How to Apply for a Montana Vehicle Title

A Montana vehicle title application requires a signed original title from the seller, a bill of sale (MV24), a completed MV1 form, and proof of insurance — with processing taking 7–10 business days (rush available in 3 days). For LLC-owned vehicles, you also need Articles of Organization and a C-Number from the Montana Secretary of State.

Every vehicle in Montana needs a title — the legal document that proves who owns it. Whether you’re transferring a vehicle into your name, titling a new purchase through a Montana LLC, or replacing a lost title, the process starts with a title application.

Here’s how Montana vehicle titling works, what documents you need, and how Shelby and Sons handles the paperwork so you don’t have to.

What Is a Montana Title Application?

A Montana title application is the formal request to the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) to issue a certificate of title in a new owner’s name. Under MCA 61-3-201, Montana requires a title for every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and watercraft operated or transported on state highways. Every time a vehicle changes hands — whether through a private sale, dealer purchase, or transfer into an LLC — a new title must be issued.

The application itself is part of the MV1 form (Montana’s combined title and registration application). It includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, model, the seller’s information, the buyer’s information, and the purchase price or fair market value.

When You Need a Title Application

You’ll need to apply for a Montana title when:

• You purchase a vehicle (new or used) and need to title it in Montana
• You transfer a vehicle into a Montana LLC
• You move to Montana and need to retitle an out-of-state vehicle
• You inherit a vehicle
• You receive a vehicle as a gift
• Your current title is lost, damaged, or stolen and you need a replacement
• You’re titling a boat, trailer, motorcycle, or side-by-side in Montana
• You purchased a new vehicle with a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)

Documents Required for a Montana Title Application

The exact documents depend on your situation, but a standard title application requires:

For a standard transfer (private sale or LLC):

• The original title from the seller, properly signed on the back
• A bill of sale (MV24 in Montana) showing the purchase price
• Completed MV1 form (title and registration application)
• Odometer disclosure for vehicles model year 2011 and newer
• Proof of insurance

For an LLC-owned vehicle:

• All of the above, plus:
• Articles of Organization (proves the LLC exists)
• C-Number from the Montana Secretary of State
• If the title shows an individual and the application is for their LLC, an MV24 bill of sale from the individual to the LLC

For a replacement title:

• Completed MV1 form
• Valid identification
• Replacement title fee

How the Title Application Process Works

For out-of-state owners working with Shelby and Sons, here’s what happens:

1. We review your documents — you send us the existing title, bill of sale, and any supporting paperwork. We check everything for accuracy before it goes to the MVD.
2. We prepare the MV1 — the title and registration application is filled out with your vehicle details, LLC information, and all required fields.
3. We submit to the MVD — the completed packet goes to the Montana Motor Vehicle Division for processing.
4. MVD issues the title — once approved, a new Montana title is issued in the LLC’s name (or your name, depending on the situation).
5. Registration and plates follow — after the title is issued, the vehicle is registered under MCA 61-3-303 and plates are mailed to you.

Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. Rush processing is available — as fast as 3 days.

Title Application Fees

Montana title application fees are straightforward. Our service fee covers the full process — LLC formation (if needed), document preparation, title application, registration, and plates. There are no hidden charges or surprise fees at the end.

For current pricing, visit Shelby and Sons or call us at (406) 616-2776.

Titling Boats and Watercraft

Montana titles boats and watercraft through the same LLC ownership structure as vehicles. The process is similar, with a few differences:

• Hull Identification Number (HIN) — boats use a HIN instead of a VIN. It’s typically 12 characters and stamped on the transom. The HIN serves the same purpose as a VIN: it uniquely identifies the watercraft.
• Title transfer works the same way — the seller signs the title, we prepare the MV1, and Montana issues a new title in your LLC’s name.
• Permanent registration — boats qualify for Montana’s permanent registration. Register once, no annual renewal. Learn more in our permanent plates guide.
• No sales tax — same as vehicles. Titling a boat through a Montana LLC means no state sales tax on the purchase.

We handle boat titles regularly — from bass boats and pontoons to yachts and personal watercraft. The paperwork is the same LLC-based process our clients already know.

Titling Trailers, Motorcycles, and Powersports Vehicles

Every titled vehicle goes through the MV1 process, but each type has specific details worth knowing:

Trailers

Utility trailers, enclosed trailers, car haulers, flatbeds, and equipment trailers are all titled and registered in Montana. Key differences from passenger vehicles:

• No odometer disclosure — trailers don’t have odometers, so this field is skipped on the title application.
• GVWR matters — Gross Vehicle Weight Rating determines the registration fee under MCA 61-3-321. Have the manufacturer’s label or documentation handy.
• Permanent registration — trailers qualify. Register once, plates never expire.
• Homemade trailers — if the trailer was built (not manufactured), it may need a VIN inspection before Montana will issue a title.

Motorcycles

Sport bikes, cruisers, touring bikes, and vintage motorcycles all follow the standard title application process. A few specifics:

• VIN location — motorcycle VINs are typically on the steering neck (headstock). Some older bikes have the VIN on the engine case. The VIN on the title must match the frame.
• Permanent registration — motorcycles qualify for Montana’s one-time registration.
• Specialty plates — Montana offers motorcycle-sized specialty plates in many of the same designs as standard plates.

Side-by-Sides and UTVs

Side-by-sides (SxS), UTVs, and other off-road vehicles can be titled and street-legal registered in Montana. This is a growing category — Montana’s registration makes these vehicles legal on public roads:

• Street-legal registration — Montana issues standard plates for qualifying side-by-sides, making them legal to drive on roads (subject to local regulations in your area).
• Title process is standard — same MV1 application, same LLC ownership structure.
• Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) — new side-by-sides from a dealer come with an MCO instead of a title. We handle MCO-based titling regularly.

Aircraft

Montana registers aircraft through the Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division. We handle aircraft registration through Montana LLCs — the same ownership structure as vehicles, with the added benefit of no sales tax on the purchase. Single-engine planes, multi-engine aircraft, helicopters, and light sport aircraft can all be registered through an LLC.

Aircraft registration has its own documentation requirements (FAA bill of sale, registration certificate, and airworthiness records). We prepare and submit everything on your behalf. Call (406) 616-2776 or get started online.

Common Title Application Mistakes

We see these regularly — and they delay processing:

• Seller didn’t sign the title — the back of the title must be signed by the seller exactly as their name appears on the front. No exceptions.
• Wrong name on the bill of sale — the buyer name on the MV24 must match the LLC name exactly as filed with the Secretary of State.
• Missing odometer reading — required for model year 2011 and newer vehicles. The seller must complete the odometer section on the title assignment.
• VIN doesn’t match — every digit must match between the title, bill of sale, and MV1. One wrong character rejects the application.
• Lien not released — if the title shows a lienholder, you need a lien release before Montana will issue a new title.

Title Applications for Out-of-State Titles

Montana accepts titles from all 50 states. The process is the same — the out-of-state title serves as proof of ownership and is surrendered when the Montana title is issued. Some states require notarization on the title assignment; others don’t. We know which states require what and flag any issues before submission.

For vehicles titled in states that require notarized signatures (Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Louisiana, Kentucky, Wyoming), make sure the seller’s signature is notarized before sending the title.

What If You Don’t Have a Title?

Missing titles are more common than you’d think — especially on vehicles 10 years old and older. Barn finds, inherited vehicles, estate sales, abandoned vehicles, and private purchases where the seller never transferred the title. If you bought a vehicle and don’t have a title in hand, you still have options.

Duplicate Title from the Issuing State

If the vehicle was previously titled and the seller (or their estate) can request a replacement, this is usually the fastest path. The seller contacts their state’s DMV, requests a duplicate title, and signs it over to you. We can guide you through what each state requires — some allow online requests, others need a notarized form.

Bonded Title (No Title Available)

When a duplicate isn’t available — the seller is unreachable, the vehicle changed hands without paperwork, or the original title was never issued — Montana offers a bonded title process under MCA 61-3-208:

1. VIN inspection (MV20) — a law enforcement officer or authorized inspector verifies the vehicle’s identity. Photos are taken and the VIN is confirmed against national databases.
2. Surety bond — you purchase a surety bond for 1.5 times the vehicle’s value. This protects against ownership disputes. The cost of the bond is a small percentage of the bond amount.
3. NMVTIS check — the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System is searched to verify the vehicle isn’t stolen, salvaged, or subject to outstanding liens.
4. Title application — we prepare and submit the MV1 with all supporting documentation to the MVD.
5. Montana issues a bonded title — the title is issued with a “Bond” brand. If no one contests ownership within three years, the bond is released and the title becomes clean.

Bonded titles are common for older vehicles — especially those that have passed through multiple owners without proper paperwork. We handle these regularly.

Vehicles That Commonly Need Title Recovery

• Barn finds and project cars — vehicles sitting in storage for years with no paperwork trail
• Estate and inherited vehicles — the original owner passed away and the title was never transferred
• Private sales without title transfer — the seller handed over keys but not a signed title
• Abandoned vehicles on your property — Montana has a specific process for claiming abandoned vehicles
• Older motorcycles, boats, and trailers — these frequently change hands at swap meets and auctions without proper documentation

If you have a vehicle without a title, contact us or call (406) 616-2776. We’ll tell you which path makes sense for your situation. For a complete walkthrough, read our guide to getting a title for a vehicle without one.

Why Shelby and Sons

We prepare and submit title applications every day. As a Certified Commercial Registered Agent verified by the Montana Secretary of State, we handle the entire process — from document review through title issuance and plate delivery.

Over 1,000 LLCs trust us as their registered agent. We catch mistakes before they reach the MVD, and we know Montana’s requirements inside and out.

Learn more about our firm or call (406) 616-2776.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Montana title application take?
Standard processing is 7 to 10 business days from the time the MVD receives the complete packet. Rush processing is available as fast as 3 days.

Can I apply for a Montana title without living in Montana?
Yes. Out-of-state owners title vehicles through a Montana LLC, formed under MCA 35-1-1026. The LLC is a Montana business entity that owns the vehicle. You don’t need to be a Montana resident.

What’s the difference between a title and registration?
A title proves ownership. Registration gives you legal permission to operate the vehicle on public roads. In Montana, both are applied for on the same form (MV1), but they serve different purposes. See our Montana vehicle registration requirements guide for details.

Do I need the original title, or will a copy work?
You need the original title with the seller’s signature. Photocopies are not accepted. If the original is lost, the seller must obtain a duplicate from their state or you can pursue a bonded title.

Can I title a vehicle in my LLC if the title is in my personal name?
Yes. You’ll need an MV24 bill of sale from yourself (as an individual) to your LLC. This is a simple transfer — no notarization required for Montana-to-Montana transfers.

What if my title has a lien on it?
The lien must be satisfied and released before the vehicle can be retitled. Your lender will provide a lien release document once the loan is paid off.

How do I check the status of my title application?
We track every application and notify you when your title is issued and plates are on the way. You can also call us anytime for a status update.

Ready to get started? Visit Shelby and Sons or call us at (406) 616-2776.