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When buying a car from a private seller in Montana, obtaining the original Certificate of Title is the most critical step. The seller must sign the back of the title in the "Assignment of Title" section. As the buyer, you must also sign this section. Important: The seller's signature must be notarized. Do not purchase the vehicle if the seller has not had their signature notarized on the title, as the County Treasurer's office will reject the transfer.
Montana generally does not require a safety or emissions inspection for vehicle registration. This lack of state-mandated inspection makes it entirely your responsibility to ensure the vehicle is safe. It is highly recommended to arrange a pre-purchase inspection with a trusted mechanic before finalizing the sale. The only exception is if you are titling a salvage vehicle, which requires a specific inspection by law enforcement.
Yes, a Bill of Sale is required to register the vehicle. While the notarized title is the primary legal document, the county uses the Bill of Sale to verify the purchase price and calculate any applicable fees. The Bill of Sale should include the vehicle description (VIN, make, model, year), the sale price, the date of sale, and the notarized signatures of both the buyer and seller.
Montana does not have a general statewide sales tax on vehicles. However, some counties may have a local option tax. Instead of sales tax, you will pay registration fees based on the age and type of the vehicle.
Light Vehicle Registration Fee: For cars and light trucks, this fee varies by age (e.g., $217 for vehicles 0-4 years old, $87 for 5-10 years old, and $28 for vehicles 11+ years old).
County Option Tax: Check with your local County Treasurer, as some counties add a percentage tax based on the vehicle's depreciated value.
You cannot legally drive the car using the seller's license plates, as plates in Montana typically stay with the original owner. To drive the vehicle legally immediately after purchase, you should obtain a 40-Day Temporary Registration Permit from the County Treasurer's office or a clearly executed Bill of Sale that serves as a temporary permit for a very short grace period (check local enforcement). It is safest to visit the Treasurer's office immediately to get the temporary permit.
You have 40 days from the date of purchase to apply for a title and register the vehicle at your local County Treasurer’s office. If you wait longer than 40 days, you may face late fees and potential legal issues if caught driving without proper registration.
To complete the title transfer and registration, go to your local County Treasurer's office and bring:
The original Montana title, with the seller's signature notarized.
A completed and notarized Bill of Sale.
A completed Application for Certificate of Title (Form MV1), signed by you.
Your valid driver's license.
Proof of Montana auto insurance.
Payment for the title fee ($12) and applicable registration fees.
Navigate Montana's Private Car Market: Tips, Documents, and Safety Advice.
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