Selling a car in Montana often feels uncomplicated, but the state’s approach puts more responsibility on the seller than many people realize. Because Montana doesn’t impose emissions testing and keeps inspections minimal, sellers sometimes underestimate how precise the title transfer must be. Most problems don’t happen during the sale itself, they appear later, when registration stalls or ownership records don’t update as expected.
This guide explains how to sell a car in Montana so the transfer is accepted quickly and the seller is fully separated from the vehicle.
What Montana Sellers Should Verify First
Montana requires a valid certificate of title for most vehicle sales. Before listing or meeting a buyer, confirm:
- Your name matches the title exactly
- Any lien listed on the title has been paid off and released
- All owners named on the title are available to sign
- The VIN on the vehicle matches the title
Montana requires notarization of the seller’s signature on the title, which is one of the most important rules sellers must follow.
Title and Paperwork Rules in Montana
Title Signing and Notarization
Montana requires the seller’s signature on the title to be notarized.
Key points to understand:
- The notary must witness the signature
- Signing the title before notarization can invalidate it
- All sellers listed on the title must appear before the notary
If notarization is missed or done incorrectly, the buyer may be unable to register the vehicle.
Odometer Disclosure
Odometer disclosure is required for vehicles that are not mileage-exempt due to age. Mileage must be entered accurately at the time of sale. Incorrect entries can delay registration or create legal issues later.
Bill of Sale
A bill of sale is recommended in Montana. While the notarized title transfers ownership, a bill of sale documents:
- Sale date
- Purchase price
- Buyer and seller information
This document can be helpful if questions arise later about ownership timing or taxes.
Inspections and Emissions in Montana
Montana does not require emissions testing or statewide safety inspections for vehicle sales. This makes Montana easier than many states for selling older or non-running vehicles.
Even without inspections, vehicle condition still affects buyer confidence and pricing, so honest disclosure matters.
License Plates, Registration, and Seller Responsibility
Montana handles license plates differently than many states.
- License plates generally stay with the seller, not the vehicle
- Sellers should remove plates before releasing the car
- Buyers must register the vehicle and obtain their own plates
Leaving plates on a sold vehicle can expose the seller to tickets, tolls, or enforcement actions tied to the buyer’s driving.
Taxes and Fees
- Buyers are responsible for registration fees and applicable taxes
- Sellers are not responsible for buyer taxes after the sale
- Accurately recording the sale date helps protect the seller
Keep copies of the notarized title and bill of sale for your records.
Special Situations Montana Sellers Should Understand
- Selling with a lien: Vehicles with active liens cannot be sold unless the lien is paid off and released before transfer
- Two names on the title: Both owners must sign and both signatures must be notarized unless “OR” is specified
- Lost title: Replacing it before selling avoids delays and buyer hesitation
- Non-running vehicles: Montana allows the sale of non-running vehicles without inspection barriers, but condition must be disclosed honestly
Getting Paid Safely
Private vehicle sales in Montana still carry payment risk. Fake cashier’s checks, delayed transfers, and third-party pickup arrangements are common warning signs. Never release the vehicle or notarized title until payment is fully verified and cleared.
For many sellers, payment security becomes the most stressful part of the process.
When the Notary Requirement Becomes the Bottleneck
In Montana, coordinating a buyer, a notary, accurate paperwork, and cleared payment can slow down even a simple private sale. One missed notarization or scheduling issue can force the process to restart.
For sellers who want fewer moving parts, CarBuyerUSA.com buys vehicles in Montana and in other states, including cars that are high-mileage, damaged, or no longer running. We help keep the paperwork aligned, coordinate pickup, and reduce the chances of the sale reopening after it should be finished.
