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Free Montana Bill of Sale Template

Finalize the sale of a vehicle, firearm, boat, trailer, motorcycle, or other property with confidence. Use our customizable Montana bill of sale template to create a clear, legally valid record in minutes.

4.8
1,109 Ratings
  • Duration 2 min
  • Download as PDF and Word
  • E-sign included

Written by Josh Sainsbury | Attorney-Reviewed by Harvey Barbee, J.D.

How It works?

1

Select Your Montana Template

Choose the bill of sale form that matches your transaction—vehicle, boat, trailer, firearm, or motorcycle.

2

Enter Sale Information

Provide buyer and seller details, describe the property, and include the purchase price and date of transfer.

3

Sign and Notarize (if required)

Both parties sign. In Montana, notarization is required for most vehicle, boat, and trailer sales, and optional for firearms.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is a Montana Bill of Sale?
  2. When Do You Need a Bill of Sale in Montana?
  3. Does a Montana Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized?
  4. Montana-Specific Rules & Tips

What Is a Montana Bill of Sale?

A Montana bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership between a buyer and a seller. It acts as both a receipt and proof of ownership. A valid bill of sale generally includes:

  • Buyer and seller names, addresses, and signatures
  • Item details (make, model, VIN/HIN/serial number)
  • Sale date and purchase price
  • Notary acknowledgment, when required

Bills of sale are especially important for vehicle and vessel registration with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) and for record-keeping in private transactions.

When Do You Need a Bill of Sale in Montana?

A bill of sale is required or recommended in several common situations:

  • Vehicles: Required to register a newly purchased vehicle with the MVD within 60 days (for new residents moving to Montana). Montana uses Form MV24. Vehicles older than 11 years may be eligible for permanent registration.
  • Boats: Required for all boat sales. Registration is done through the county treasurer’s office. Fees vary by vessel length. Boats under 12 feet without motors are exempt from registration.
  • Trailers: Required for titling and registration if used on public highways. Registration is permanent, based on trailer weight or length. Exemptions apply to certain mobile homes and house trailers.
  • Firearms: Not legally required, but recommended to document lawful transfers. Montana law prohibits firearm registries and does not require purchase permits. Open and concealed carry are both legal without a permit, though permits are available for reciprocity.
  • Motorcycles: Treated the same as other vehicles. Buyers must register within 60 days if they are new residents of the state. An odometer disclosure is required if the motorcycle is less than 10 years old.

Does a Montana Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized?

Yes, in many cases, notarization is required:

  • Vehicles: A notary is only required if the seller is unable to provide the title.
  • Boats: Must be notarized at the time of transfer.
  • Trailers: Must be notarized when the title is transferred.
  • Firearms: Not required, but notarization can help prevent disputes.

Motorcycles: Must be notarized like other vehicles if the seller is unable to provide a Montana title.

Montana-Specific Rules & Tips

Keep these additional requirements in mind:

  • Vehicle registration: Must be completed within 60 days of establishing residency. Existing residents have 20 days to complete the process.  Renew every 1–2 years or apply for permanent registration (if vehicle is 11+ years old).
  • Insurance minimums: $25,000 bodily injury (one person), $50,000 bodily injury (two or more people), and $20,000 property damage.
  • Boat registration: Completed at the county treasurer’s office. Fees: $65.50 (<16 ft), $125.50 (16–19 ft), $295.50 (19+ ft).
  • Trailer registration: Permanent once paid. Based on declared weight or length. VIN inspections may be required if no title exists.
  • Firearm transfers: Buyers must be at least 18. Montana honors concealed carry permits from most states. Prohibited persons include those convicted of violent felonies or weapons-related crimes.