Billings, Montana

Billings, Montana Bus Bill of Sale for Gift transfer — Generate Your Bill of Sale

Use our online generator to create a legally compliant bus bill of sale for a gift transfer in Billings, Montana. Fill in the details and get a signed document in minutes.

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Gift transfer — What You Need to Know

The vehicle is transferred to the recipient with no monetary consideration. Gift transfers often have special tax implications and may require notarization depending on the state.

Seller guidance

If the vehicle's fair market value exceeds the annual gift tax exclusion ($18,000 for 2024 per IRS), the donor must file IRS Form 709 (United States Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return). The lifetime exemption ($13.61 million in 2024) typically means no tax is owed, but the form is still required. Some states require the word "gift" on the title or a separate gift affidavit to waive use tax.

Buyer guidance

You will likely owe use tax on the fair market value of the vehicle at registration unless your state exempts immediate family gifts. California, for example, exempts transfers between parents, children, spouses, and domestic partners. Check your state DMV for exemption eligibility.

Legal note

IRS Form 709 is required when cumulative gifts to one person exceed the annual exclusion in a calendar year. Vehicle value is based on fair market value (e.g., Kelley Blue Book). Many states require a notarized statement of gift or an affidavit to qualify for sales/use tax exemption. Some states (e.g., Texas Form 14-317) have a dedicated gift transfer form.

Gift transfer checklist

Establish fair market value (Kelley Blue Book or comparable)
Determine if IRS Form 709 filing is required (value >$18,000 in 2024)
Obtain state-specific gift affidavit or complete the gift section on the title
Confirm state sales/use tax exemption eligibility for family gifts
Notarize the bill of sale or gift affidavit if your state requires it

Bus Safety & Recall Information

Data sourced from NHTSA safety ratings and recall databases

Average Safety Rating

0 / 5

Avg. Price Range

$5,000–$100,000

Odometer Disclosure

Not required

Safety checkpoints for bus buyers

Verify DOT inspection history — buses have stricter inspection requirements than passenger vehicles
Check emergency exit operation for all doors, windows, and roof hatches
Inspect brake system including air brake components and ABS function
Test all lighting, stop arms (school bus), and warning systems
Confirm fire extinguisher is present, properly mounted, and inspection-current
Verify first-aid kit and body-fluid cleanup kit are present (school bus requirement)
Test child-check reminder system and rearmost rear-aisle alarm (where required)
Inspect seat-frame welds and seat-back integrity for all rows

Common recall categories

BrakesEngineElectricalBody StructureEmergency Exits

On average, each bus model has approximately 3.2 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls before completing a sale.

Montana Tax & Fee Summary

State Sales Tax Rate

Title Transfer Fee

$12

Private Party Exempt

Yes

No sales tax; registration fees based on vehicle age and value

Montana has no state sales tax on any purchases

Visit the official Montana DMV website

Local Requirements — Yellowstone County

DMV / Title Office

Yellowstone County Motor Vehicle

Address

217 N 27th St, Billings, MT 59101

Phone

(406) 256-2770

Office Hours

Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

https://dojmt.gov/driving

Transfer Fees & Taxes — Billings

Title Transfer Fee

$12.00

Sales Tax Rate

0.00%

Base Registration Fee

$217.00

Montana has no sales tax. No state or local tax on vehicle purchases.

Notarization: REQUIRED

Montana requires notarization of the title assignment for private party vehicle transfers.

Billings Transfer Checklist

Title assignment must be notarized
No sales tax in Montana
Title transfer at the county treasurer office within 10 days
Seller must sign title and disclose odometer

County Information — Yellowstone County

County Clerk / Recorder

Yellowstone County Clerk and Recorder

Phone

(406) 256-2785

Website

https://www.yellowstonecountymt.gov

Private party vehicle sales in Yellowstone County may be exempt from sales tax — verify with the county clerk before completing your transaction.

Billings Gift transfer bus generator — when to file

Montana requires title transfer within 40 days of the sale date on the bill of sale. For gift transfer transactions specifically, file at Yellowstone County Motor Vehicle (217 N 27th St, Billings, MT 59101) during normal hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Miss the 40-day window and Montana typically charges a late-transfer penalty plus accrued use tax, and the seller can remain on the title for civil liability until the buyer completes retitling. Bring the signed title, the completed Billings bill of sale, your government-issued ID, and payment for the $12.00 title transfer fee plus 0.00% sales tax on the purchase price.

Generator reminder. Whether you keep your generator as a generator-produced document, both buyer and seller should leave the signing with an identical executed copy. The buyer needs the original to present at Yellowstone County Motor Vehicle; the seller keeps a duplicate to prove the date of transfer if a future liability question arises before the title fully retitles.

Frequently asked questions

What gift transfer documents do I need for a bus sale in Billings, Montana?

For a gift transfer bus transaction in Billings, you need: Establish fair market value (Kelley Blue Book or comparable); Determine if IRS Form 709 filing is required (value >$18,000 in 2024); Obtain state-specific gift affidavit or complete the gift section on the title; Confirm state sales/use tax exemption eligibility for family gifts; Notarize the bill of sale or gift affidavit if your state requires it.

What is the sales tax on a bus private sale in Billings, Montana?

The combined sales tax rate in Billings is 0.00%. Montana has no sales tax. No state or local tax on vehicle purchases.

Do I need to notarize a bus bill of sale in Montana?

Yes, notarization is required. Montana requires notarization of the title assignment for private party vehicle transfers.

What are common recalls for a bus?

Common recall categories for buss include: Brakes, Engine, Electrical, Body Structure, Emergency Exits. On average, each bus model has approximately 3.2 recalls. Always check your specific vehicle at NHTSA.gov before completing a sale.