The SF-97 Form Explained

The SF-97 is the federal document that transfers ownership of a military vehicle from the US government to you. Here is what it is, where to get it, and exactly what to do with it.

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What Is the SF-97?

Standard Form 97 (SF-97), officially titled Certificate to Obtain Title to a Vehicle, is issued by the US federal government when a military or government vehicle is sold to a civilian buyer. It is the government's equivalent of a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO), the document that proves you legally acquired the vehicle from its original federal owner.

Without a valid SF-97, you cannot legally title most military surplus vehicles. It is the starting document for the entire registration process.

When Is an SF-97 Issued?

You receive an SF-97 when you purchase a military vehicle through:

GovPlanet, the primary auction platform for military surplus vehicles
IronPlanet, parent company of GovPlanet, sometimes hosts government auctions
Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, handles DLA Disposition Services auctions
DLA Disposition Services, direct government surplus sales
General Services Administration (GSA) Auctions, GSAsurplus.gov

The SF-97 is issued at the time of sale and should accompany the vehicle. If you purchased a military vehicle from a private seller, ask them for their SF-97, if the vehicle was never titled in a state, the SF-97 is the only valid ownership document.

What Does an SF-97 Look Like?

An SF-97 is a single-page government form printed on standard paper. It includes:

The vehicle's year, make, model, and serial number (military VIN)
The name of the selling agency (typically the Department of Defense or DLA)
The date of transfer
The buyer's name (yours, or the auction platform acting as intermediary)
An federal government signature and seal

Some SF-97s are issued digitally and can be printed. Both paper originals and printed digital copies are accepted for Montana title purposes.

What to Do With Your SF-97

Once you have your SF-97, the process is:

Do not alter or write on the SF-97, any unauthorized markings can invalidate it.
Keep a scanned copy, original documents can be lost in transit. Always retain a digital backup.
Submit through our registration process, we accept scanned SF-97s. We prepare all additional Montana title forms, file with the county clerk, and handle all correspondence.

What If I Don't Have an SF-97?

If you purchased your military vehicle from a private seller who does not have an SF-97, or if the document was lost, you have options:

If the vehicle was previously titled in a state: A clean state title is sufficient, no SF-97 needed. The SF-97 was already used to create that state title.
If the vehicle was never titled: You may need to pursue a bonded title. This is a Montana process that establishes legal ownership when standard documents are unavailable. Learn more about no-title registration.
Contact the auction platform: GovPlanet and DLA Disposition Services can sometimes reissue or verify an SF-97 for documented purchases.

SF-97 vs. MSO vs. Title: What's the Difference?

Document	Issued By	Used For
SF-97	US Federal Government	First civilian title transfer of military/government vehicles
MSO	Manufacturer	First title of new civilian vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles)
State Title	State DMV	All subsequent ownership transfers after first title

SF-97 FAQs

Can I form a Montana LLC to own a military vehicle without an SF-97?

If the vehicle was previously titled in any US state, you can use that state title instead. If it was never titled, you likely need the SF-97. If the SF-97 is lost, a bonded title may be your best option, contact us to discuss your specific situation.

Does GovPlanet issue the SF-97?

GovPlanet helps with the auction, but the SF-97 is issued by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) or the relevant military branch. GovPlanet should provide you the SF-97 as part of the purchase documentation when you pick up the vehicle.

My SF-97 has the auction company's name on it, not mine. Is that OK?

Yes, this is common. Some auction platforms act as intermediaries and appear as the buyer on the SF-97. In this case, you also need a bill of sale from the auction company to you. We assist with this document combination regularly.

How long does the Montana LLC title process take after submitting my SF-97?

Once we have your SF-97 and submit it to the Montana county clerk on behalf of your LLC, the title is typically issued in 2–4 business days. The title is mailed to us, then we forward it to your address.