name (If signing for a business entity, give full entity name.)
• DL/FEIN/Tribal ID/Corp ID Number
• & Address

Step 7 – Notarization – Once completed, the document must be presented to a notary public for ratification. The notary must provide:

• State in which the agreement took place.
• County in which the agreement took place.
• Date of Notarization
• Printed Name of Official Signing the Form
• Notary Signature
• Notary Stamp/Seal