Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in Montana
How to transfer a vehicle title after the owner dies in Montana, from the official motor vehicle agency.
Short answer: If the owner filed a Beneficiary Designation for Vehicle or Vessel Title (MV13), after all owners on the title have died the beneficiaries (all of them) apply for a title with copies of the owners' death certificates, an MV1 title application signed by all beneficiaries, and each… Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-1101; Montana MVD forms MV12, MV13
| Transferring a car after death | If the owner filed a Beneficiary Designation for Vehicle or Vessel Title (MV13), after all owners on the title have died the beneficiaries (all of them) apply for a title with copies of the owners' death certificates, an MV1 title application signed by all beneficiaries, and each beneficiary's ID; or they can sell the vehicle with an MV24 bill of sale signed by all beneficiaries. If there is no beneficiary and no executor or administrator has been appointed, and the entire estate (including the vehicle, less liens) is no more than $100,000, an heir may apply on the Application for Title by Non-Probate Transfer (MV12), with a title fee of $12.36 for light vehicles ($10.30 for others). Otherwise the vehicle is transferred by the court-appointed personal representative. Beneficiary designation form and instructions: https://mvdmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MV13-Beneficiary-Designation-for-Vehicle-or-Vessel-Title-08.26F.pdf |
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FAQ
How do I transfer a car title after someone dies in Montana?
If the owner filed a Beneficiary Designation for Vehicle or Vessel Title (MV13), after all owners on the title have died the beneficiaries (all of them) apply for a title with copies of the owners' death certificates, an MV1 title application signed by all beneficiaries, and each beneficiary's ID; or they can sell the vehicle with an MV24 bill of sale signed by all beneficiaries. If there is no beneficiary and no executor or administrator has been appointed, and the entire estate (including the vehicle, less liens) is no more than $100,000, an heir may apply on the Application for Title by Non-Probate Transfer (MV12), with a title fee of $12.36 for light vehicles ($10.30 for others). Otherwise the vehicle is transferred by the court-appointed personal representative.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.