Title Transfers

What is a Title Transfer?

A title is a legal document that indicates ownership of property, such as a vehicle. When a vehicle is sold, a title transfer must be done so that the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) knows who now owns the vehicle. These transactions take place at county treasurer's office, and should be done within 20 days of the change of ownership.

Here are some common reasons to initiate a title transfer procedure:

• Buying a vehicle

• Selling a vehicle

• Paying off a loan

• Transferring a vehicle to a family member

• Donating a vehicle to a charity

• Giving a vehicle to an individual

• Inheriting a vehicle

• Making a name correction to a title

Selling a Vehicle

Buyers are often apprehensive before purchasing a used vehicle, and with good reason. If you're selling a vehicle, giving a prospective buyer a copy of the vehicle history report is an effective way of reducing this anxiety level, and can lead to a quicker sale.

Once you've sold the vehicle, you'll process the title transfer by:

1. Locating the title.
2. Completing the applicable sections.
3. Signing and dating it before a notary public.
4. Filling out a bill of sale form.
5. Handing over the documents to the buyer, who will finish the transaction by following the instructions listed below.

Buying a Vehicle

New Cars

When buying a vehicle from a dealer, your title transfer will be handled by the dealer.

If you're haven't decided on a vehicle, conducting an online search is a quick and efficient way to see what's available on the market.

Used Cars

It pays to be smart when buying a used car, and proceeding with caution is prudent.

Searching online for a pre-owned vehicle allows you to easily dig up the type of information that leads to sound decision-making. Of course, once you've narrowed your choices, purchasing a vehicle history report or two on the vehicles you're focused on is also a wise move, as these reports give valuable insight into a vehicle's past.

Shopping online for the best financing and insurance rates is a good way to save money, and get the most out of the used car buying process.

Once you've made your decision and purchased the vehicle, you'll complete the title transfer by:

1. Getting the title from the seller (be sure to do this).
2. Verifying that the seller filled in the necessary information and signed the title.
3. Signing and dating the title.
4. Receiving the bill of sale from the seller.
5. Going to your county treasurer's office.
6. Completing the title application.
7. Paying the $12 title fee.

You can register the vehicle while at the county treasurer's office.

Removing a Lien

After you've payed off your loan, the lienholder must submit a lien release with the state. If you want this iien release noted on your title, you should send the title and payment for the $10 fee to:

• Title and Registration Bureau

• 1003 Buckskin Drive

• Deer Lodge, MT 59722

Transferring to Family

While the term "family" can be difficult to define, for this section it's limited to:

• Spouse

• Parent

• Child

• Grandparent

• Grandchild

• Siblings

Title transfers between these groups should be handled the same way as transfers between non-family members:

1. Seller must locate the title.
2. Seller must fill in the applicable sections.
3. Seller must sign and date the title before a notary public.
4. Seller must complete a bill of sale form.
5. Buyer must receive the title from the seller (be sure to do this).
6. Buyer should check to see if the seller filled in the necessary information and signed the title.
7. Buyer must sign and date the title.
8. Buyer must get the bill of sale from the seller.
9. Buyer must visit a county treasurer's office.
10. Buyer must complete the title application.
11. Buyer must pay the $12 title fee.

The buyer can register the vehicle while at the county treasurer's office.

Gifting a Vehicle

When you receive a vehicle as a gift (meaning there's no money involved), you'll take care of the title transfer by:

1. Obtaining the title from the seller (be sure to do this).
2. Confirming that the seller filled in the required information and signed the title.
3. Signing and dating the title.
4. Getting the bill of sale from the seller.
5. Heading to your county treasurer's office.
6. Completing the title application.
7. Paying the $12 title fee.

While at the county treasurer's office, you may register the vehicle.

Donating a Vehicle

Before you donate a vehicle to charity, you should read our car donation article, as there are quite a few things you should know about these sorts of donations. After reading the article, you might also want to consult with a tax attorney before proceeding with your kind gesture.

Inheriting a Vehicle

Transferring a title in these situations can be confusing, and different procedures apply. It's best to contact the MVD at (406) 846-6000 or look through the title manual to ensure you know what to do in your situation. Talking to a probate attorney may also be necessary in some circumstances.

But, here's how to handle the relatively simple transfer if your spouse passes away, and the estate isn't probate:

1. Locate the title.
2. Complete the Right of Survivorship affidavit.
3. Bring the documents to your county treasurer's office.
4. Pay the $12 fee.

Remember to consider your insurance needs, too; our Insurance Center is a great place to start.

Making Name Corrections

Changing a Name

To change your name on a title:

1. Take the title to your county treasurer's office.
2. Complete the application section on the title with your new name.
3. Complete the Statement of Fact form.
4. Pay the $10 fee.

See our Changing Your Name article for more information. Also, for a number of reasons you may need to order a copy of your marriage certificate or court decree.

Deleting a Name

In general, to delete a name from a title:

1. The person whose name is being removed should sign off on the change before a notary public.
2. The person who is retaining the title should go to a county treasurer's office and pay the $10 fee.

The requirements for this situation vary, though, especially with divorces. Consult the title manual for more information.

Adding a Name

To add a name to a title in which you're listed as the owner:

1. Sign as the seller on the assignment section of the title before a notary public.
2. Both you and the person being added must sign your name on the front of the title.
3. Go to your county treasurer's office to finish the transaction and pay the $10 fee.