How to Fill Out Montana MVD Vehicle Bill of Sale (w/Examples) + FAQs

The Montana Vehicle Bill of Sale, Form MV24, is the document that records the sale of a vehicle or vessel between a private seller and a buyer in Montana. It captures the price, the vehicle details, and the legal signatures of both parties so the buyer can title and register the vehicle at a County Treasurer’s office. The current version is MV24 (2/24), and the revision date prints in the bottom corner of the form so you can confirm you have the right one.

Most people fill this form out during a private, person-to-person sale, often while feeling rushed and worried about getting the paperwork right. A small slip, like a wrong digit in the VIN or a missing seller signature, can stall a title transfer for weeks and even leave the seller on the hook for tickets the buyer racks up. In fact, Montana gives buyers only 40 days from the sale date to transfer ownership before a late fee kicks in, so accuracy on this single page matters more than it looks.

Here is what you will learn in this guide:

• 📋 What the MV24 is, who must sign it, and the exact box-by-box meaning of every field
• 🚗 How to handle tricky cases like a lost title, an electronic title, or a vehicle sold “for parts only”
• ✍️ When a notary is required and when your plain signature is enough
• 🏛️ How to file the completed form with your County Treasurer, including fees, deadlines, and proof to keep
• ⚠️ The most common mistakes that cause rejections and how to avoid every one of them

What the Form Is and Who Must File It

The Montana Vehicle Bill of Sale (MV24) is the official record that ownership of a vehicle or vessel passed from a seller to a buyer for a stated price. It is issued by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), a part of the Montana Department of Justice, and it supports the title-transfer process handled at each County Treasurer’s office. The form proves the sale happened, names both parties, and locks in the price and date that the county uses to process the new title.

The people who complete this form are the seller (the owner whose name is on the Certificate of Title) and the buyer (the purchaser who will title the vehicle next). Montana law makes clear that you cannot sell a vehicle unless it is titled and registered in your name, or you hold a dealer’s license. That rule comes from the state’s titling statutes, and the practical consequence is direct: if you sign an MV24 for a vehicle that is not titled to you, the county will reject the transfer and the buyer cannot register the car.

A common misconception is that the MV24 alone transfers ownership. It does not. The bill of sale is a supporting record; the legal transfer happens when the buyer applies for a new title using the Application for Certificate of Title (MV1) and pays the fees at the County Treasurer. Think of the MV24 as the receipt and sworn statement that makes the rest of the paperwork stick.

One special power this form carries is the electronic record transfer. When the seller does not physically hold a paper title because Montana keeps it as an electronic record, a properly completed MV24 lets the owner authorize the transfer without the paper certificate. This is set out in § 61-3-220, MCA, and it is one of the most useful features of the current form.

Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need

Filling out the MV24 goes fast when you gather everything first. Stopping halfway to dig for a VIN or a driver license number invites errors and smudges, and Montana counties can reject a form that has been altered or scratched out. Use blue or black ink only, and keep the page clean.

Here is the pre-filing checklist of what to have in hand before you write a single word:

• The Certificate of Title — confirms you are the legal owner and gives the exact year, make, model, and VIN; without it you may need a replacement first.
• The Vehicle/Hull Identification Number (VIN) — the unique 17-character code that identifies the vehicle; a single wrong digit can void the transfer.
• The agreed sale price — the dollar amount of “consideration” the buyer pays; the county uses it and a low or blank figure raises questions.
• The seller’s driver license, FEIN, or Tribal ID number — required to identify the seller; a missing ID number leaves the form incomplete.
• The buyer’s driver license, FEIN, or Tribal ID number — required to identify the purchaser; the buyer cannot register without being correctly named here.
• Both parties’ full legal names and current addresses — must match the title and the MV1; mismatched names trigger holds.
• The odometer reading and Odometer Disclosure Statement (MV90A) — needed for any vehicle model year 2011 or newer; skipping it stalls the transfer.
• A notary, if applicable — required only for an electronic records transfer or when used with a Break/Bond Title (MV10); the wrong assumption here causes a rejected form.
• A lien release (MV37A), if there was a loan — proves the vehicle is clear of claims; an unresolved lien lets the lender claim the car from the buyer.

Gathering these items also protects the seller. Montana advises sellers to keep a written record of the sale showing the buyer’s name, address, license number, price, and date, and the MV24 itself serves as that record. If a dispute or a parking ticket arises later, this page is your proof of when you stopped owning the vehicle.

Where to Get the Form and How to Access It

The MV24 is free and available from the state. You can download the fillable PDF directly from the MVD forms and manuals page, which hosts the current 2/24 revision. Always pull the form from the official MVD site rather than a random template site, because counties reject altered or outdated versions.

You have three practical ways to get a clean copy. First, download and type into the fillable PDF on a computer, then print it for signatures. Second, print a blank copy and complete it by hand in blue or black ink. Third, pick up a paper copy at your local County Treasurer’s office if you prefer to fill it out in person.

If you plan to complete the form electronically, type carefully and review every field on screen before printing, because signatures must still be added by hand (or by notary when required). A common misconception is that an on-screen typed name counts as a signature. It does not. The seller and buyer must physically sign the printed page.

For questions about a specific situation, the MVD lists a direct line. You can email mvdtitleinfo@mt.gov or call 406-444-3661, and the Vehicle Services Bureau sits at P.O. Box 201431, Helena, MT 59620-1431. Keep that contact handy in case your sale has an unusual wrinkle, such as a trust, a business seller, or an out-of-state title.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form MV24 Line by Line

The MV24 reads from top to bottom in a single flow: the price, the buyer block, the vehicle description, the special-condition checkboxes, the odometer acknowledgment, the certifications, the signatures, and the notary block. Complete every field, because the form states in bold that it “must be completed in its entirety.” Below is each field in the order it appears on the page.

Field 1: Sale Price (“I received the sum of $___”)

This top line asks how much money the buyer paid. In plain English, it is the sale price, called “consideration” in legal terms. Write the full dollar amount in numbers, such as $8,500, on the blank line after “I received the sum of.”

The form adds “and other valuable consideration,” which covers trades or extras beyond cash, so you do not need to itemize a trade-in here. As an example, Maria Sandoval sells her pickup for nine thousand dollars and writes $9,000 on this line.

A nuance comes up with gifts and family transfers. If the vehicle is a true gift, some sellers write $0 or $1, but a zero or token price can prompt the county to ask follow-up questions about value, so be ready to explain. The most common mistake here is leaving the price blank, which makes the form incomplete and gives the county no figure to record, stalling the transfer. A misconception is that writing a low price saves the buyer money on fees; Montana registration fees are based largely on vehicle age and type, not the bill-of-sale price, so a falsely low number creates risk without the imagined benefit.

Field 2: Purchaser (Buyer’s Name)

This field asks who is buying the vehicle. Write the buyer’s full legal name as it will appear on the new title. For example, James R. Whitefeather writes his name exactly as it reads on his driver license.

The buyer named here must be the same buyer listed on the Application for Title (MV1); Montana requires the names to match across all the paperwork. If two people are buying together, list both names here. The most common mistake is using a nickname or an abbreviated name that does not match the buyer’s ID, which forces the county to reject the transfer until corrected. A misconception is that the buyer’s name can be filled in later by the county clerk; it cannot, because the seller is certifying the transfer to a specific named person.

Field 3: Purchaser’s DL/FEIN/Tribal ID/Corp ID

This field asks for the buyer’s identifying number. Enter the buyer’s Driver License number, or a Federal Employer Identification Number for a business, a Tribal Identification Card number, or a Corporate ID number, whichever applies. For instance, James R. Whitefeather enters his Montana driver license number exactly as printed.

The county uses this number to tie the buyer to a verified identity, which prevents fraud and duplicate records. If the buyer is a company, use the FEIN instead of a personal license. The most common mistake is transposing digits, which can flag a mismatch and delay processing. A misconception is that any ID number works; the buyer should provide a number that matches the type of buyer they are, so a business uses its FEIN or Corp ID, not a manager’s personal license.

Field 4: Purchaser’s Address

This field asks where the buyer lives or is based. Write the buyer’s current mailing address, including street, city, state, and ZIP. For example, James R. Whitefeather writes 412 Birch Lane, Missoula, MT 59801.

The address must match what the buyer puts on the title application, because the county mails the new title and registration documents there. If the buyer has only a P.O. Box, list it, but be ready to add a physical address if the county asks for residency. The most common mistake is using an old or temporary address, which means the title can arrive at the wrong place. A misconception is that the address does not matter much; it sets the buyer’s county of residence, and the vehicle must be registered in that county.

Field 5: Vehicle Description — Year

This field asks for the model year of the vehicle. Enter the four-digit year exactly as shown on the title, such as 2015. Pull it from the Certificate of Title rather than guessing from memory.

The year, along with make, model, and VIN, identifies the exact vehicle being sold. The most common mistake is confusing the model year with the year the seller bought the car, which creates a mismatch with the title. A misconception is that the year is decorative; it actually affects registration fees, since Montana charges different amounts based on a vehicle’s age.

Field 6: Vehicle Description — Make

This field asks for the manufacturer of the vehicle. Write the make as it appears on the title, such as Ford or Toyota. Use the same spelling and form the state uses on the title.

For example, Maria Sandoval writes Ford for her F-150 pickup. The most common mistake is writing a sub-brand instead of the make, such as putting Mustang where the make should read Ford. A misconception is that make and model are interchangeable; the make is the company, and the model is the specific line, and the county expects them in the right boxes.

Field 7: Vehicle Description — Model

This field asks for the specific model of the vehicle. Enter the model name from the title, such as F-150, Camry, or Silverado. Match the title’s wording so the records line up.

As an example, Maria Sandoval writes F-150 in the model box. The most common mistake is leaving this blank because the seller assumes the make is enough; an incomplete description can trigger a request for more information. A misconception is that the trim level belongs here; the county wants the base model name, not the trim package, unless the title shows it.

Field 8: Vehicle/Hull Identification Number (VIN)

This field asks for the unique identifier of the vehicle or boat. Copy the full Vehicle Identification Number, usually 17 characters, exactly from the title, or the Hull Identification Number for a vessel. For example, Maria Sandoval writes 1FTEW1EP5FKD12345 character by character.

Double-check the VIN against the title and, ideally, against the VIN plate on the vehicle, because Montana warns buyers to confirm the two match to avoid fraud. The most common mistake is a single wrong or missing character, which voids the match and stops the transfer cold. A misconception is that a partial VIN is acceptable; the county needs the complete number, since it is the legal fingerprint of the vehicle.

Field 9: “Sold for parts only” (Yes/No)

This checkbox asks whether the vehicle is being sold only for parts rather than as a drivable car. Check Yes if the vehicle is sold for parts, or No if it is a working vehicle. Most ordinary sales check No.

For example, Dwayne Carter buys a wrecked sedan for the engine and parts, so the seller checks Yes. The most common mistake is leaving this blank, which leaves the vehicle’s status unclear and can stall processing. A misconception is that checking “parts only” is just a formality; it changes how the vehicle can be titled and may affect whether it can be registered for road use at all.

Field 10: Title Available (Yes/No) and Mechanically Functional Value

This field asks whether a title is available and, if not, certifies the vehicle’s condition and value. Check Yes if you have the title to hand over. If you check No, you must certify the vehicle is not “mechanically functional” and write its current value in dollars, such as $600.

The form defines “mechanically functional” as needing only minor reconditioning, so a non-running parts car may fit the “No” path. For example, Dwayne Carter’s seller checks No, certifies the car is not mechanically functional, and writes the value as $600. The most common mistake is checking “No” on a perfectly drivable car simply because the seller misplaced the title; that misstates the vehicle’s condition and can amount to a false certification. A misconception is that “Title Available: No” is a quick shortcut around a lost title; for a running vehicle, the correct path is usually a replacement title (MV7), not this box.

Field 11: Odometer Acknowledgment (Buyer)

This field is the buyer’s acknowledgment of the seller’s odometer disclosure. The line reads, “I (purchaser) am aware of the odometer certification made by the seller above.” For vehicles model year 2011 or newer, the actual mileage is disclosed on the separate Odometer Disclosure Statement (MV90A), and this line confirms the buyer saw it.

For example, James R. Whitefeather reviews the MV90A showing 84,210 miles and acknowledges it here. The most common mistake is skipping the MV90A for a 2011-or-newer vehicle, which leaves a federally required mileage disclosure missing and stalls the title. A misconception is that older vehicles never need mileage disclosure; while many are exempt, the safe move is to disclose whenever the model year is 2011 or newer.

Field 12: Purchaser’s Signature, Date, and Printed Name

This field is where the buyer signs. The buyer signs on the “Purchaser’s Signature” line, writes the date, and prints their name below where it says “Purchaser’s printed name.” The form notes “This is my legal signature,” so the signature must be genuine.

For example, James R. Whitefeather signs in ink, dates it 06/06/2026, and prints JAMES R. WHITEFEATHER underneath. The most common mistake is the buyer forgetting to print their name under the signature, which leaves the clerk unable to read who signed. A misconception is that the buyer’s signature is optional because the seller is the one transferring ownership; the buyer’s acknowledgment of the odometer and the sale is part of a complete form.

Field 13: Electronic Title Acknowledgment

This block applies when the seller does not hold a paper title because Montana keeps an electronic record. By signing the form, the seller certifies three things under § 61-3-220, MCA: they are not in possession of the title, they own the vehicle and authorize the transfer, and they have not already transferred it to someone else for sale.

For example, Maria Sandoval paid off her loan and Montana holds her title electronically, so she relies on this section to authorize the transfer without a paper certificate. The consequence of ignoring this when it applies is that the buyer cannot complete an electronic records transfer and may be sent back to obtain a paper title first. A misconception is that everyone signs this block; it matters specifically when the title is an electronic record and the seller has no paper copy. Note that an electronic records transfer is one of the two situations that require notarization on the MV24.

Field 14: Seller’s Certifications

Just above the seller’s signature, the form lists sworn certifications. The seller certifies they have the right to sell the vehicle and will defend the title against all claims except a noted secured party, and that all statements are true under penalty of law per § 45-7-203, MCA.

In plain terms, the seller is swearing they truly own the vehicle and are telling the truth. The consequence of a false statement is serious: § 45-7-203 makes unsworn falsification to authorities a criminal offense, so lying on this form can lead to prosecution. For example, Maria Sandoval reads these lines and confirms she has no hidden co-owner before signing. A misconception is that this is boilerplate no one reads; it is a legal oath, and the penalty clause is real.

Field 15: Seller’s Signature, Date, Printed Name, ID, and Address

This is the seller’s signature block. The seller signs on the “Seller’s Signature” line, dates it, prints their name, and enters their DL/FEIN/Tribal ID/Corp ID and address. The form states in bold that “all owners must sign,” so every owner listed on the title must sign here.

For example, Maria Sandoval signs, dates it 06/06/2026, prints MARIA SANDOVAL, enters her driver license number, and writes 77 Cedar Street, Bozeman, MT 59715. The most common mistake is one spouse signing when both names are on the title; if all owners do not sign, the transfer is invalid. A misconception is that the seller can sign for a co-owner; each owner must sign personally unless a valid Power of Attorney is on file.

Field 16: Notary Block

This section is completed by a notary public, and only in specific cases. The form states a notary is required only when the MV24 is used with an Application for Break/Bond Title (MV10) or when an electronic records transfer occurs. The notary fills in the state, county, the date signed, the signer’s printed name, the notary’s signature, and the stamp or seal.

For example, Maria Sandoval’s sale involves an electronic title, so she signs the MV24 in front of a notary, who then completes this block. The notary’s own instruction on the form is clear: do not notarize unless the document is signed in their presence and the signer’s printed name is listed. The most common mistake is getting the form notarized when it was not needed, wasting time, or skipping the notary when it was required, which voids the electronic transfer. A misconception is that every Montana bill of sale must be notarized; for an ordinary private sale with a paper title in hand, no notary is required.

Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios

Seeing the form completed end to end makes the steps click. Below are three common scenarios, each following one person through the key fields of the MV24.

Scenario 1 — Standard private sale, paper title in hand. James R. Whitefeather buys a 2015 Ford F-150 from Maria Sandoval for $9,000. Maria has the paper title, so no notary is needed.

Form Section	What Maria and James Enter
Sale price	$9,000
Purchaser	James R. Whitefeather
Purchaser DL/ID	Montana DL 0512345678
Purchaser address	412 Birch Lane, Missoula, MT 59801
Year / Make / Model	2015 / Ford / F-150
VIN	1FTEW1EP5FKD12345
Sold for parts only	No
Title available	Yes
Odometer (MV90A)	Buyer acknowledges 84,210 miles
Seller signature	Maria Sandoval, 06/06/2026 (no notary)

Scenario 2 — Electronic title, seller has no paper copy. Robert Nguyen sells his 2019 Toyota Camry to Aisha Bell for $14,500. Montana holds the title electronically, so Robert uses the electronic title acknowledgment and signs before a notary.

Form Section	What Robert and Aisha Enter
Sale price	$14,500
Purchaser	Aisha Bell
Purchaser DL/ID	Montana DL 0698765432
Purchaser address	905 Pine Street, Helena, MT 59601
Year / Make / Model	2019 / Toyota / Camry
VIN	4T1B11HK7KU712345
Title available	No (electronic record)
Electronic title block	Robert certifies he is not in possession and authorizes transfer
Odometer (MV90A)	Buyer acknowledges 41,300 miles
Notary block	Completed; Robert signs in notary’s presence

Scenario 3 — Vehicle sold “for parts only,” not mechanically functional. Dwayne Carter buys a wrecked 2008 Honda Civic from Frank Ortiz for $600 to use for parts. Frank checks the parts and condition boxes.

Form Section	What Frank and Dwayne Enter
Sale price	$600
Purchaser	Dwayne Carter
Purchaser DL/ID	Montana DL 0477112233
Purchaser address	18 Willow Road, Butte, MT 59701
Year / Make / Model	2008 / Honda / Civic
VIN	2HGFG12608H512345
Sold for parts only	Yes
Title available	No, certifies not mechanically functional
Certified value	$600
Seller signature	Frank Ortiz, 06/06/2026

How to File the Completed Form

The MV24 is not mailed in by itself; it travels with the buyer’s title-and-registration paperwork to the County Treasurer. The buyer brings the bill of sale together with the title (or replacement title), the Application for Certificate of Title (MV1), the MV90A odometer statement if the vehicle is model year 2011 or newer, a valid driver license, and proof of insurance. Below is how each channel works.

In person at the County Treasurer’s office (recommended). Go to the Treasurer’s office in the buyer’s county of residence. The best practice, per MVD guidance, is for the seller and buyer to go together so the seller can sign off in front of the clerk. The buyer pays the fees, gets new plates, and walks out with the transfer underway. Keep the stamped receipt as proof of filing.

By mail to the Vehicle Services Bureau. Some documents, such as the Application for Replacement Certificate of Title (MV7), are mailed to the Vehicle Services Bureau at P.O. Box 201431, Helena, MT 59620-1431. Mailing adds processing time, so use certified mail and keep the receipt as your proof.

Fees and payment. A title application costs about $10.30, with a title transfer fee around $12 for light vehicles, plus registration fees that vary by the vehicle’s age. As a guide, registration-related costs for a family transfer run roughly $217 for a vehicle 0–4 years old, $87 for 5–10 years, and $28 for 11 years or older. County Treasurer offices accept cash, check, and usually card; confirm with your county.

Deadline and proof to keep. The buyer has 40 days from the sale date to transfer ownership, and a $10 late fee applies after that. Keep a copy of the signed MV24 and the Treasurer’s receipt; the seller should also retain a copy as a record of the sale.

What Happens After You File

Once the buyer files the MV24 with the MV1 and pays the fees, the County Treasurer processes the transfer and issues new registration and plates on the spot for in-person filings. The new Certificate of Title is then produced by the Vehicle Services Bureau and mailed to the buyer, or, if the vehicle is financed, the title may be held electronically or sent to the lienholder. The buyer leaves with proof of registration so the vehicle can be driven legally right away.

For the seller, the sale is effectively done once ownership transfers. Montana tells sellers they do not need to notify the County Treasurer that they sold the vehicle, and they can ignore any future registration renewal notice that still arrives by mail. The seller should, however, cancel the vehicle’s insurance after confirming the transfer.

If anything was missing or wrong, such as an unsigned line, a VIN typo, or a missing MV90A, the county sends the paperwork back or holds it until corrected. This is why the buyer should review the MV24 before leaving the seller. A quick check at the kitchen table beats a second trip to the Treasurer’s office.

Keep your records for the long term. The seller’s copy of the MV24 is the best defense if a parking ticket, toll, or liability question surfaces after the sale, because it shows the exact date ownership changed hands and who took over the vehicle.

Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form

Each field on the MV24 is its own chance to slip up, and a single error can send the buyer back to the Treasurer. Watch for these specific mistakes.

• Leaving the sale price blank — the form is incomplete and the county has no figure to record, so the transfer stalls.
• Writing a wrong or partial VIN — the vehicle cannot be matched to the title, and the transfer is rejected.
• Using a nickname for the buyer — the name will not match the MV1 and title, forcing a redo.
• Only one owner signing when two are on the title — the transfer is invalid because all owners must sign.
• Skipping the buyer’s printed name — the clerk cannot confirm who signed, delaying processing.
• Forgetting the MV90A odometer statement for a 2011-or-newer vehicle — a required mileage disclosure is missing, and the title is held.
• Getting the form notarized when no notary is needed — wasted time and money on an ordinary paper-title sale.
• Skipping the notary on an electronic records transfer — the transfer cannot legally proceed.
• Using white-out or scratching out entries — alterations can void the form, since counties may reject altered documents.
• Checking “Title Available: No” on a drivable car — this misstates the vehicle’s condition and can be a false certification.
• Putting an outdated buyer address — the new title is mailed to the wrong place.
• Missing the 40-day transfer deadline — the buyer owes a $10 late fee on top of the regular cost.

Do’s and Don’ts

A few simple habits keep the MV24 clean and accepted on the first try.

Do’s

• Do use blue or black ink only — counties require it and reject altered forms.
• Do copy the VIN directly from the title — it prevents the single most common rejection.
• Do have all listed owners sign — the form is invalid without every owner’s signature.
• Do complete the MV90A for 2011-or-newer vehicles — it satisfies the mileage disclosure rule.
• Do keep a copy for your records — it protects the seller from later liability claims.
• Do go to the Treasurer together when possible — the seller can sign before the clerk and the buyer leaves with plates.

Don’ts

• Don’t leave any field blank — the form must be completed in its entirety.
• Don’t notarize an ordinary paper-title sale — it is only required for electronic transfers or a Break/Bond Title.
• Don’t understate the price to dodge fees — Montana fees hinge on vehicle age, not the sale price, so it only adds risk.
• Don’t let the buyer drive off with your plates — plates belong to the seller, who can be liable for later violations.
• Don’t sell a vehicle not titled in your name — it is illegal without a dealer license.
• Don’t erase or white-out mistakes — start a fresh form instead to avoid voiding it.

Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help

Most private sellers handle the MV24 themselves, but some use a title service or have the County Treasurer guide them. Here is how the choices compare.

Pros of filing on your own

• It is free — the MV24 and most companion forms cost nothing to download.
• It is fast for simple sales — a clean paper-title sale takes minutes to complete.
• You control accuracy — you copy the VIN and names yourself instead of relying on a third party.
• No middleman delays — you go straight to the Treasurer without waiting on a service.
• You learn the process — useful if you buy or sell vehicles more than once.

Cons of filing on your own

• Mistakes cost trips — a single error can mean a return visit to the Treasurer.
• Tricky cases get confusing — liens, electronic titles, and trusts can trip up a first-timer.
• You manage the notary yourself — for electronic transfers, you must arrange and pay for one.
• No one double-checks your work — there is no safety net before you submit.
• Deadline risk is on you — missing the 40-day window adds a late fee.

FAQs

Do I need a notary for a regular Montana bill of sale?

No. A notary is required only for an electronic records transfer or when the MV24 is used with an Application for Break/Bond Title (MV10). An ordinary paper-title private sale needs no notary.

Does the MV24 transfer ownership by itself?

No. The bill of sale supports the transfer, but ownership legally changes when the buyer applies for a new title with the MV1 and pays fees at the County Treasurer’s office.

Do I write the buyer’s full name or a nickname in the Purchaser box?

Yes, use the buyer’s full legal name exactly as it appears on their driver license and on the MV1, because mismatched names cause the transfer to be rejected.

Do I need to fill out the odometer line for an older vehicle?

No, the separate MV90A disclosure is required for vehicles model year 2011 or newer, but it is wise to disclose mileage whenever you are unsure.

Does the “Title Available: No” box work if I just lost my title?

No. For a drivable vehicle with a lost title, apply for a replacement title (MV7); the “No” path certifies the vehicle is not mechanically functional.

Do both spouses need to sign if both names are on the title?

Yes. The form states all owners must sign, so every owner listed on the Certificate of Title must sign personally for a valid transfer.

Do I include cents in the sale price box?

Yes, you may write the exact amount such as $8,500.00, but a whole-dollar figure like $9,000 is fine; the key is that the price is not left blank.

Does a business buyer use a personal driver license number?

No. A business should enter its FEIN or Corporate ID in the DL/FEIN/Tribal ID/Corp ID field rather than a manager’s personal license number.

Do I leave my license plates on the vehicle for the buyer?

No. Plates belong to the seller, not the vehicle; remove them before the buyer drives off, or you may be liable for later tickets.

Does the buyer have a deadline to title the vehicle?

Yes. The buyer has 40 days from the sale date to transfer ownership, after which Montana adds a $10 late fee to the cost.

Do I have to notify the county that I sold my car?

No. Montana says sellers do not need to notify the County Treasurer of a sale and can ignore future registration renewal notices for that vehicle.

Does writing a low price on the bill of sale lower the buyer’s fees?

No. Montana registration costs are based mainly on the vehicle’s age and type, not the sale price, so a false low price adds legal risk without saving money.

Do I need the MV24 if I already have the reassigned title?

Yes, in many cases; the MV24 is a recommended written record of the sale and is required to authorize an electronic records transfer when there is no paper title.