How To Transfer a Car Title in Minnesota 2026
Minnesota vehicle title transfers are governed by Minn. Stat. § 168A.10. This statute obligates the seller to execute a written assignment of title at the time of vehicle delivery and to submit a Notice of Sale to the Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) within 10 days of the sale date. The buyer must then file the completed certificate of title with DVS within 20 calendar days of the assignment.
Required Documents for Title Transfer in Minnesota
Both parties must present accurate and complete documentation at the time of transfer. The following items are required for a standard private-party title transfer:
- Certificate of Title – the original must accompany every transfer; if the title has been lost, the titled owner must obtain a duplicate title before the transfer can proceed.
- Assignment and Application Sections – the seller fills the assignment portion; the buyer completes the application portion of the Title and Register Motor Vehicle Application, including full legal name, date of birth, residential address, and signature.
- Odometer Disclosure – mandatory for all vehicles of model year 2011 or newer for a period of 20 years; the actual mileage or a statement that the true mileage is unknown must be entered by the seller in the space provided on the certificate.
- Damage Disclosure – required on every transfer regardless of vehicle age or condition; the seller must certify whether the vehicle has sustained structural or significant damage.
- Lien Release – if a lienholder's name appears on the face of the title, the buyer must present a signed lien release card or a notarized lien release form before the transfer will be processed.
- Valid Government-Issued Photo Identification – required for all buyers and sellers at the time of submission.
- Power of Attorney – required when an owner is unable to appear in person to execute the assignment or application; must be properly executed and submitted alongside the title.
- U.S. DOT Number – required if the vehicle is operated commercially and its gross vehicle weight exceeds 10,000 pounds.
Note on motorcycles: The engine number must be recorded on the face of the title at the time of transfer. For non-titled trailers at or below 4,000 pounds gross weight, the Minnesota registration card is acceptable proof of ownership unless a lien exists or a prior title was issued.
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in Minnesota
Step 1: Verify the Certificate of Title Before the Sale
The buyer should confirm, before taking possession of the vehicle, that the name printed on the front of the certificate of title matches the identity of the seller. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) displayed on the dashboard must correspond exactly to the VIN recorded on the title. If any lienholder is listed on the title, obtain a signed lien release card or notarized lien release form from each secured party before completing the transaction.
Reviewing the vehicle's history through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System is strongly recommended prior to purchase.
Step 2: Seller Completes the Title Assignment
At the time of delivery, the seller must hand-print their name and sign in the assignment area on the reverse side of the certificate of title. The assignment section must include the buyer's full name and residential address, the date of sale, the declared sale price in the sales tax declaration field, and the odometer reading (where required). The seller must also complete the damage disclosure section for all vehicles.
All owners listed on the title must sign; if multiple owners are listed, each must execute the assignment. The seller must then file a Report of Sale with DVS online within 10 days to terminate seller liability.
Step 3: Buyer Completes the Application Section
The buyer must fill out the application portion of the title or the separate motor vehicle title application with their full legal name, date of birth, residential address, and signature. If the vehicle is being purchased with a loan, the buyer must indicate the security interest and provide the lienholder's name and address. If two or more buyers are taking title jointly, they may elect survivorship rights by connecting their names with the conjunction "OR." The buyer retains the assigned certificate of title and all supporting documents until submission.
Step 4: Assemble All Required Supporting Documents
Before proceeding to a deputy registrar's office or mailing the application, collect every item listed in the Required Documents section above. Confirm the lien release is original and signed, or a notarized document. Verify that the odometer and damage disclosures are complete and legible. If a power of attorney is being used, ensure it is properly executed. Incomplete packages will delay processing and may result in the imposition of the late transfer penalty if the 20-calendar-day deadline passes before the deficiency is corrected.
Step 5: Submit the Transfer to a Deputy Registrar or DVS by Mail
The completed transfer package must be filed within 20 calendar days of the date of assignment. Two submission methods are available:
- In person: Present the package at any deputy registrar office located throughout the state.
- By mail: Send the signed certificate of title, completed application, lien release (if applicable), and full payment to:
Mailed submissions are accepted through the postmark date for purposes of the 20-day deadline.Driver and Vehicle Services 445 Minnesota St., Suite 195, Town Square Building Saint Paul, MN 55101-5190
Step 6: Pay All Applicable Fees and Sales Tax
Fees are collected in full during submission. Minnesota imposes a 6.875% vehicle sales tax on the purchase price. When a vehicle is acquired for less than fair market value or gifted, DVS may assess tax on the average value of comparable vehicles. An in-lieu sales tax of $10 applies to qualifying passenger vehicles that are 10 or more model years old with a purchase price below $3,000.
| Fee Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title Fee | $8.25 | Due on all initial applications and transfers |
| Filing Fee | $12.00 | Due with each title transaction |
| Technology Surcharge | $2.25 | Due with each title transaction |
| Local Office Surcharge | $1.00 | Charged at deputy registrar offices |
| Transfer Tax | $10.00 | See DVS fee schedule for exemptions |
| Public Safety Vehicle (PSV) Fee | $3.50 | Not due on non-titled trailer transfers |
| Grant of Security Interest | $2.00 | Per lienholder recorded |
| Late Transfer Penalty | $2.00 | Assessed if filed after 20 calendar days |
| Sales Tax (standard) | 6.875% | Based on purchase price or fair market value |
| In-Lieu Sales Tax | $10.00 | Qualifying older/lower-value vehicles only |
| Expedited Processing | $20.00 | Optional; requested at time of filing |
| Duplicate Title | $7.25 | If original is lost or destroyed |
Step 7: Receive the New Certificate of Title
DVS issues the new certificate of title and mails it to the address provided on the application after processing is complete. If a security interest was recorded at the time of transfer, the title is sent directly to the lienholder and held until the obligation is satisfied. The buyer receives a registration card and license plate tabs at the deputy registrar's office upon filing. If a title is not received within six months of filing, DVS will process a replacement at no charge.
Contact Information
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 195, Town Square Building
Saint Paul, MN 55101-5190
Phone: (651) 297-2126
Official Website: Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
