How to Transfer a Car Title in Montana: Step-by-Step Guide

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Transferring a vehicle title in Montana is a requirement that applies to dealerships, fleet managers, and any business that acquires or resells vehicles. Proper title transfer ensures ownership is documented with the Montana Department of Justice and protects your operation from liability, audit exposure, and registration delays.

This guide walks through the full title transfer process and answers common compliance questions — all tailored for business users.

How to Transfer a Car Title in Montana

A Montana car title must be officially transferred any time a vehicle changes ownership, whether through purchase, trade-in, or consignment, according to the Montana Department of Justice – Motor Vehicle Division.

To transfer a title for business purposes:

  1. Obtain the Original Title – The seller must provide the original Montana title with the assignment section properly filled out, including odometer disclosure and buyer/seller signatures, according to the Montana Title and Registration Manual.

  2. Complete a Bill of Sale (Form MV24) – The bill of sale documents the transaction and includes critical data such as price, VIN, and date of sale. It is required in addition to the title, according to Montana Code Annotated 61-3-220.

  3. Submit an Application for Certificate of Title (Form MV1) – This form initiates the official ownership change and must include the business name, EIN, and mailing address, according to Montana MVD business registration requirements.

  4. Pay Title and Registration Fees – Title fees and light vehicle registration taxes are collected at the time of transfer and vary by vehicle type, age, and weight class, according to Montana Code Annotated 61-3-321.

  5. File at the County Treasurer’s Office – All Montana title applications must be processed at the county level where the vehicle will be registered, not at a statewide MVD office, according to the Montana Vehicle Services Bureau.
Montana Car Title Transfer Checklist

Montana Car Title Transfer Checklist (For Businesses)

Step Task Form Needed Key Notes
1 Obtain Original Title — Must include odometer reading and both signatures
2 Complete Bill of Sale MV24 Must include price, VIN, and date of sale
3 Submit Application for Title MV1 Include business name, EIN, and address
4 Pay Fees — Varies by vehicle type, age, and weight
5 File with County Treasurer — File in county where vehicle will be registered
A car cruises down a desert highway with rugged mountains ahead—perfect timing for a Montana car title transfer.

Does the Seller Need to Be Present for Title Transfer?

The seller is not required to be physically present at the county office during the title transfer process, as long as all required fields on the title and bill of sale are completed and signed, according to the Montana Title Transfer Guidelines.

For dealerships and agents, this means vehicles can be transferred remotely or via courier services, streamlining multistate transactions and fleet acquisitions.

What Happens If I Don’t Transfer Title Within 10 Days?

While Montana law provides a 40-day window from the date of sale to complete the title transfer, delays beyond 10 days can create operational risks and liability gaps for the buyer, according to Montana Code Annotated 61-3-220.

Late transfers may result in:

  • Accrued penalties

     

  • Suspended registrations

     

  • Voided warranties or blocked resales

     

  • Complications in the event of accidents

     

For business buyers, especially fleet or high-volume operations, initiating title work within the first week is recommended for compliance and audit readiness.

Where to Go to Transfer a Car Title

All title transfers in Montana must be submitted in person or by mail to the County Treasurer’s Office in the county where the vehicle will be registered, according to the Montana Vehicle Services Bureau.

For commercial and out-of-state buyers, working with a Montana-licensed registration agent is often the most efficient option. These agents are authorized to submit title packets directly and can expedite processing timelines.

Scenic, winding mountain road bathed in sunlight, surrounded by tall pine trees under a vibrant blue sky.

Does a Montana Title Need to Be Notarized?

Montana titles do not require notarization for standard in-state transfers. However, a notarized bill of sale may be required under the following conditions, according to the Montana MVD Title Requirements:

  • If the vehicle is coming from a state that mandates notarization

  • If a bonded title is being pursued due to missing documentation

  • If ownership is being transferred via power of attorney or court order

Notarization is recommended for business buyers as an added layer of fraud prevention in high-value or contested sales.

Recommendation for Business Buyers

Whether your business is acquiring vehicles from Montana or transferring titles for resale, handling title work accurately and promptly is essential to protect your investment and ensure road use.

For smoother transactions, consider working with a Montana-based registration service that understands the intricacies of commercial title processing and compliance. Outsourcing this function can reduce errors, shorten turnaround times, and free up internal staff to focus on customer operations.

To learn more about business registration and title solutions, visit the Montana Department of Justice Vehicle Services Bureau or connect with a licensed agent at Montana Registration Services.