When you buy or sell a boat in Montana, you need a legal document to prove the transfer of ownership from the former vessel owner to the new one. The Montana boat bill of sale form contains information about both buyer and seller and provides a record should any future legal disputes arise.
Given that a Montana bill of sale for boat ownership carries specific requirements, this protects everyone involved and ensures state compliance. Requirements include the necessary forms for the bill of sale, the signatures of the involved parties, and notarization.
Montana Boat Bill of Sale Requirements
You must complete a bill of sale for any vessel in the state of Montana, regardless of size, age, purchase price, or other details. A bill of sale for boats in Montana requires you to state both parties’ names and information, the cost of the ship, and, for vehicles fewer than ten years old and weighing less than 16,000 pounds, an odometer disclosure statement.
Bills of sale in Montana are only available in English. If your original bill of sale is in another language, you must have it translated. You must also use the official state form for bills of sale in Montana.
For that reason, it’s a good idea to use a Montana boat bill of sale PDF generator to fill out all the information before the date of the purchase.
This will ensure that your document conforms to the state’s requirements and is legally correct and binding. All you have to do on the day is transfer the information to the Montana form and then have it notarized once both parties sign.
Registering a Boat (After Purchasing)
After completing a bill of sale for a boat in Montana, the new owner must take specific steps to register it.
Where to Register
You must register your boat at your county’s nearest Treasurer’s Office. You may not register a ship in a different county, as the registration fees must be paid to your county of residence.
Documents Needed to Obtain Title and Registration
To register your boat, you need several forms. These include:
- The title – If you do not possess one, create it using Form MV7.
- Proof of insurance – Speak to your insurance company before the official sale so insurance starts when you transfer ownership.
- Odometer statement – Only required in some instances (see above).
- Check – You will most likely be required to provide a check to pay fees.
The county agent may also request a statement of fact or Form MV100. Reach out to your local Treasurer’s Office to find out if you’ll need one in your case.
Fees
The registration fee is $65.50 for boats under 16 feet, $125.50 for boats more than 16 but less than 19 feet, and $295.50 for boats longer than 19 feet.
Note: You will also have to pay your notary a small fee for the bill of sale.
Exemptions
Boats less than 12 feet long and lacking motors are exempt from registration and taxation in Montana.
Does a Boat Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized in Montana?
Yes, a bill of sale must be notarized in Montana.
Montana Boat Bill of Sale Sample
Below, you can download our free Montana boat bill of sale template in PDF or Word format:
