Selling a car in Montana? Follow the steps below to make sure your title transfer is handled correctly and the sale holds up legally. If a dealer is buying the vehicle, talk with them before signing your title.
1. Verify Your Title
Start by confirming that the title is in your name and contains no mistakes. If the title has been lost, stolen, or damaged, request a duplicate through your local County Treasurer's office before going any further.
2. Notarization Is Required
Montana requires the seller to sign the title in front of a notary public. Bring a valid photo ID to the notary appointment. Banks, local government offices, and authorized agents commonly provide notary services, and many dealerships handle the notarization for you — ask before signing.
3. Complete the Seller Information on the Back of the Title
Flip the title over to find the seller information section, which needs to be filled out without errors:
- Seller's Signature: Sign in the box labeled for the seller's signature. All owners listed on the title must sign.
- Printed Name of Seller: Print your name exactly as it appears on the title.
- Buyer Information: Provide the buyer's full name and address in the designated section.
- Odometer Reading: Provide the vehicle's accurate mileage at the time of sale, ensuring this information is filled in correctly without errors. It is important to not guess this number, and record an exact mileage number.
Important: Never apply white-out, scribble through information, or attempt corrections on a title — any of these will invalidate it.
4. Address Liens
Any active lien listed on the title must be cleared before the sale can complete. The lienholder either needs to sign off on the title or supply a lien release letter. Don't attempt to transfer the title until this is resolved.
5. Consider Multiple Owners
If there are multiple names listed on the title, all parties must sign, depending on how the names are joined:
- "AND": Both owners are required to sign.
- "OR": Only one owner needs to sign.
Key Takeaways
- Notarization of the title is mandatory.
- Ensure all signatures match exactly as they appear on the title.
- Address any existing liens before proceeding.
Sticking to this process keeps your Montana sale legal and prevents costly title rejections. For more information, see the Montana Motor Vehicle Division website.
Verified May 2026