How to Sell a Motorcycle 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 |
| Emissions / inspection | Standard — DOT sticker on frame is sufficient |
| Lien release form | MV21 (Title Lien Notation Release) |
How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately in Montana — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the VIN — on motorcycles the 17-character VIN is stamped on the steering neck (headstock) and on the frame near the engine. Montana requires this on every bill of sale and the title.
- 2Note the engine displacement — engines under 50cc are classified as mopeds/scooters in many states and may have different titling rules with Montana DMV; bikes 250cc+ register as motorcycles in every state.
- 3Clear any liens — if the motorcycle was financed, request a payoff quote and lien release letter. Montana uses MV21 (Title Lien Notation Release).
- 4Gather documentation — clean Montana title (no liens), current registration card, maintenance records, original owner's manual if available, and DOT compliance certificate (sticker on the frame) for any mods.
- 5Price the motorcycle — check Kelley Blue Book Motorcycles, NADA Guides (motorcycles), and recent Montana Cycle Trader / Craigslist comps. Mileage, condition, and aftermarket parts all affect value.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — VIN, year/make/model, engine displacement, odometer in miles, sale price, sale date, and both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the Montana title with buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Montana requires odometer disclosure for motorcycles under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Montana DMV — buyer must title and register within 40 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Montana DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability.
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 Motorcycle Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Montana
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a motorcycle in Montana?▾
Yes. Montana requires a written bill of sale for private motorcycle transfers to document the VIN, year/make/model, odometer reading, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the motorcycle with Montana DMV.
What is the Montana motorcycle title transfer deadline?▾
Montana requires the buyer to transfer the title 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 motorcycle sale in Montana?▾
Montana charges 0% sales/use tax on private motorcycle sales. Montana has no state sales tax on any purchases The buyer typically pays the tax at Montana DMV when titling the motorcycle.
Do I need a notary for a Montana motorcycle bill of sale?▾
Montana does not require notarization for a private motorcycle bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for Montana DMV.
How does a buyer register a motorcycle purchased privately in Montana?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Montana DMV and pays the title 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