How To Transfer a Car Title in Montana 2026
Montana processes titling and registration simultaneously. § 61-3-220 of the Montana Code Annotated establishes the legal obligations of both the transferring owner and the acquiring party whenever a motor vehicle changes hands in the state. Regardless of whether a vehicle is acquired through private sale, gift, or inheritance, the new owner must apply for a certificate of title and complete vehicle registration within 40 days of the transfer date. A $10 late penalty is assessed against the transferee for any application submitted after this period, and it must be paid in full before registration proceeds.
Required Documents for Title Transfer in Montana
All documents must be complete, accurate, and free of any alterations. Title fields must be written in blue or black ink only; erasures or the use of correction fluid render the title invalid.
| Document | Form | Party Responsible | Applicability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Title | — | Seller | Original required; all listed owners must sign |
| Application for Certificate of Title | MV1 | Buyer | Required for all title applications |
| Bill of Sale | MV24 | Both Parties | Required for private-party sales |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | MV86 / MV1 Section | Seller | Vehicles with a model year of 2011 or newer |
| Release of Security Interest or Lien | MV37A | Lienholder | Required when a lien appears on the title |
| Power of Attorney | MV65 | Authorizing Party | When an agent completes the transaction on behalf of the owner |
| Government-Issued Photo Identification | — | Buyer | Valid driver's license or state ID |
| Proof of Liability Insurance | — | Buyer | Required to register the vehicle and obtain plates |
| VIN Inspection Certificate | MV20 | Authorized Inspector | Required for out-of-state and bonded titles |
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in Montana
Step 1: Verify Legal Ownership and Discharge Any Existing Liens
Prior to signing any paperwork, the buyer should confirm that the seller's name on the certificate of title corresponds exactly to their government-issued identification. Any security interest or lien recorded on the title must be fully discharged before the transfer can proceed. The lienholder is responsible for completing the Release of Security Interest or Lien (MV37A) and delivering it to the seller, who must then pass it to the buyer at the point of sale. Attempting to transfer a vehicle with an unresolved lien can expose both parties to legal liability.
Step 2: Complete the Title Assignment
The seller fills in the assignment section on the reverse side of the certificate of title in blue or black ink. Every owner named on the title must provide a signature; any omission renders the assignment defective. The following fields are required:
- Buyer's full legal name and current address
- Date of the sale or transfer
- Sale price, or "GIFT" where no monetary exchange occurs
- Odometer reading (required for vehicles with a model year of 2011 or newer)
The seller must remove the license plates before relinquishing the vehicle, as Montana law considers plates the property of the registered owner rather than the vehicle itself.
Step 3: Complete Form MV1 and the Odometer Disclosure
The buyer must complete the Application for Certificate of Title (Form MV1) to formally request a new Montana certificate of title. For vehicles with a model year of 2011 or newer, the odometer disclosure section in the MV1 — or the standalone Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MV86) — must be completed and signed by both parties. The MV1 is a printable PDF form and must be submitted in person at the County Treasurer's office; online submission is not available.
Step 4: Assemble All Required Supporting Documents
Before visiting the County Treasurer's office, compile the following:
- The signed and assigned certificate of title
- Completed Form MV1
- Bill of Sale (MV24) for private-party transactions
- Release of Security Interest or Lien (MV37A), if applicable
- Power of Attorney (MV65), if an authorized agent is acting on behalf of the owner
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Proof of current liability insurance
Buyers presenting an out-of-state title must also include a completed VIN Inspection Certificate (MV20). Incomplete or unsigned documents will be returned, which may result in a late penalty if the 40-day deadline is thereby missed.
Step 5: Submit the Application to Your County Treasurer's Office
All vehicle title and registration transactions are processed at the County Treasurer's office in the county where the buyer resides. The Montana MVD headquarters in Helena does not accept walk-in title applications from the general public. Buyers are encouraged to contact their local County Treasurer's office in advance to confirm document requirements and determine whether an appointment is necessary. At the time of submission, the buyer selects license plates and pays all required fees and taxes.
Step 6: Pay All Required Fees and Receive the Certificate of Title
Fees are collected in full at the County Treasurer's office at the time of application. The schedule below reflects applicable title and registration costs.
| Fee / Tax | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title Fee — Light Vehicles (under 1 ton) | $12.36 | Includes 3% administrative charge |
| Title Fee — All Other Vehicles | $10.30 | Includes 3% administrative charge |
| Security Interest Filing | $8.24 | Applies when a lien is recorded at the time of titling |
| Registration — 0 to 4 years old | $217.00 / year | Plus 3% administrative fee |
| Registration — 5 to 10 years old | $87.00 / year | Plus 3% administrative fee |
| Registration — 11 years old or more | $28.00 / year | Plus 3% administrative fee; permanent registration available |
| County Option Tax | Varies | Based on depreciated MSRP per MCA § 61-3-503 |
| Late Penalty | $10.00 | Assessed when the application is filed after the 40-day deadline |
Following successful processing, the new certificate of title is mailed to the address on file with the County Treasurer's office. Owners of vehicles 11 years old or older may elect permanent registration, which eliminates annual renewal obligations provided ownership does not change.
Contact Information
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
302 North Roberts Street, Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 444-3933
Official Website: Montana Motor Vehicle Division
