Montana Motor Vehicle Title Transfers

How to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Montana Title Transfers Made Easy

Purchasing a new vehicle can be an exciting time. Whether it’s your first car purchase or your fifth, however, it’s important to make sure that you take care of all the paperwork necessary to legally drive your new vehicle in the state of Montana! One such task is transferring the title to your name so you can take legal ownership of the vehicle. This step is vital, and until it is completed, the vehicle isn’t truly your own, which is why we recommend completing a title transfer sooner rather than later.

Obtain the Necessary Paperwork

To transfer a vehicle title in Montana, you will need:

  • The current vehicle title
  • Bill of Sale
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement

Complete the Title Application

You’ll need a Montana vehicle title application (Form MV1), accessible online. Complete the form with the required information before your MVD Express title transfer appointment.

Complete the Bill of Sale

A bill of sale is a legal document that serves as proof of purchase and is used to document the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. It should include the vehicle’s VIN, make and model, the sale price, and the signatures of both parties. 

Complete the Odometer Disclosure Statement

The Odometer Disclosure Statement is a document that records the mileage on the vehicle at the time of sale. It is required for all vehicles less than 10 years old and must be signed by both the buyer and the seller. 

Pay the Required Fees

In addition to transferring the title of your vehicle, you are also responsible for paying the associated fees, including excise tax, a titling fee, a registration fee, and the MVD Express convenience fee. If you do not title your vehicle within 30 days, you will also be responsible for paying any late fees that apply.

Submit the Paperwork

Once you have completed all the necessary forms and paid the fees, submit everything along with the current title to MVD Express for paperwork processing and a new title in your name!

Titling A Vehicle

A vehicle title is a legal document that establishes ownership of a vehicle. It contains important information such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), make and model, and the name of the registered owner. A title is required for all vehicles in Montana, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and recreational vehicles.
Things to Keep in Mind
  • The title transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale or purchase of the vehicle.
  • If the vehicle is financed, the title will be held by the lienholder until the loan is paid off.
  • Both the buyer and the seller must sign the title.
  • If the title is lost or destroyed, you must apply for a duplicate title before the transfer can be completed.

If you have any questions, the team at MVD Express is here to help! Call or visit to speak with a friendly, knowledgeable team member.

Why Do You Need to Transfer a Vehicle Title?

There are a few reasons why you might need to transfer a vehicle title. If you are buying a vehicle, the previous owner will need to sign over the current title into your name to establish legal ownership. On the other hand, if you are selling a vehicle, you will need to be the one signing the transfer to the new owner to release your ownership and any liability associated with the vehicle. It is also important to transfer the title in case of inheritance or gifting of a vehicle. 

 
Visit MVD Express

Transferring a vehicle title in Montana can be simple and straightforward when you work with MVD Express to handle all the paperwork necessary! For more information, contact your local MVD Express in Montana or schedule an appointment online today.

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