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 remains listed as an owner, which can leave both parties dealing with the same lien, registration, or insurance records.

What You'll Need

From the Transferring Spouse

Title and decree: If the divorce decree awards the vehicle, submit a certified copy of the decree. Montana's 2026 Title Manual says the title does not need to be signed off unless the decree specifically requires a transfer signature. If the decree requires a signature, the listed owner or owners must sign as directed.

Supporting forms: Complete Form MV1 and bring the title if available. Confirm with the County Treasurer whether Form MV24 or another county-required supporting document is needed for the decree-based transfer.

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 Form MV1, a certified copy of the decree, the title if available, and proof of insurance; confirm with the County Treasurer whether an MV24 or other county-required document is needed.

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. For a divorce transfer, use the transfer date specified or documented in the decree; if the decree is unclear, confirm the date with the County Treasurer.

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.

See more Montana guides →