How to transfer a car title in Minnesota
For private sellers and buyers in Minnesota. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Minnesota, the seller signs the title over, writes the price and mileage, hands it to the buyer with the car, and reports the sale within 10 days. The buyer applies to Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) within 20 days and pays the sales tax. The title fee is $8.25, plus fees.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Minnesota?
Seller
- Sign the title over to the buyer when you hand over the car, and write the actual price on it.
- Write the mileage on the title, or say it is not the actual mileage.
- Within 10 days, send in the Notice of Sale with the buyer's name, address, license number and the date of sale.
- In Dakota County, sellers fill in the signatures, date of sale, odometer statement and damage disclosure.
Buyer
- Apply for your new title within 20 days, on the title itself.
- If you miss that deadline, the car's registration is suspended.
- Pay the motor vehicle sales tax on the price you paid.
- In Dakota County, bring the title and your driver's license or state ID.
- In Anoka County, bring proof of insurance: the company, policy number and expiration date.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services before you go: dps.mn.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Minnesota?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the title over.
Write the actual price and the mileage, and hand the title over with the car.
Step 2 · Seller
Report the sale.
Within 10 days, send in the Notice of Sale or report it online.
We have not confirmed whether Minnesota requires a bill of sale. Check with the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services before you sell.
How do I put a car title in my name in Minnesota?
Step 1 · Buyer
Apply for the title.
Within 20 days, fill in the application on the title and mail or bring it to the DVS.
revisor.mn.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Pay the sales tax.
The motor vehicle sales tax is based on the price you paid.
revisor.mn.gov checked
After the DVS processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Minnesota guides
How much does a title transfer cost in Minnesota?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $8.25 | Buyer | revisor.mn.gov Checked |
| Title surcharge | $2.25 | Buyer | revisor.mn.gov Checked |
| Added title fee | $3.50 | Buyer | revisor.mn.gov Checked |
| Motor vehicle sales tax | 6.875 percent of the price | Buyer | revisor.mn.gov Checked |
| Sales tax on a car 10 or more years old worth under $3,000 | $10 | Buyer | revisor.mn.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $14 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Minnesota are being checked.
- Lost titleReplace a lost title in Minnesota.
Common questions
How much is the title fee in Minnesota?
$8.25, plus a $2.25 surcharge and a $3.50 fee.
revisor.mn.gov checked
How much is the sales tax on a private sale?
6.875 percent of the price. For a car 10 or more years old that is worth under $3,000, the tax is $10.
revisor.mn.gov checked
Does the seller have to report the sale?
Yes. Send in the Notice of Sale from the title, or report the sale online, within 10 days.
revisor.mn.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Minnesota sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.