Required Paperwork

To protect yourself and expedite the title-transfer process, Montana's Motor Vehicle Division suggests that you take the following steps:

• Secure the title and registration receipt from the seller. If you are purchasing a new car, the dealership will submit all of this information to your county treasurer's office. Although not mandatory, having a copy of your bill of sale is suggested.

• The vehicle's title must be signed by all registered owners and all signatures must be notarized.

• If the vehicle is nine years old or older, the seller must provide an odometer reading either on the title itself or on a separate document.

• Make sure there are no active liens on the vehicle and that all have been released.

• Collar a copy of the vehicle's last registration receipt. This is very important in protecting yourself from any out-of-the-blue back taxes or fees.

• Double check that the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the title matches the number etched into the vehicle. If the numbers do not match, you will need to immediately drop anchor on the purchase until the legal owner is verified. This is one of those seemingly minor procedures that should not be overlooked. The possible long-term hassle that such a discrepancy can cause makes it not worth skipping.

• You must apply for your new car's title and registration within 20 days of the purchase at your county treasurer's office.

Buying a Vehicle Without a Registration

If you buy a vehicle without a registration, to register it in your name you will need:

• An Affidavit/Application for Title With Insufficient Evidence of Ownership or Bonded Certificate of Title. The surety bond section only applies to dealers.

• A completed Vehicle Identification Number Inspection Certificate.

• Any proof of ownership such as a bill of sale, canceled check, or copy of your registration certificate.

• All applicable fees (these are listed on the application).

Drop all of this off in person at your local county treasurer's office.

Buying a Vehicle Without a Title

If you've bought a vehicle and the seller did not provide you with the title, then to obtain a title in your name you must submit:

• An Affidavit/Application for Title With Insufficient Evidence of Ownership or Bonded Certificate of Title. The surety bond section only applies to dealers.

• A completed Vehicle Identification Number Inspection Certificate.

• Any proof of ownership such as a bill of sale, canceled check, or copy of the title.

• All applicable fees (these are listed on the application).

Mail all of this to:

• Title and Registration Bureau

• Motor Vehicle Division

• Montana Department of Justice

• 1003 Buckskin Drive

• Deer Lodge, MT 59722

Bill of Sale

Though a bill of sale is not required for registering and titling your vehicle, it's always smart to keep a copy of one for your records. You'll probably never need it, but if you do you'll be glad you have it on file. You can easily download a copy of this document from our Bill of Sale page.

Your Opinion Matters To Us!