Billings, Montana
VIN Check in Billings — Personal Watercraft History Report
Before buying a used personal watercraft in Billings, run a VIN check to uncover hidden problems. After the check clears, file your title transfer at the Yellowstone County Motor Vehicle and generate a bill of sale.
VIN Check Red Flags — Walk Away From These
- ⚠Salvage or rebuilt title (flood, fire, or collision total loss)
- ⚠Open lien — means the seller still owes money on the vehicle
- ⚠Odometer rollback — actual mileage higher than displayed
- ⚠Stolen vehicle report (NICB / NMVTIS check)
- ⚠Prior accident history (airbag deployment, frame damage)
- ⚠Title brand: Lemon, Buy-Back, or Manufacturer Buyback
- ⚠Jurisdiction changes — title washed through a different state
After the VIN Check Clears — Title Transfer in Billings
- 1
Agree on a price and generate a bill of sale
Generate a Montana-compliant personal watercraft bill of sale at BillOfSaleNow. Both buyer and seller sign in front of a notary.
- 2
Seller signs the back of the title
The seller signs the title over to the buyer on the back. Do not sign before finding the correct line — some titles have multiple lines. Make no correction fluid changes; use initials for any handwritten corrections.
- 3
File the title transfer at the Yellowstone County Motor Vehicle
Bring the signed title, bill of sale, and valid ID to: 217 N 27th St, Billings, MT 59101. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Phone: (406) 256-2770. Pay the $12.00 title fee and 0.00% sales tax.
- 4
Obtain plates and insurance
The buyer needs Montana insurance before the vehicle can be legally registered and driven. Transfer plates or apply for new ones at the same office visit.
Billings Title Office
Office
Yellowstone County Motor Vehicle
Address
217 N 27th St, Billings, MT 59101
Phone
(406) 256-2770
Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Title Fee
$12.00
Sales Tax
0.00%
FAQ — VIN Check in Billings
- How do I run a VIN check in Billings, Montana?
- Use the free NHTSA VIN decoder at nhtsa.gov, or a paid service like Carfax ($44.99) or AutoCheck. The VIN is on the dashboard or door jamb. No Billings DMV visit is required just to run a check.
- What does a personal watercraft VIN check reveal?
- A VIN check reveals: title history (salvage, rebuilt, flood), open liens, odometer fraud, theft records, accident history, airbag deployment, and title washing across state lines. Always check before signing.
- Where do I transfer a personal watercraft title in Billings?
- File at the Yellowstone County Motor Vehicle, 217 N 27th St, Billings, MT 59101. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Phone: (406) 256-2770. Bring signed title, bill of sale, ID, and $12.00 + 0.00% sales tax.
- Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a personal watercraft title in Billings?
- Yes. The Yellowstone County Motor Vehicle requires a signed bill of sale documenting the private personal watercraft sale. Generate one free at BillOfSaleNow — state-compliant PDF in 60 seconds.