State guide
Selling a car privately in Montana
Everything you need to complete a legal private vehicle sale in Montana — title transfer steps, required forms, fees, and official DMV links.
Key note: Montana has no sales tax — a popular reason out-of-state buyers register vehicles here. Buyer must transfer title within 40 days.
Step-by-step title transfer guide
- 1
Gather required documents
Before listing your car, locate the original title (lien-free), your government-issued ID, and any maintenance records. In Montana you'll also need an odometer disclosure statement.
- 2
Agree on price and conduct a test drive
Research comparable listings on CarGurus, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist to price competitively. Meet in a public place for the test drive. Bring a friend if possible. Verify the buyer has a valid driver's license before handing over the keys.
Protect yourself with a vehicle history report
Buyers expect it. Sellers who provide a CARFAX report close deals faster and at higher prices.
Get CARFAX Report →~$40 · 30-day cookie · recommended for all private sales - 3
Complete the title transfer
Sign the back of your Montana title in the presence of the buyer. Fill in the buyer's name, address, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading in the designated fields. Print clearly — corrections can void the title.
- 4
Complete the bill of sale
Montana requires a bill of sale documenting the transaction. Include seller name, buyer name, vehicle year/make/model/VIN, odometer reading, sale price, and date of sale. Use our free generator above or print two copies — one for each party.
- 5
Collect payment safely
For amounts under $5,000, cash is fine. For larger transactions, use a cashier's check from a major bank or a bank wire transfer. Verify any check at the issuing bank before releasing the vehicle. Never accept personal checks from strangers.
Selling for $5,000+? Use a secure payment service
Escrow.com holds the buyer's funds until the title is transferred — eliminating payment scams.
Use Escrow.com →~0.89% fee · recommended for high-value transactions - 6
Notify the Montana DMV and cancel your insurance
Report the sale to the Montana DMV to protect yourself from liability after the transfer. Remove your license plates (unless transferring them) and cancel or transfer your insurance. Keep copies of all paperwork for at least 1 year.
- 7
Buyer registers within 40 days
The buyer must apply for a new title and register the vehicle at the Montana DMV within 40 days of the sale date. They will pay the None sales tax (none in Montana) and the $12.36 title fee at that time.
Required forms & documents
Vehicle title (signed)
The original title in your name, signed on the back
Bill of sale
Use our free generator
Odometer disclosure
For vehicles under 10 years old
Photo ID
Government-issued ID for both parties
Transfer your warranty to the buyer
A transferable extended warranty increases buyer confidence and can add $500–$2,000 to your sale price.
Montana bill of sale (required)
Montana requires a bill of sale for private vehicle transactions. Use our free generator or download the official form.