When should I use the bill of sale only page?
Use this page when your motorcycle sale in Montana fits a bill of sale only scenario. It walks you through the specific disclosures and details that apply to this type of transaction.
Bill of sale only — Montana
Montana Motorcycle bill of sale for bill of sale only
Complete your Montana motorcycle bill of sale for a bill of sale only transaction. Enter buyer and seller details, vehicle information, and generate a signed PDF in minutes.
MontanaMotorcycleBill of sale only
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What to know about bill of sale only sales in Montana
If you are selling a vehicle that was never titled (common for pre-1975 vehicles in some states), a bill of sale is the primary ownership document. The buyer must present the bill of sale to the DMV to apply for an original title. Ensure the bill of sale contains full VIN, make, model, year, and both party signatures with dates.
What to include in your bill of sale
- Full legal names and addresses for both buyer and seller.
- Motorcycle make, model, year, VIN, and current mileage.
- Agreed sale price, payment method, and transaction date.
- Any bill of sale only-specific disclosures required in Montana.
Seller guidance
If you are selling a vehicle that was never titled (common for pre-1975 vehicles in some states), a bill of sale is the primary ownership document. The buyer must present the bill of sale to the DMV to apply for an original title. Ensure the bill of sale contains full VIN, make, model, year, and both party signatures with dates.
Buyer guidance
A bill of sale alone does not guarantee you can register the vehicle. Check with your state DMV to confirm the process for obtaining an original title using a bill of sale. You may need a VIN inspection, a surety bond, or a court order depending on the vehicle's history and your state's rules.
Legal considerations
Vehicles manufactured before 1975 were not required to be federally titled, and some never entered a state title system. States have varying procedures for issuing an original title for un-titled vehicles (e.g., California: Reg 343 form; Texas: Form VTR-141). The NMVTIS may not have records for older un-titled vehicles, so ownership chain documentation is critical.
Montana Motorcycle transfer fees and requirements
In Montana, the title transfer fee is $12 and registration costs Based on vehicle age; ranges from $28 to $217+. Motorcycle sales are subject to No sales tax; registration fee based on age and value. Notarization is required for motorcycle bill of sale documents in Montana. Montana does not require emission testing for private-party motorcycle sales.
- No state sales tax on vehicle purchases
- Notarized title assignment required
- County option fee may apply
- Popular for LLC vehicle registration due to no sales tax
Montana sales tax on motorcycle purchases
Montana has a 0% state sales tax rate. No sales tax; registration fees based on vehicle age and value. Private-party motorcycle sales in Montana may be exempt from state sales tax. Montana has no state sales tax on any purchases. The title transfer fee is $12.
Motorcycle market data and safety information
The most common motorcycle makes in private-party sales are Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki. Average private-party motorcycle prices range from $2,000–$20,000. Motorcycles average 2.4 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Fuel System, Electrical, Brakes.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used motorcycle
Before completing a motorcycle bill of sale in Montana, verify these safety items:
- Check tire condition — motorcycle tires have a 5-year lifespan regardless of tread
- Inspect brake pads and fluid condition on both front and rear systems
- Verify chain/belt tension and sprocket wear
- Test all lighting including turn signals and brake light
- Check helmet lock and passenger peg integrity
- Verify ABS function (where equipped) by feeling lever pulse during firm stop
- Inspect frame for crash damage — look for paint cracks at steering head
- Test horn and emergency cutoff switch operation
Motorcycle insurance and depreciation in Montana
Motorcycle insurance averages $700–$1,500/year for full coverage. Sport bikes cost significantly more to insure than cruisers. Motorcycles depreciate 35–50% in the first 3 years. Harley-Davidson and BMW models hold value best. Peak season for private motorcycle sales is late winter to early spring (february–april) as riding season approaches, with an average of 30 days on market.
Motorcycle registration and titling
Motorcycles are classified as "Motorcycle" for registration purposes. No weight-based exemption for motorcycles. All motorcycles under 20 years old require federal odometer disclosure. Federal odometer disclosure is required for motorcycles under 20 years old.
Montana requirements for bill of sale only motorcycle sales
For bill of sale only motorcycle transactions in Montana, the buyer must pay No sales tax; registration fee based on age and value and a $12 title transfer fee. Notarization is required. Odometer disclosure is required.
- No state sales tax on vehicle purchases
- Notarized title assignment required
- County option fee may apply
- Popular for LLC vehicle registration due to no sales tax
Safety tips for bill of sale only motorcycle transactions
When completing a bill of sale only motorcycle sale in Montana, always verify the vehicle against NHTSA recall databases. The most common motorcycle recall categories are Fuel System, Electrical, Brakes. Check recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls before signing the bill of sale.
Checklist for bill of sale only motorcycle sale in Montana
- Document the full ownership chain (prior bills of sale if available)
- Include complete vehicle description: VIN, year, make, model, color, engine number
- Both parties sign and date the bill of sale in front of a notary if possible
- Research your state's original title application process for un-titled vehicles
- Request a VIN inspection from law enforcement or a licensed inspector
Need the printable workflow?
Use the main Montana motorcycle bill of sale flow when you are ready to generate the completed document.
Open Montana Motorcycle bill of saleThe Private Vehicle Sale Market
17.5M private sales/yr
About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.
Source: Cox Automotive 2024
Frequently asked questions
Why does the bill of sale only scenario have its own page?
Different sale scenarios — such as private party, dealer, or gifted transfers — have different documentation requirements. This page focuses on what buyers and sellers need for a bill of sale only transaction specifically.
What should be included in this bill of sale?
Include the buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers, sale price, date, signatures, and any notes specific to the bill of sale only transaction.
What are the Montana fees for a bill of sale only motorcycle transfer?
Montana charges a $12 title transfer fee. Registration costs Based on vehicle age; ranges from $28 to $217+. Sales tax: No sales tax; registration fee based on age and value. Notarization is required.
What motorcycle makes are most commonly sold in Montana?
The most popular motorcycle makes in private-party sales are Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki. Average private-party prices range from $2,000–$20,000.
Do I pay sales tax on a bill of sale only motorcycle sale in Montana?
Montana has a 0% state sales tax rate. Montana has no state sales tax on any purchases
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