Montana Car Bill of Sale: Form MV-24 + Requirements
Montana recommends a bill of sale for private vehicle transfers. The state publishes Form MV-24 (Bill of Sale). Montana's structural advantage: no general state sales tax — only nominal county fees and a permanent registration option for older cars.
Is a bill of sale required in Montana?
Recommended but not strictly required.
Notarization
Not required for the bill of sale. Notarization is sometimes required for the title in specific scenarios (varies).
State-specific form
Form MV-24 (Bill of Sale) is Montana's optional bill of sale template. Available at dojmt.gov.
The bill of sale should include:
- Seller's full legal name, address
- Buyer's full legal name, address
- Vehicle year, make, model, body type, VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price
- Date of sale
- Both signatures
Sales tax implications
Montana has no general state sales tax on vehicle sales. The buyer pays a county option tax (varies by county) plus permanent registration fees. Montana's permanent registration option for cars 11+ years old means a one-time fee instead of annual registration.
The buyer pays at the county treasurer at title transfer.
State-specific seller disclosures
- Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old
- No statewide emissions testing: Montana doesn't require periodic emissions inspection
- Salvage title disclosure: required if branded
- No sales tax: a meaningful Montana advantage; mention to out-of-state buyers (note: the buyer's home state's tax applies if they register elsewhere)
Where to file
The buyer files at the county treasurer's office in their county of residence.
For a more complete national reference, see the national bill of sale guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale in Montana?
Recommended but not strictly required.
Does Montana require a notarized bill of sale?
No.
Does Montana have sales tax on car sales?
No general state sales tax. Buyers pay county option tax and registration fees. Montana's permanent registration for cars 11+ years old is unique.
What form do I use?
Form MV-24 (Montana Bill of Sale) or any generic template.
Where do I file the bill of sale in Montana?
At the county treasurer's office in the buyer's county of residence.
Does Montana require emissions testing?
No.
What if I lost the title in Montana?
Apply for a duplicate at the county treasurer's office.
Should I disclose flaws on the bill of sale?
The "as-is" disclosure covers most. Disclose salvage or rebuilt status and major defects.
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