How to Transfer Ownership of a Car in Montana

Montana requires all vehicles in the state to have a title in the owner's name. When ownership changes as a result of a sale, gift, inheritance or simple name change, ownership must be transferred. The state requirements aren't all that complicated, but it's good to know what you're dealing with.

If you are buying a car

If you are buying a car in Montana from a private seller, you will need to follow a few steps to transfer ownership.

• Make sure the seller completes the back of the title and provides it to you with their signature. Please note that it must be notarized.
• Make sure you and the seller complete the bill of sale, which includes important information such as the amount paid, the date of sale, your names and signatures. This must also be notarized.
• Get a lien from the seller if there is a lien on the title.
• Get car insurance.
• Complete an application for a vehicle title deed.
• Bring all this information to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. You will need to pay $12 to name the vehicle.

Common Mistakes

• Do not get release from arrest
• Lack of a notarized title and bill of sale

If you are selling a car

For sellers, transferring ownership of a car in Montana requires several different steps. This includes:

• Fill in the reverse side of the name and fill in all required fields. Notarize the title of ownership before handing it over to the buyer.
• Work with the buyer to complete the bill of sale and have it notarized (with your signature and the buyer's signature).
• Give the buyer a release from the bond.

Common Mistakes

• Failure to provide the buyer with a release from the bond

For inherited and donated vehicles in Montana

Montana makes the gifting process quite easy. This is the same as above, but the sale price on the bill of sale and on the back of the title must be $0. However, legacy cars are different. You'll need:

• Original title
• Application for issuance of a certificate of ownership of a car

Extra charges:

• Note that if the property was bequeathed and there was only one name in the title, the executor handles the process. If a title has had multiple owners, the surviving owner(s) disposes of it.
• Note that if the property has not been bequeathed, the process will be the same, except there will be no executor.

For more information on how to transfer ownership of a car in Montana, visit the State Department of Justice website.