What Is a Bill of Lading, and Why Did My Car Have to Be Delivered to Montana?
- LLCTLC
- Apr 17
- 4 min read
Updated: May 14
At LLCTLC, we keep the Montana LLC registration process as smooth and straightforward as possible. But occasionally, a dealership will require an unusual step that a car be delivered across state lines, which raises a question from our clients:
"Why did my Montana LLC-owned car need to be shipped?"
The answer usually comes down to a document called a Bill of Lading—something that's rarely required, but important to understand when it comes up.
What Is a Bill of Lading?
A Bill of Lading (BOL) is a legal document used in the shipping process. It serves as both a receipt and a contract, outlining:
Who is shipping the vehicle
Who is receiving it
Where the shipment is being delivered
Details about the shipment itself
For dealerships, this document is proof that a vehicle was delivered to the entity that purchased it—something that occasionally matters when you're using a Montana LLC to make the purchase.
Why Do Some Dealerships Require It?
When a vehicle is purchased by a Montana LLC, the dealership may want confirmation that the vehicle is being delivered to Montana. That’s because, in this case, the LLC is considered a Montana resident for legal and tax purposes.
To verify that the sale aligns with that classification, they might request a Bill of Lading showing that the vehicle was shipped across state lines—specifically to Montana.
This doesn’t happen often, but when it does, LLCTLC makes the process as simple as possible.
What Happens When the Vehicle Arrives?
If your dealership requires delivery to Montana, we’ll help you handle it from start to finish. That includes:
Receiving the vehicle at our Montana office
Signing off on delivery on your behalf
Confirming the Bill of Lading and documentation
Releasing the vehicle for shipment to your final location
Once the vehicle arrives at our office and is checked in, we sign the Bill of Lading and release the vehicle to continue its journey—wherever you want it delivered.
Does This Happen Often?
No. Most dealerships do not require this step. But when one does, we know how to handle it and make sure everything goes smoothly for you.
We’ve worked with thousands of clients and dozens of dealerships over the years. When this situation arises, we take care of it—quickly and professionally.
Why It’s Still Worth Registering Through a Montana LLC
Even if your vehicle needs a brief stop in Montana, the financial benefits remain significant for high-value vehicles in particular. Forming a Montana LLC allows you to:
Avoid sales tax on high-value vehicle purchases
Skip emissions testing and vehicle inspections
Keep your name off public title records with privacy options
Register your vehicle faster with expert assistance
In short, it's worth it—and with LLCTLC, you're in experienced hands.
How LLCTLC Helps
At LLCTLC, our services go beyond simply registering your vehicle in Montana. We offer comprehensive Montana LLC formation, so you’re not just saving on sales tax—you’re setting up a solid legal structure that protects your assets, supports your privacy, and helps to provide long-term compliance.
Here’s what that means for you:
LLC Formation in 1 Business Day: Once you choose a name, we’ll file your LLC with the Montana Secretary of State—fast.
Vehicle Registration Within 21 Business Days: Once your title is in our hands, we’ll handle all the DMV paperwork for you.
Flat Fees, No Percentages: We never take a cut of your vehicle's value—our pricing is simple, transparent, and competitive.
Ongoing Support: We handle annual report filings, renewals, and even mail forwarding so nothing slips through the cracks.
Whether you're registering one vehicle or a fleet, we simplify the process so you don’t have to deal with any of the stress.
Why Choose LLCTLC?
With over 20 years of experience, our team has helped thousands of clients take advantage of Montana’s tax-friendly policies through LLC ownership. What makes us different?
Fast Turnaround: We file LLCs within 1 business day.
Dedicated Service: You’ll talk to the same people throughout the process.
No Middlemen: We never insert ourselves as managers or members of your LLC.
Armored Privacy Options: We offer advanced privacy packages that keep your personal name off public records.
We believe vehicle registration shouldn’t be complicated—and we’ve spent two decades proving it.
Real-World Example: Why Clients Appreciate Our Help
Recently, we helped a client receive two vehicles at our Montana office—one of which required a Bill of Lading to satisfy the dealership’s delivery policy. We coordinated the transport, signed for the vehicles, and ensured everything continued smoothly to the final destination. In these rare cases, having a responsive, experienced registered agent makes all the difference.
Need Help With Registering Your Vehicle Through A Montana LLC?
We’re here to make the Montana LLC registration process easy, whether or not a Bill of Lading is involved.
Reach out to the team at LLCTLC today. We'll walk you through every step and make sure your Montana LLC—and your vehicle—are handled the right way.
Common Questions About Montana Vehicle Registration Through an LLC
Do I need to live in Montana to register a vehicle there?
No. You do not need to be a Montana resident. A Montana LLC is a legally distinct entity that qualifies as a “resident” for vehicle registration purposes.
Can I register any type of vehicle with a Montana LLC?
Most movable assets qualify—including cars, motorcycles, RVs, trailers, and off-road vehicles. We’ll help you determine eligibility before we begin the process.
Is this legal in my home state?
Yes, the strategy is legal when implemented correctly. You’re forming a legitimate business entity in Montana, which is allowed under U.S. law. LLCTLC never provides legal advice and recommend that you consult your attorney, but we work with clients to ensure full compliance with Montana regulations.
Will I need commercial insurance?
If your vehicle is titled to an LLC, especially a high-value vehicle, it is possible your insurer may require a commercial policy. We can connect you with insurers who are familiar with insuring Montana LLC-owned vehicles.
