Selling a car privately in Montana
Montana dropped its long-standing notary requirement in late 2025, so a current Montana title transfers with ordinary signatures: every registered owner signs off on the title itself (a bill of sale cannot substitute), with buyer, price, and odometer completed. If your title is older and shows a notary block, check it; when in doubt, the county treasurer's office will tell you on the spot.
Montana's best-practice handoff is exactly that: meet the buyer at the county treasurer's motor vehicle office and sign off in front of the clerk, who processes the buyer's title and registration in the same visit. Montana has no sales tax on the transaction. Plates belong to the seller; remove them, and file a Statement of Fact (MV100) only if you are relinquishing personalized or classic plates to the buyer.
The checklist
- 1
Sign off on the title, ideally at the county treasurer (Montana)
All registered owners sign the title with buyer, price, and odometer completed. Signing in front of the county clerk removes all doubt.
- 2
Give the buyer a bill of sale (MV24)
Montana's bill of sale form documents the price and date; the title does the legal transfer.
- 3
Remove your license plates
Montana plates stay with the seller. Take them off at handoff.
- 4
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 5
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 6
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 7
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 8
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 9
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 10
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 11
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 12
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
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Start your free beta packetMontana private sale FAQ
Does a Montana car title need to be notarized?
Not anymore for individuals; Montana removed the notarization requirement in October 2025. If your older title still shows a notary line and you are unsure, sign at the county treasurer's office in front of the clerk.
Can I sell a Montana vehicle on just a bill of sale?
No. A bill of sale cannot transfer ownership of a Montana-titled vehicle; all registered owners must sign off on the title itself. Use the bill of sale (form MV24) as the supporting record.
Does the buyer pay sales tax in a Montana private sale?
No. Montana has no general sales tax on vehicle purchases. The buyer pays title, registration, and plate fees at the county treasurer.
Do I keep my plates when I sell a car in Montana?
Yes. Montana plates belong to the seller. Remove them; if you want personalized or classic plates to go with the vehicle, that takes a Statement of Fact (MV100).
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.