A certificate of title issued by the state of Montana is a document that proves legal ownership of a vehicle. A title must be obtained when an individual purchases a new vehicle. A title transfer must also be completed when a used vehicle is sold or gifted, or when a vehicle changes hands as a result of the death of the vehicle's owner.

[edit] OBTAINING A TITLE FOR A NEW VEHICLE:

For new vehicles, the licensed dealer that sold the vehicle typically will accept and submit the required titling information and fees on behalf of the buyer. However, buyers wishing to handle the titling independently can do so. Those interested in applying for a new title without the dealer's assistance should refer to the Titles and Registration Bureau page on the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) website. Detailed title transfer information is also available in the Title and Registration's TRB Title Manual.

[edit] TRANSFERRING A TITLE ON A USED VEHICLE:

Sale/Purchase or Gift of a Used Vehicle

When you purchase a used vehicle, or obtain one as a gift, the title must be legally transferred into your name. This is done by obtaining the following documents, and submitting them along with the appropriate fees to the local county treasurer office:

1. The current title with the assignment completed by the seller or donor (signing the title over to you), and notarized.
2. If the title does not include the date of sale and selling price, a completed Bill of Sale signed by both current and new owner and notarized is required.
3. A completed Application for Certificate of Title which also contains a provision for odometer disclosure.
4. A Statement of Fact form may need to be completed.

Fees

Along with the appropriate transfer of title documents above, you will need to submit the following fees:

1. $12.00 title fee.
2. $8.00 handling fee.
3. $8.00 Security interest/lien filing fees if applicable.
4. Registration fees and other taxes which depend on the vehicle, county and purchase price.

Contact your local county treasurer's office for information on the total fees due.

Transfer of Title Following Death of Vehicle Owner

In the event of the death of the vehicle owner, the title is often transferred to the heirs or someone else identified in the owner's will. The procedures and fees for this type of transfer are similar to those outlined above. In some cases, the heirs may need to complete an Application for Title of a Vehicle by Right of Survivorship, and provide copies of both the death certificate and the will (or a notarized statement of its contents), if there is one. For more information on title transfers following the death of a vehicle owner, contact your local county treasurer's office or the Title and Registration Bureau at (406)-846-6000 or email mvdtitleinfo@mt.gov.

Submission

Appropriate title transfer documents and fees should be submitted to the local county treasurer's office.

Additional Information

• Contact the local county treasurer's office if you wish to add, remove or change a name on a vehicle title for reason other than those discussed above.
• If there is an existing lien on the vehicle, there will be additional requirements for transferring the title.
• A valid title provides proof of ownership of the vehicle. However, remember that a title transfer does not entitle the new owner(s) to legally operate the vehicle. For this, refer to the appropriate license and registration information.