Selling or junking a car in Montana, step by step
- Find your title (or replace it). If the title is lost or damaged, request a duplicate from the Montana Motor Vehicle Division using Certificate of Title Replacement Application (MV7); it can be done online.
- Pay off any loan. If a lender is listed on the title, it must release the lien before the car can change hands. See our guide to junking a car with a lien.
- Sign the title over at pickup. The seller must be the owner shown on the title, clear any liens first, and fill out the title in blue or black ink, including the odometer disclosure where required; the buyer's signature has to match the buyer named on the title. Since private sales aren't reported until the buyer titles the vehicle, the seller should keep copies of both sides of the reassigned title.
- Deal with your plates. Plates belong to the seller, not the vehicle, so the seller removes them before handing it over to avoid being liable for the buyer's violations.
- Tell the state and your insurer. Montana has no separate seller notice that we could confirm. Keep a copy of the signed title and receipt, then cancel your insurance and registration.
How to sign over a title in Montana
The seller must be the owner shown on the title, clear any liens first, and fill out the title in blue or black ink, including the odometer disclosure where required; the buyer's signature has to match the buyer named on the title. Since private sales aren't reported until the buyer titles the vehicle, the seller should keep copies of both sides of the reassigned title.
Official page: mvdmt.gov. For general tips on avoiding mistakes, see how to sign over a car title.
Lost title? Getting a duplicate in Montana
Replacement titles can be ordered through MVD Online Services or by mailing Form MV7 to the Vehicle Services Bureau.
- Form: Certificate of Title Replacement Application (MV7) — download
- Available online: yes
- Official page: mvdmt.gov
More background: how to get a duplicate title before junking.
License plates after you sell
Plates stay with you, the seller, not the car. Plates belong to the seller, not the vehicle, so the seller removes them before handing it over to avoid being liable for the buyer's violations.
Source: mvdmt.gov
Junk and salvage titles in Montana
MVD's forms include a Salvage Certificate application (MV206) and a quarterly transmittal sheet (MV86) that licensed wrecking facilities use to report the junk vehicles they take in.
Official page: mvdmt.gov. Background: salvage vs. rebuilt vs. junk titles.
Selling a car without a title in Montana
A buyer who gets a vehicle with no title can apply for a bonded title using proof of ownership, a law enforcement VIN inspection and an application. No bond is required for vehicles 30 or more years old or worth $1,000 or less.
Official page: mvdmt.gov
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Montana title questions
How do I replace a lost car title in Montana?
Replacement titles can be ordered through MVD Online Services or by mailing Form MV7 to the Vehicle Services Bureau. The form is Certificate of Title Replacement Application (MV7).
Do I need to notify Montana when I sell my car?
We couldn't confirm a separate notice-of-sale form for Montana. Keep a copy of the signed title and bill of sale, cancel your registration if required, and check with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division.
What happens to my license plates when I sell a car in Montana?
Plates belong to the seller, not the vehicle, so the seller removes them before handing it over to avoid being liable for the buyer's violations.
Can I junk a car without a title in Montana?
A buyer who gets a vehicle with no title can apply for a bonded title using proof of ownership, a law enforcement VIN inspection and an application. No bond is required for vehicles 30 or more years old or worth $1,000 or less. Confirm the details with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division.
Official sources
- Montana Motor Vehicle Division — homemvdmt.gov
- Selling or transferring a vehicle titlemvdmt.gov
- Duplicate or replacement title (Certificate of Title Replacement Application (MV7))mvdmt.gov
- Certificate of Title Replacement Application (MV7) formmvdmt.gov
- Junk and salvage vehiclesmvdmt.gov
Summarized from official Montana government websites in October 2026. Fees and procedures change; always confirm with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division before you sell. This guide is general information, not legal advice.