Montana Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trailers, Trucks, and Boats
Selling or buying a vehicle in Montana? A bill of sale provides proof of purchase, protects both parties, and helps with title registration. Without it, you risk disputes or legal issues if anything goes wrong after the purchase.
Montana Bill of Sale Form
A bill of sale ensures transparency and prevents future disputes, making the sale process smoother and more secure. Get your free Montana Bill of Sale template today!
What is the Bill of Sale For?
A bill of sale is an essential document that records the transaction details between a buyer and a seller. It serves as proof of ownership, provides legal protection, and may be required for vehicle registration, tax filing, or title transfers.
Whether selling a car, truck, trailer, or boat, having this document benefits both parties. Keeping a copy helps prevent disputes, ensures clarity in agreements, and can be useful for future legal or financial concerns.
Get a Vehicle History Report in Montana
Before purchasing a used vehicle, it’s essential to check its history to avoid hidden issues. A vehicle history report provides details on past ownership, accidents, title status, and more.
What Details Are Included in the Vehicle History Report?
A VIN check from Detailed Vehicle History offers a comprehensive look into a vehicle’s past. Here’s what your report will include.
- Mileage
- Ownership History
- Sales History
- Usage History
- Accident History
- Lien & Loans
- Recalls History
- Flood Damage
- Title Brand
- Warranty Status
- Salvage Title
- Repair Cost
- Hail Damage
- Ownership Duration
- Accident History
- Maintenance Schedule
Sellers can also use a window sticker to display a vehicle’s original factory specifications. This includes features, packages, MSRP, and safety ratings, helping buyers make informed decisions.
Display accurate vehicle specs to all buyers easily with our window sticker lookup tool!
What's Included in a Window Sticker?
Our window sticker lookup provides all original factory details for your vehicle.
- MSRP & Pricing
- Optional Equipment
- Warranty Details
- Engine Specs
- Exterior Features
- Color Codes
- Standard Features
- Safety Ratings
- Fuel Economy
- Interior Features
- Packages & Options
- Manufacturing Info
What Should Be Included in a Bill of Sale?
Here’s everything you can find in a legally binding Montana bill of sale:
Buyer and Seller’s Names and Contact Information
The full names, addresses, and phone numbers of both the buyer and seller must be written clearly. This information ensures that both parties can be contacted in case of disputes or verification during registration.
Vehicle, Trailer, or Boat Description (Make, Model, Year, VIN/HIN)
The bill of sale should include essential details about the unit, such as the make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Hull Identification Number (HIN), ensuring the proper identification of the asset in legal records.
Date of Sale and Purchase Price
Clearly, writing the sale date and final purchase price helps avoid confusion or disputes later. This information is crucial for tax reporting and proves the agreed amount paid at the time of purchase.
Odometer Reading (For Vehicles Only)
Many states require the odometer reading at the time of sale. This prevents mileage fraud and ensures that the buyer receives an accurate record of the vehicle’s true usage history.
Signatures of Both Parties
Both the buyer and the seller must sign the bill of sale to confirm that all details in the document are correct. Without signatures, the document may not be legally enforceable in case of disputes.
Why You Need a Bill of Sale?
Why Sellers Need a Bill of Sale
A bill of sale does more than just record a transaction—it protects the seller in various ways. Here’s why every seller should ensure they have a properly completed bill of sale after selling a vehicle or vessel.
Protection from Liability
Once a vehicle is sold, a bill of sale confirms the ownership transfer, ensuring the seller is no longer responsible for parking tickets, accidents, or other legal matters tied to the vehicle after the sale.
Accurate Tax Records
The bill of sale includes the final selling price, which helps the seller report the correct amount for tax purposes. This prevents potential audits or disputes regarding how much the vehicle was sold for.
Preventing Ownership Disputes
If a buyer fails to transfer the title or register the vehicle properly, the bill of sale acts as proof that the seller no longer owns it, protecting them from future ownership claims or legal troubles.
Why Buyers Need a Bill of Sale
A bill of sale is equally important for buyers, as it serves as legal proof of purchase and protects them in multiple ways. Here’s why buyers should always ensure they obtain this document during a transaction.
Establishing a Valid Ownership Record
The bill of sale proves that the buyer legally purchased the vehicle or vessel. It confirms that ownership has changed hands and protects the buyer from claims made by a previous owner or dealership.
Preventing Fraud and Misrepresentation
A bill of sale records key details such as the agreed sale price and odometer reading. If the buyer later finds discrepancies, this document serves as proof to resolve disputes or take legal action if needed.
Required for Registration and Taxes
In many states, a bill of sale is necessary for registering a vehicle or boat. Some DMVs also require a notarized copy for title transfers and tax reporting, making it an essential document for legal compliance.
What to Check Before Buying a Car!
Aside from getting the bill of sale, you may check the background of the vehicle you are about to buy by utilizing these tools.
Check the vehicle history
Avoid costly mistakes by verifying past accidents, title issues, and undisclosed damages.
Look for flood damage
Some areas have a high risk of water-damaged vehicles. A flood damage check helps identify unsafe cars.
Verify the odometer reading
Odometer fraud is common, with sellers rolling back mileage to increase value.
Be informed about the title
Checking the title is important before you decide to buy the car, as nobody wants to buy a car with a bad title.
Check for theft records
You don’t want to be stuck with a stolen vehicle. Check for theft records and avoid legal issues.
Get the service record
Buying a used car means you need to check the service record to ensure that past owners regularly serviced the car.
How to Register a Vehicle in Montana?
To legally operate a vehicle in Montana, buyers must complete the registration process with the Motor Vehicle Division. This ensures that the vehicle is properly recorded in the state’s database.
Step 1: Obtain the Required Documents
To register a vehicle, buyers must present a completed bill of sale, vehicle title, proof of insurance, and identification. If the title is missing, a replacement must be obtained before registration.
Step 2: Complete a Vehicle Inspection (if Required)
Certain vehicles, especially those purchased out of state, may require a VIN inspection before registration. Buyers can complete this inspection at a local law enforcement agency or an authorized inspection station.
Step 3: Submit the Application and Fees
Buyers must visit their local Montana County Treasurer’s office to submit their documents and pay the necessary registration fees, which vary based on the type and age of the vehicle.
Step 4: Receive License Plates and Registration
Once the application is processed, the buyer will receive license plates, a registration certificate, and a Montana decal. These must be displayed properly for legal operation on public roads.
How to Register a Vessel in Montana?
All motorized boats must be registered with Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services before being operated on the water. Here’s what you need to know to successfully register your vessel:
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
Boat buyers need to present a bill of sale, proof of ownership (such as the title), and a valid ID. Some vessels may require additional documentation based on their size and usage.
Step 2: Pay the Necessary Fees
The registration fees vary based on the length and type of the boat. Payments are made at the County Treasurer’s office or an authorized registration center.
Step 3: Display the Registration Number and Decals
After completing registration, owners receive a registration certificate and decals, which must be attached to the boat as required by Montana law. This ensures compliance with boating regulations.
Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State
Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the name holder of the car does matter. Car insurance can be affected by who’s listed as the owner on the title since insurers typically need the policyholder to have ownership or a financial stake in the vehicle.
Montana requires vehicle registration after purchase, which can be done online or in person at the MVD Express by presenting the car’s title, insurance details, and a valid driver’s license and paying the required fee.
While not universally mandatory, a bill of sale detailing the previous owner, odometer reading, and purchase amount is still recommended in many states. If the car is a gift, state $0 as the price, keeping in mind that title transfer fees may still apply to the family member receiving it.