How Montana Handles Manufactured Home Titles
In Montana, the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MT MVD) is responsible for issuing and transferring manufactured home titles. Montana processes manufactured home titles through county treasurer offices — not the state DMV directly. The Motor Vehicle Division sets fees and forms, but you file at your county treasurer. Montana is also one of the few states with no general sales tax, which means no sales tax on manufactured home transfers.
Before filing anything, call MT MVD at (406) 444-3661 and describe your situation. Their staff can confirm which current form version you need and whether your documents are complete — a 10-minute call that prevents weeks of delay from a rejected submission.
Required Forms
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| MV9 | Application for Montana Certificate of Title — manufactured homes |
| MV25 | Lien Satisfaction Notice |
| Lien Release (lender form) | Required if a lender is listed on the current title — must be obtained from the lender and submitted with the transfer |
| Heirship / Small Estate Affidavit | Used when transferring after the owner’s death if the estate qualifies under Montana’s small estate threshold |
Step-by-Step: Standard Sale Transfer
- Obtain the current title from the seller — The seller’s name on the title must match their government-issued ID exactly. Check for any lienholder listed on the front of the title document.
- Have the seller sign the title assignment section — The seller signs the back of the title in the designated assignment area. If two names appear on the title, both must sign unless the title specifies survivorship rights (e.g., “or” vs. “and”).
- Resolve any liens — If a lender is listed, obtain a signed lien release before filing. MT MVD will not issue a clean title while an active lien is recorded.
- Complete the transfer application (MV9) — Fill in all required fields. Download the current version from the agency’s official website on the day you file — forms change periodically.
- Submit to MT MVD — File in person at the appropriate office or by mail. Include all forms, the original signed title, and payment.
- Receive new title — MT MVD issues a new title in the buyer’s name. Store it securely — replacement titles take additional time and fees.
Fee Schedule (2025)
| Transaction Type | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard title transfer (sale) | $12.36 title fee |
| Duplicate / replacement title | Typically $10–$50 |
| Estate / heirship transfer | Same as standard transfer fee |
| Lien filing (new lender) | $2–$15 |
| Estimated total | $40–$100 |
Always confirm current fees with MT MVD at (406) 444-3661 before filing — fee schedules change.
Timeline in Montana
County treasurer offices process title transactions in 1–3 business days in-person. Mail: 2–5 weeks.
Documents Required for Every Transfer
- Current title document (original — not a photocopy)
- Completed MV9 (downloaded from MT MVD website on day of filing)
- Government-issued photo ID for all signing parties
- Lien release from lender (if lienholder listed on title)
- Payment for fees
- For estate transfers: certified death certificate + signed heirship affidavit
Frequently Asked Questions
No — Montana has no general sales tax, so there is no sales tax on manufactured home transfers. This makes Montana one of the lowest total-cost states for title transfers.
Montana allows a small estate affidavit for estates under $50,000. Heirs can use this to transfer the title without probate if the home's value and total estate qualify.
Never pay in full for a home with an active lien without a formal arrangement to clear it. The safest approach is to use an escrow: the seller's loan is paid off from the purchase price at closing, the lender releases the lien simultaneously, and only then does the title transfer to you. Contact MT MVD at (406) 444-3661 to confirm the lien status using the home's serial number before committing to any purchase.
File a duplicate title application with MT MVD using form MV9 or the state's specific duplicate title form. You will need the home's serial number (found on the HUD data plate inside a cabinet or on the steel chassis frame), your photo ID, and payment of the duplicate fee. If there is a lienholder on the title, most states send the duplicate to the lienholder unless they provide written consent for you to receive it.
Related: After-Death Transfers · Lien Release Guide · Lost Title · Path Finder Tool