How to Transfer a Car Title After Divorce in Montana

The Decree Doesn't Move the Title

Your Montana Decree of Dissolution says who gets which vehicle — but the title still shows both names until you process the transfer through the County Treasurer's Office. Until the paperwork is filed, the departing spouse technically remains an owner, and any liens, accidents, or registration issues attach to both parties.

What You'll Need

From the Transferring Spouse

Original title endorsement: The spouse giving up the vehicle must sign the "Seller" section on the back of the physical title exactly as their name appears on the front. Under Montana law, both the buyer's and seller's signatures must be notarized on the title document. All listed owners on the current title must sign off.

Form MV24 (Bill of Sale): A completed Bill of Sale must accompany the application. For divorce asset divisions, list the sales price as $0.00. To avoid a transfer tax assessment, submit a Statement of Gift form signed by both the donor and recipient. Montana does not impose a sales tax on vehicle transfers.

Odometer disclosure: For vehicles model year 2011 and newer (or any vehicle under 20 years old), a formal odometer reading must be documented and signed on the title assignment.

From the Receiving Spouse

Form MV1: Application for Certificate of Title for a Motor Vehicle. Pick up the form at any County Treasurer's Office or download it from the Montana DOJ Motor Vehicle Division website.

Proof of insurance: Montana auto insurance in the receiving spouse's sole name. The insurance card must show the vehicle's VIN.

Where to Submit

Everything goes to the County Treasurer's Office — not the MVD, not the Clerk of Court. Bring the completed original title, Form MV24, Form MV1, and proof of insurance together as a package.

Fees

The 40-Day Penalty

Under Montana law, a late title transfer penalty of $10.00 per month kicks in if the application isn't submitted within 40 days of the transfer date. The clock starts from the date the decree is entered — not the date you get around to the paperwork.

After 6 months of delay, you've paid $60 in penalties on top of the base fee. File promptly.

Watercraft and Mobile Homes

Watercraft: Same process, but use the Hull Identification Number (HIN) instead of a VIN. Title transfer goes through the County Treasurer.

Mobile homes: If the manufactured home is not permanently affixed to real property, it carries a vehicle-style title and transfers through the County Treasurer using the same forms. If the home is permanently affixed (attached to a foundation with a recorded Affidavit of Affixture), it no longer carries a separate title — it transfers via a standard real estate deed through the County Clerk and Recorder.

What About an Outstanding Loan?

If there's a lien on the vehicle, the lienholder must release it before (or during) the title transfer. Contact the lender and request a lien release letter. The County Treasurer records the lien removal ($10.30 surcharge) and issues a clean title in the receiving spouse's name.

If the remaining spouse needs to assume the car loan, they'll work directly with the lender to qualify independently. Like mortgages, the divorce decree doesn't modify the loan contract — the lender must approve the assumption.

The Complete Process

The Montana After-Divorce Checklist includes a vehicle title transfer worksheet that tracks each form, signature, and deadline — plus the insurance switchover and lien release steps.

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