Completing an out of state car title transfer in Montana is a mandatory step for vehicle owners who would like to operate a nonresident vehicle within the state. The process to transfer an out of state car title can be completed through your county treasurer’s office, which serve as agents of the state Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

Note that, when completing the Montana out of state car title transfer process, motorists will also be required to obtain a new car registration at the same time. To learn how to perform an out of state car title transfer, continue reading the following sections.

What is a cross-state car title transfer in Montana?

Before initiating a cross state car title transfer in Montana, vehicle owners should learn more about the procedure. Getting a cross state car title transfer is a unique titling procedure completed to replace an invalid out-of-state title with a certificate of title issued by your new state of residence. If you fail to perform a title transfer, you will be unable to register your nonresident vehicle or drive it legally within the state.

When is an out-of-state car title transfer necessary in Montana?

The title transfer procedure takes place only if the nonresident vehicle was originally titled in another state. Therefore, you must initiate a title transfer for any used vehicle with out-of-state documents, regardless of whether it was purchased from a private seller or a dealership. Completing the Montana cross state vehicle title transfer is also mandatory if you have recently moved to the state with a vehicle that you have owned for a longer period of time.

Note: New state residents must complete the procedure to transfer an out of state car title and obtain new license plates within 60 days of their move.

Information and Documents Needed for an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Montana

To successfully complete the process of transferring an out of state car title in Montana, vehicle owners will be required to meet several requirements, such as paying the applicable fees and submitting the necessary paperwork. Keep in mind that the documents needed for an out of state title transfer in MT may vary based on several factors. For instance, the out of state car title transfer information and documentation needed to title and register a vehicle after relocating within the state are listed below:

• A filled out certificate of title application
• The out-of-state title certificate and registration card
• A filled out statement of fact form
• Proof of a vehicle liability insurance policy, if required
• An official identification document, such as a driver’s license or an ID card
• Proof of state residency, if required

Note: If your out-of-state title is in the possession of a lienholder, the state MVD will first be required to obtain the title certificate with a written title request form before completing the transfer.

When finalizing the process of transferring an out of state vehicle title after purchasing a nonresident vehicle, however, you will be required to submit additional information and paperwork. For example, to prove the transfer of ownership, you will need a notarized title certificate bearing the legal signature of both the buyer and the seller. You will need a bill of sale and a lien release form, if the title is in the possession of a lienholder.

Steps for Completing an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Montana as a New Resident

Completing the out of state title transfer in person is the only available application method to title a nonresident vehicle because the state MVD must verify the necessary paperwork immediately. Since the option to complete an out of state title transfer online is unavailable, vehicle owners will be required to submit the necessary items through their county treasurer’s office.

In order to expedite the title transfer process, motorists must ensure that they have collected the necessary documentation prior to their office visit. If you correctly follow the steps to complete an out of state title transfer as a new resident, your request for new vehicle documents will be processed and you will receive your new title certificate by mail.

Out-of-State Title Transfers in Montana After Buying or Selling a Vehicle

The process of transferring an out of state title after getting a new car can be completed by following the same rules and regulations that apply to titling and registering a vehicle as a new resident. When completing an out of state title transfer after buying a car, however, applicants will be required to submit a slightly different set of legal documents, such as a bill of sale or origin certificate depending on whether the vehicle was purchased from a private seller or dealership. While license plates are issued immediately after an application is approved, the vehicle title will be mailed out at a later date, so plan accordingly.

When transferring an out of state car title under certain circumstances, such as after receiving a vehicle as a gift or by means of inheritance, vehicle owners may be required to complete additional steps, such as proving their ownership. This may entail providing a will, a certificate of death or another legal document that proves current ownership of the vehicle.

Cross-State Car Title Transfer Fees in Montana

Paying the price of a cross state car title transfer is the final step in the process of transferring an out of state vehicle title. However, the total cost of transferring an out of state car title in Montana will also include the applicable registration fees, since the state MVD requires car owners to title and register their vehicles at the same time.

Therefore, the cross state car title transfer fees will include a base titling fee, certain county taxes and the cost for new license plates. If you are also filing a lien on your title, you will be required to pay an additional fee. Keep in mind that failure to complete a title transfer for an out of state vehicle on time may also lead to late titling fees. The basic fees are as follows:

• Vehicles four years old or newer – $217
• Vehicles five to 10 years old – $87
• Vehicles 11 years old or older – $28

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