As a business and legal template writer with over a decade of experience drafting vehicle sale documents across all 50 states, I’ve helped thousands of Montana residents complete private car, truck, and motorcycle sales safely and legally. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you everything you need to know about the Montana auto bill of sale, why it’s critical for both buyer and seller, and – most importantly – provide you with my updated-for-2025 Montana bill of sale for vehicle template that you can download instantly for free.
Click here to jump straight to the free Montana motor vehicle bill of sale download
A Montana bill of sale for vehicle (also called Form MV-24 in some counties) is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of a car, truck, trailer, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle from a seller to a buyer in a private-party sale. While Montana does not mandate the state’s official MV-24 form for every transaction, the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) strongly recommends – and in many cases effectively requires – a properly completed bill of sale when you register or title the vehicle.
According to the official Montana MVD website (justice.mt.gov):
“A bill of sale is required when the ownership document (title) does not have enough room for the sale information or when the title is not available.” – Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Even when the title has space, including a detailed MT bill of sale protects both parties and speeds up registration at your county treasurer’s office.
Based on current Montana law and MVD policy as of November 2025, you must provide a bill of sale in these common situations:
I’ve personally drafted this template to meet or exceed every requirement of the Montana Department of Justice Motor Vehicle Division while remaining easy to understand for non-lawyers.
Download your free templates here:
To be accepted by any Montana county treasurer or MVD office, your MVD bill of sale Montana needs these fields:
| Field | Required by Montana MVD? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) | Yes | Prevents fraud and confirms identity |
| Year, Make, Model, Body Style | Yes | Must match title exactly |
| Odometer Reading & “Actual Mileage” statement | Yes (federal & state law) | Complies with federal odometer disclosure |
| Sale Price (or “Gift” if $0) | Yes | Determines county light vehicle tax (similar to sales tax) |
| Date of Sale | Yes | Starts registration clock |
| Printed Names & Signatures of Buyer and Seller | Yes | Makes the document legally binding |
| Buyer and Seller Addresses | Strongly recommended | Proof of residency for tax purposes |
| Notarization | No (Montana does NOT require notarization) | Save your money! |
Unlike many states, Montana does not have standalone DMV offices. Vehicle registration and titling happen at your county treasurer’s office. Bring:
In my 10+ years of reviewing rejected forms, these are the top reasons county treasurers kick paperwork back:
Does Montana require a notarized bill of sale?
No. Montana is one of the few states that does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.
Can I use the official Montana MV-24 form instead?
Yes – but the official Form MV-24 is only one page and often lacks space for full disclosures. My template combines everything the MVD wants in a clean, modern format.
Do I need a bill of sale if I’m trading in a car at a dealership?
Dealers complete their own paperwork. You usually do not need a separate bill of sale.
What if the vehicle is from out of state?
You still need a bill of sale showing the purchase price for Montana’s county tax calculation.
After drafting thousands of vehicle sale documents, I can tell you with confidence: a clear, complete Montana motor vehicle bill of sale is the single best way to avoid headaches, disputes, and delays at the county treasurer. Download my free 2025 template today, fill it out in five minutes, and both you and the other party can walk away protected.
Disclaimer: This Montana auto bill of sale template and article are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice. Laws can change. Always consult a licensed Montana attorney or your county treasurer for your specific situation.
Sources:
Montana Department of Justice – Motor Vehicle Division (justice.mt.gov)
IRS Odometer Disclosure Requirements (irs.gov)
Montana Code Annotated Title 61 – Motor Vehicles