How to Sell an ATV 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 |
| OHV permit required | Yes — separate Montana OHV sticker for public land |
| DMV title issued for ATVs | Yes |
| Lien release form | MV21 (Title Lien Notation Release) |
How to Sell an ATV Privately in Montana — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the frame VIN — on ATVs the 17-character frame VIN is stamped on the frame near the engine, on the steering head, or on a stamped plate on the left side of the frame rail. Montana requires this on every bill of sale and the title.
- 2Note the engine displacement and class — ATV engines are sized in cc (cubic centimeters); youth ATVs under 90cc fall under separate Montana youth-rider rules and may have different registration paths than adult ATVs 250cc+.
- 3Clear any liens — if the ATV 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, manufacturer's owner's manual, and any OHV/trail permit stickers on the ATV.
- 5Price the ATV — check Kelley Blue Book Powersports, NADA Guides (ATVs), and recent Montana ATV Trader / Craigslist / Facebook Marketplace comps. Hours, condition, aftermarket parts (winch, plow, tires), and youth/adult class all affect value.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — frame VIN, year/make/model, engine displacement, hours (if tracked), sale price, sale date, and both parties' full legal names and addresses. Note that the buyer will also need to obtain a Montana OHV permit to ride on public land.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the Montana ATV title with buyer info, hours (if title shows hours), and sale date. Montana requires odometer/hour disclosure for ATVs 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 liability. The buyer also obtains the Montana OHV permit before riding on public land.
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.
Montana OHV permit — what the buyer needs to know
Montana requires every off-highway vehicle (ATV, UTV, dirt bike) to display a current OHV sticker before operating on BLM land, national forest trails, state forest land, or state park OHV areas. The permit is purchased annually and is separate from any DMV title or registration — note this on the bill of sale so the buyer is not surprised at the trailhead.
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Start My Montana ATV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Montana
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an ATV in Montana?▾
Yes. Montana requires a written bill of sale for private ATV transfers to document the frame VIN, year/make/model, engine displacement, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the ATV with Montana DMV.
Does Montana title ATVs?▾
Yes — Montana titles ATVs through Montana DMV. The seller endorses the title to the buyer, and the buyer presents the endorsed title plus the signed bill of sale to title and register the ATV in their name.
What is the Montana ATV title transfer deadline?▾
Montana requires the buyer to transfer the ATV 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 ATV sale in Montana?▾
Montana charges 0% sales/use tax on private ATV sales. Montana has no state sales tax on any purchases The buyer typically pays the tax at Montana DMV when titling the ATV.
Do I need an OHV permit to ride a privately purchased ATV in Montana?▾
Yes — Montana runs a separate Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) permit program. The new owner must purchase an OHV sticker before riding the ATV on public land, BLM trails, state forest land, or state park OHV areas. The sticker is separate from any DMV title or registration. Check the Montana OHV program website for the current annual fee.
Do I need a notary for a Montana ATV bill of sale?▾
Montana does not require notarization for a private ATV bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for Montana DMV.
Source: Montana DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07