How to Sell a Boat Privately in Montana (2026)
| Titling agency | Montana DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 40 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 0% (Montana has no state sales tax on any purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | MV21 (Title Lien Notation Release) |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Montana — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Montana requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Montana DMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. Montana uses MV21 (Title Lien Notation Release).
- 4Gather documentation — current Montana registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent Montana dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the Montana registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Montana DMV — buyer must register within 40 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Montana DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Montana lien release procedure
- Obtain Form MV21 from the Montana DOJ Motor Vehicles Division or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs MV21 releasing the lien.
- Submit MV21 with the existing title and title application at a county courthouse.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Montana title.
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Start My Montana Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Montana
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Montana?▾
Yes. Montana requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with Montana DMV.
What is the Montana boat title transfer deadline?▾
Montana requires the buyer to transfer registration within 40 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in Montana?▾
Montana charges 0% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Montana has no state sales tax on any purchases The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Montana DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Montana boat bill of sale?▾
Montana does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in Montana?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Montana DMV and pays the registration fee plus 0% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 40 days of the sale date.
Source: Montana DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07