Montana Auto Dealer Bonds
Auto dealer bonds protect consumers and the state. The bond amount and license type required depend on your state's DMV.
Trusted by thousands · Easy online process · Quick turnaroundChoose your bond
Here's how it works
1. Share the basics
A few quick questions. No paperwork.
2. See your options
Clear quotes. No surprises.
3. Get covered
We'll take it from here.
Simple, fast, and dealer-ready
Why Choose Us
Licensed Agents
Bond experts
US-Based Support
Real help, fast.
Fast Turnaround
Quotes in minutes.
Competitive Rates
Top carriers, low rates.
At a glance
Montana Auto Dealer Bond Key Facts
Governed by Mont. Code Ann. § 61-3-208.
The basics
What Is an Auto Dealer Bond in Montana?
A bonded title in Montana is a regular certificate of title the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) issues on the strength of a surety bond. You use it when you cannot get the normal proof of ownership — for example, there is a gap (a “break”) in the chain of ownership or you have no assigned title. Montana handles this through the Application for Break/Bond Title (form MV10). A bond is required only when the vehicle is less than 30 years old and worth more than $1,000; below that, or for vehicles 30 years or older, no bond is needed.
Good to know - A surety bond is required only when the vehicle is less than 30 years old and worth more than $1,000. If the vehicle is worth $1,000 or less, or is 30 years old or older, no bond is required — you establish ownership to the department's satisfaction instead.
The bond protects prior owners, lienholders, future buyers, and other interested parties if someone turns out to have a claim on the vehicle. You file it together with your Break/Bond Title application — it does not replace the application.
Montana sets the bond at one times (1x) your vehicle's value, and the bond stays in effect for three years. If no one makes a valid claim during that time, the department returns the bond and you keep a clear title.
Not every vehicle needs a bond. If your vehicle is worth $1,000 or less, or is 30 years old or older, you do not buy a bond — you simply establish ownership to the department's satisfaction. Check which path applies before you buy a bond.
Qualification
What You Need to Qualify for a Montana Auto Dealer Bond
Approval depends on your dealer license type, required coverage amount, and underwriting factors such as credit.
- You cannot get the normal proof of ownership — for example, there is a break in the chain of ownership or the assigned title is missing.
- The vehicle is less than 30 years old and worth more than $1,000 (otherwise no bond is required).
- The vehicle identification number can be verified — a law enforcement officer completes a Level 1 Vehicle/OHV Identification Number Inspection (form MV20).
- The bond is issued by a surety company authorized to do business in Montana, in an amount equal to the vehicle's value.
Step by step
How to Get an Auto Dealer Bond in Montana: Step by Step
Confirm whether you need a bond
Montana requires a surety bond only when the vehicle is less than 30 years old and worth more than $1,000. If your vehicle is worth $1,000 or less, or is 30 years old or older, you do not need a bond — ask the Vehicle Services Bureau how to establish ownership instead.
Get a VIN inspection
Have a law enforcement officer complete a Level 1 Vehicle/OHV Identification Number Inspection (form MV20). This verifies the vehicle identification number for your application.
Level 1 Vehicle/OHV Identification Number Inspection (MV20)Determine your vehicle's value
Use the applicable national appraisal guide (such as the J.D. Power/NADA guide) value as of January 1 of the year you apply, and keep a copy of the guide page. If no national guide is available, certify the value yourself with a bill of sale and a notarized value statement (form MV100). The bond must equal this value (1x). Enter your value in the calculator above to estimate your premium.
Value certification (MV100)Buy your surety bond
Purchase a surety bond equal to your vehicle's value from a surety company authorized to do business in Montana. Once issued, the bond stays in effect for three years.
Complete the Application for Break/Bond Title (MV10)
Fill out the Application for Break/Bond Title (form MV10), describing how you got the vehicle, any liens against it, and the vehicle's value. The application is sworn — it must be signed and notarized.
Application for Break/Bond Title (MV10)File your application and pay the fees
To title and register, take the MV10, your bond, the MV20 inspection, your value documentation, proof of ownership, and (for vehicles model year 1981 or newer) an NMVTIS report to your county treasurer's Motor Vehicle Office. To title only, mail everything to the Vehicle Services Bureau in Helena. Pay the certificate of title fee.
Paperwork
Montana Dealer Bond Forms & Documents
The sworn, notarized bonded-title application filed with your bond.
View formVIN inspection completed by a law enforcement officer (MV20V for vessels).
View formMontana's standard certificate of title application.
View formNotarized proof of ownership; required if the vehicle is not in mechanically functional condition.
Certifies the vehicle's value when no national appraisal guide value is available.
Records a lien/security interest ($8.24 each), if any apply.
You'll also need
Cost
How Montana Auto Dealer Bond Pricing Works
You do not pay the full bond amount. In Montana, the surety bond must equal your vehicle's value (1x). You pay a premium, which is a smaller percentage of that amount.
Your premium depends on the bond amount and underwriting. Use the calculator above for an estimate; your final premium may vary. Montana's certificate of title fee and any county registration fees are separate from the bond premium.
Worked example
If your vehicle's value is $6,000, the bond amount is $6,000. You pay only the premium, not the full $6,000.
Filing
Filing Information
Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), Vehicle Services Bureau
We prepare the issued bond and send you a copy for your records. Filing requirements vary by state, license type, carrier, and bond form.
(406) 444-3661FAQ
Montana Auto Dealer Bond FAQ
Yes, in certain cases. Montana issues a certificate of title backed by a surety bond, through the Application for Break/Bond Title (form MV10), under Mont. Code Ann. § 61-3-208. A bond is required only when the vehicle is less than 30 years old and worth more than $1,000.
The bond amount equals your vehicle's value (1x). You pay a premium — a percentage of that amount — not the full bond amount. Use the calculator above to estimate it.
Only when the vehicle is less than 30 years old and worth more than $1,000. If it is worth $1,000 or less, or is 30 years old or older, no bond is required — you establish ownership to the department's satisfaction instead.
By the applicable national appraisal guide (such as the J.D. Power/NADA guide) as of January 1 of the year you apply. If no national guide is available for your vehicle, you certify the value with a bill of sale and a notarized value statement (form MV100).
Three years. Under Mont. Code Ann. § 61-3-208, the department returns the bond at the earlier of three years from the date the title was issued, or when you surrender a valid title because the vehicle no longer needs a Montana title.
To title and register, take your documents to your county treasurer's Motor Vehicle Office. To title only, mail them to the Vehicle Services Bureau, P.O. Box 201431, Helena, MT 59620-1431. Call (406) 444-3661 with questions.
It is Montana's name for a title issued when there is a break in the chain of ownership or you have no assigned title. The same form (MV10) covers both the “break in ownership” situation and the surety “bond” requirement.
Sources
Last verified 2026-06-23. Requirements change - confirm current details with Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), Vehicle Services Bureau before you file. This page is informational and not legal advice.
FAQ
Montana Auto Dealer Bond Questions
The cost of a Montana auto dealer bond is usually a small percentage of the state-required bond amount. Your exact premium depends on the bond amount, license type, business details, and underwriting factors such as credit.
Many auto dealer bonds can be issued the same day after you complete the application. Larger bond amounts or applications that need underwriting review may take longer.
Requirements vary by license type, but most Montana auto dealers need to complete a short application and purchase the bond amount required by the state before their license can be issued or renewed.
Often, yes. Many states have separate bond requirements for wholesale, retail, broker, or other dealer license types. Choose the bond that matches your Montana license instructions.
Ready to get started?
Have questions? Call or text +1 (888) 900-8038 to talk with a specialist or
Explore
Contact
Simple. Fast. Trusted
Insurance Services By Shield
515 S Flower ST, Fl 18, Los Angeles, CA 90071
© 2026 Insurance Services By Shield | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Contact
AutoDealersBond.com is operated by Insurance Services by Shield, a California and Texas licensed insurance agency (CA License #6018195, TX License #3446536). Insurance Services by Shield is not an insurance carrier and does not underwrite bonds or insurance policies. Bond and coverage availability, pricing, and issuance are subject to carrier underwriting approval, eligibility, applicable state requirements, and policy or bond terms. Availability varies by state.
