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Missoula, Montana Boat Bill of Sale

Use this bill of sale when selling a boat in Missoula, Montana. It documents the transfer and helps you complete DMV title paperwork.

Missoula, MontanaBoatPopulation rank #474

What to include

  • Buyer and seller names and addresses
  • Boat VIN and vehicle details
  • Sale price and date
  • Signatures from both parties

Next step

Create a compliant bill of sale and download the signed PDF immediately.

Local Requirements — Missoula County

DMV / Title Office

Missoula County Motor Vehicle

Address

200 W Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802

Phone

(406) 258-4740

Office Hours

Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Transfer Fees & Taxes

Title Transfer Fee

$12.00

Sales Tax Rate

0.00%

Base Registration Fee

$217.00

Montana has no sales tax

Notarization: REQUIRED

Montana requires notarization of the title assignment.

Missoula Transfer Checklist

  • Title assignment must be notarized
  • No sales tax in Montana
  • Title transfer within 10 days
  • Seller must sign title and disclose odometer

County Information — Missoula County

County Clerk / Recorder

Missoula County Clerk and Recorder

Phone

(406) 258-4751

Private party vehicle sales in Missoula County may be exempt from sales tax — verify with the county clerk before completing your transaction.

Boat market data and safety information

The most common boat makes in private-party sales are Bayliner, Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Tracker, Yamaha. Average private-party boat prices range from $5,000–$75,000. Boats average 1.8 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Fuel System, Electrical, Steering.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used boat

Before completing a boat bill of sale in Montana, verify these safety items:

  • Verify Hull Identification Number (HIN) matches registration documents
  • Check for delamination, blistering, or water intrusion in fiberglass hulls
  • Inspect transom for softness or rot — the most expensive structural repair
  • Test all bilge pumps, navigation lights, and required safety equipment

Boat insurance and depreciation in Montana

Boat insurance averages $200–$500/year for boats under 26 ft. Agreed-value policies are preferred over actual-cash-value. Boats depreciate 30–40% in the first 5 years. Aluminum fishing boats hold value better than fiberglass sport boats. Peak season for private boat sales is early spring (march–may) ahead of boating season, with an average of 45 days on market.

Boat registration and titling

Boats are classified as "Watercraft (state-registered) or USCG-documented vessel" for registration purposes. Boats are measured by length, not weight, for registration. Trailers have separate weight-based registration. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to boats.

Boat sales in Missoula, Montana

Missoula residents completing a boat bill of sale should be aware of local requirements in addition to Montana state rules. The state sales tax rate is 0%, no sales tax; registration fees based on vehicle age and value. The most popular boat makes in Montana include Bayliner, Sea Ray, Boston Whaler.

Montana bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 301 bill of sale documents for Montana transactions, with 8 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

Why Documentation Helps Protect Asking Price

45% faster sale

Vehicles whose listings include a history report spend ~45% less time on site before selling, and report-viewers are 5x more likely to become a lead.

Source: Experian / AutoCheck

$4,000 avg loss

NHTSA estimates 450,000+ vehicles per year are sold with rolled-back odometers — the average victim loses about $4,000 in downstream repair costs.

Source: NHTSA

17.5M private sales/yr

About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.

Source: Cox Automotive 2024

1 in 3 buyers

Roughly 1 in 3 used-car buyers say they suspect private sellers are hiding mechanical problems — documentation closes that trust gap.

Source: JW Surety Bonds (n=3,000)

Frequently asked questions

What county is Missoula in, and which office handles title transfers?

Missoula is in Missoula County. Title transfers are handled by the Missoula County Motor Vehicle at 200 W Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Phone: (406) 258-4740.

What is the sales tax rate on a boat sale in Missoula?

The combined rate is 0.00%. Montana has no sales tax.

Is notarization required for a boat bill of sale in Missoula?

Yes. Montana requires notarization of the title assignment.

What fees should I expect when transferring a boat title in Missoula?

Title transfer fee: $12.00. Base registration fee: $217.00. Sales tax at 0.00% is collected at the time of title transfer.