MontanaHB 16569th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Notaries not required for vehicle title transfer

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

90-day permit when title delayed

If you cannot surrender a previously assigned title for reasons beyond your control, you can get a 90-day temporary registration permit. Ask the same county treasurer or authorized agent who issued your temporary permit. The statutory fees are collected.

Fewer notary steps for vehicle transfers

You can use a sworn affidavit without a notary for title paperwork if you use the sworn statement method allowed by state law. When two people transfer a vehicle, the seller’s signature can be acknowledged by a county treasurer, a deputy, certain elected officials, department staff or agents, or a notary. This reduces trips to private notaries.

No fee when delayed title issued

If you chose to delay getting your title at your first application, you do not pay a title fee when you later request it. The department, its agents, and county treasurers must issue it without charging that fee.

Extra papers when no prior title

If you cannot provide a properly assigned prior title, you must give extra documents. For a camper, bring a notarized bill of sale or conditional sales contract, plus a sworn affidavit. For a motorboat, personal watercraft, a sailboat 12 feet or longer, or a snowmobile, bring a notarized bill of sale and a sworn affidavit. In some cases, an invoice or current registration can be used where state law allows.

Register in the county you live

If you live in Montana and your vehicle is driven on public highways, you must register it in the county where you are domiciled. Limited exceptions in state law apply.

40-day title deadline and lienholder options

You have 40 days to apply for title and registration after a transfer. If you miss it, you must pay a $10 late penalty before you can register. A secured party or lienholder of record may pay the transfer and filing fees and is not liable for the $10 penalty or for registration fees or taxes. If the lienholder pays the title fee and asks, the department may mail the title to the lienholder when the buyer has not complied within 40 days.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Ken Walsh
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Gregg Hunter
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 259 • No: 41

House vote • 3/26/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 37 • No: 13

House vote • 3/25/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 39 • No: 11

House vote • 1/29/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 91 • No: 9

House vote • 1/28/2025