A Montana bill of sale is a legal document used to prove the sale of a valuable item from one person to another in Montana. The item can be any personal property bought or traded for another valuable item.
If you’re buying a car or boat in Montana, you’ll need a bill of sale to transfer the title to your name.
How to Register a Vehicle in Montana
New vehicle owners in Montana must register their vehicles through the Motor Vehicle Division within 60 days of purchase or after establishing residency. Registration must be renewed every one or two years.
By Type (5)
Use a vehicle bill of sale form to buy or sell a motor vehicle
Vehicle Bill of Sale
Use a boat bill of sale to transfer ownership of recreational water vehicles (such as motorboats, sailboats, yachts, and jet skis)
Boat Bill of Sale
Use a trailer bill of sale to buy or sell a trailer (or any non-motorized vehicle pulled by another vehicle)
Trailer Bill of Sale
Use a firearm bill of sale to transfer ownership of a gun (such as a handgun, rifle, or shotgun)
Firearm Bill of Sale
Requirements
New owners must register their vehicles within 60 days of purchase. Vehicles older than 11 years can be registered permanently.
Language & Copy Requirements
- Language: You can create a bill of sale in any language, but Montana’s official forms are only in English. These forms can be translated by a state-certified interpreter, and certified translations meet legal requirements. Montana provides an online directory of approved translators.
- Copies: For vehicle transactions, three copies of the bill of sale are needed: one for the DMV, and one for both the buyer and seller. For other transactions, one copy for each party is sufficient.
Vehicle Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MV90-A)
- Valid Montana driver’s license
- Application for Certificate of Title of a Motor Vehicle (Form MV1-16) (if you need a new title, you can apply in person at the county treasurer’s office)
- Application for Replacement Certificate of Title (Form MV7) (if you need a replacement title, you can apply by mail to the Vehicle Services Bureau)
- Registration Fees
- Proof of Insurance according to the state’s Minimum Requirements:
- $20,000 for injury or destruction of property per accident
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person per accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons per accident
Boat Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale
- Application for Certificate of Title
- Certificate of Title
- Registration Fees
Sample
