Titling a surplus HMMWV, M35, or other military vehicle is different from titling a civilian car. This guide explains every available path and why Montana is the easiest state to do it in.
Quick Answer
Decommissioned US military vehicles are sold through GovPlanet and DoveBid with a Standard Form 97 (SF-97), which serves as the title document. To register the vehicle, you take the SF-97 to a state DMV or use a Montana LLC registration service. Montana is the most straightforward state for military vehicle registration because it accepts the SF-97 directly, charges zero sales tax, and has no annual inspection requirement.
Most surplus military vehicles come with a Standard Form 97, the government-issued certificate of release or receipt of a vehicle. This is the primary ownership document you will use to obtain a civilian title.
Montana accepts the SF-97 as proof of ownership, charges zero sales tax on the transaction, and has no annual safety inspection requirement. Most other states require additional documentation, inspections, or both.
Holding your military vehicle through a Montana LLC protects the purchase from sales tax in your home state while providing a clean civilian title. HMMWV Registration handles the LLC formation and all associated paperwork filing.
If you purchased a military vehicle without an SF-97, common with older surplus or private sales, a bonded title may be your route. We help clients prepare bonded title paperwork in states that allow them.
A clean, properly formatted bill of sale is required alongside the SF-97 in most states. HMMWV Registration provides correct bill of sale templates and reviews your existing documents.
Some military vehicles have NATO stock numbers rather than standard VINs. Montana can assign a state VIN to vehicles that need one. We assist with the VIN assignment paperwork as part of the filing process.
Locate your SF-97, auction purchase receipt, and any bill of sale from the seller. If your vehicle came without an SF-97, contact us first, you have options.
Montana is the recommended state for most military vehicle owners. We explain why during your initial consultation and walk through any state-specific requirements.
HMMWV Registration forms your Montana LLC within 24 hours. The LLC holds title to the vehicle, protecting you from home-state sales tax.
We assist with the Montana title application on behalf of your LLC, including VIN verification, SF-97 submission, and any supporting documents required.