Free Montana ATV Bill of Sale
Montana is an ATV and OHV rider's paradise — millions of acres of BLM, National Forest, and FWP land with legal OHV access, and zero sales tax on the purchase itself. FWP OHV registration runs about $9 per year for residents and is required when riding on public land managed by FWP.
Free PDF includes a small watermark at the bottom. Remove it for €4.99. Already subscribed? Sign in.
Montana ATV Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
No sales tax on ATV purchases in Montana. OHV registration costs approximately $9 per year for Montana residents.
Exemption: All personal property sales, including ATVs, are tax-free in Montana.
Inspection Requirements
No safety inspection required. OHV registration through FWP is required only for machines operated on FWP-managed public land.
Registration
Registration for this vehicle type is handled by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) — OHV Program — not the same agency that handles cars in Montana. Plan for separate filings.
Montana ATV Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Record the ATV's serial number (usually stamped on the frame near the footwell) — this is the primary identifier since ATVs are not titled in Montana.
- Write a bill of sale capturing the serial number, year, make, model, engine size, odometer or hour-meter reading if applicable, sale price, sale date, and both parties' names and addresses.
- Both seller and buyer sign two copies of the bill of sale; each keeps one.
- Seller hands over any existing FWP OHV registration certificate, stickers, and the original purchase documents.
- If the buyer plans to ride on FWP-managed public land, register the OHV with FWP at fwp.mt.gov or any FWP regional office — registration costs approximately $9/year for residents.
- For ATVs used exclusively on private property, FWP registration is not required, but keep the bill of sale as proof of ownership.
- Verify whether the ATV has a trailer — if trailering to riding areas, ensure the tow vehicle and trailer comply with Montana's registration requirements.
Common Pitfalls
- No title means the bill of sale IS the ownership document: unlike cars, ATVs have no Montana title to sign over. If you lose the bill of sale, proving ownership becomes difficult — store it somewhere safe.
- Skipping serial number verification: confirm the serial number on the frame matches what's written on any existing registration paperwork before paying — discrepancies can indicate a stolen machine.
- Assuming FWP registration is optional everywhere: registration is required on FWP-managed public land. Riding without it on those lands can result in a fine. BLM and USFS land may have different rules.
- Overlooking county weed-free requirements: several Montana counties require proof of weed-free feed or a vehicle inspection before accessing certain public riding areas — not related to the sale but important for new owners.
Pro Tip
Keep your bill of sale permanently — it's the title equivalent for Montana ATVs. Register with FWP before your first public-land ride, pay the $9 annual fee, and you're legal for millions of acres of Montana terrain.