Montana Title Transfer Guide (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 |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · |
| Lien release form | MV21 (Title Lien Notation Release) |
Montana title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (MV21 (Title Lien Notation Release)) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Montana requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — Montana requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with Montana DMV or a licensed inspector.
- 5Buyer files at Montana DMV — within 40 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Montana DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 0% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Montana DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Montana DMV the same day as the sale.
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.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Montana estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Montana DMV.
Need a Montana bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Montana DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Montana Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Montana
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Montana?▾
Montana requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 40 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Montana title transfer cost?▾
Montana charges 0% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Montana has no state sales tax on any purchases The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Montana?▾
Yes — Montana requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Montana DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Montana?▾
In Montana, the lender must complete MV21 (Title Lien Notation Release) confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Montana DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Montana?▾
Montana inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Montana DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Montana DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07