How to Transfer Car Title in MN A Complete Step by Step Guide

Feeling overwhelmed by the paperwork to transfer a car title in Minnesota? You’re not alone. The process involves specific documents and steps that can feel confusing. Getting it wrong can lead to delays and legal headaches.

The key to a successful car title transfer in Minnesota is ensuring both the buyer and seller complete their specific responsibilities correctly on the official Certificate of Title. This guide breaks down every step for a smooth, legal, and stress-free transfer. You’ll learn exactly what documents you need, how much it costs, and where to go.

Key Facts

• Legal Deadline: The buyer has 10 business days from the date of sale to transfer the title, according to Minnesota State Statutes, to avoid late fees.
• Primary Cost: The largest expense is the 6.5% Motor Vehicle Sales Tax on the vehicle’s purchase price, as outlined by the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
• Seller’s Critical Step: A seller must remove their license plates from the vehicle after the sale to avoid liability for any future tickets or tolls.
• No Title, No Sale: A bill of sale is not proof of ownership in Minnesota; only a properly signed Certificate of Title legally transfers the vehicle.
• In-Person is Best: Completing the final transaction at a Deputy Registrar office is the recommended best practice to prevent common errors and ensure all paperwork is correct.

What Documents Are Required to Transfer a Car Title in Minnesota?

To transfer a car title in Minnesota, the buyer needs the original signed title from the seller, a completed Application for Title and Registration (Form PS2000), valid proof of car insurance, and their driver’s license. Preparing these documents ahead of time ensures a smooth and efficient process at the Deputy Registrar office. It’s the most critical step to avoid having your application rejected.

Here is a simple checklist of the required paperwork for a standard car sale in Minnesota:

• Original Minnesota Certificate of Title: This is the official document proving ownership. The seller must sign it and provide it to the buyer. Copies are not accepted. The title contains the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), owner details, and a section for the odometer reading.
• Application to Title & Register a Motor Vehicle (Form PS2000): The buyer completes this form. It gathers all the necessary information about the buyer, the vehicle, the purchase price, and any applicable lien information. It’s best to download the latest version from the Minnesota DVS website.
• Lien Release Card or Notarized Letter (If Applicable): If the title shows an active loan (a lien), the seller must provide the buyer with an official document from the bank or credit union proving the loan has been paid off. The transfer cannot be processed without this.
• Proof of Insurance: The buyer must present a valid, current Minnesota car insurance card for the vehicle being purchased. You must secure insurance before you can complete the ownership transfer.
• Valid Driver’s License: The buyer needs to show a valid government-issued photo ID, typically their driver’s license, to verify their identity.

What Are the Seller’s Responsibilities in a Minnesota Title Transfer?

When selling a car in Minnesota, the seller must accurately complete the seller’s section on the back of the Minnesota Certificate of Title, provide a lien release if necessary, and remove their license plates before handing the title to the buyer. These steps are crucial for officially ending your legal responsibility for the vehicle.

Here is the step-by-step process for the vehicle seller:

1. Locate the Title and Lien Release: Before listing the car, find the original Certificate of Title. If you had a loan, you must also have the Lien Release Card from your lender. You cannot legally sell the vehicle without these documents.
2. Record the Odometer Reading: On the back of the title, accurately write the vehicle’s current mileage in the designated odometer disclosure section. Do not include tenths of a mile. This is a federal legal requirement to prevent fraud.
3. Enter the Date of Sale: Write the exact date the vehicle is sold. This date is important because it starts the 10-business-day clock for the buyer to complete the transfer.
4. Sign and Print Your Name: Sign your name exactly as it appears on the front of the title in the designated “Seller’s Signature” line. If there are two owners listed with “AND” between the names, both individuals must sign.
5. Remove Your License Plates: This is a critical step. Once the sale is finalized and you’ve given the title to the buyer, you must remove your license plates from the car. Leaving them on can make you liable for tolls, tickets, or even crimes committed by the new owner.
6. Provide All Documents to the Buyer: Give the signed title and the Lien Release Card (if applicable) to the buyer. It’s also a good practice to provide a handwritten bill of sale for both parties’ records, though it’s not required for the transfer itself.

Pro Tip: Based on real-world experience, the safest way to conduct a private sale is for both the buyer and seller to meet at a Deputy Registrar office. This allows the staff to verify that the title is signed correctly before payment is exchanged, preventing nearly all common mistakes.

What Are the Buyer’s Steps to Complete the Title Transfer in Minnesota?

To transfer a car title in Minnesota, the buyer must obtain the signed title from the seller, complete the ‘Application for Title and Registration’, and submit both documents with proof of insurance and payment for fees and sales tax to a Deputy Registrar office within 10 business days. This process officially puts the vehicle’s proof of ownership in your name.

Here is the detailed, step-by-step process for the vehicle buyer:

1. Receive the Signed Title: Before paying, inspect the title to ensure the seller has signed it correctly and that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the title matches the VIN on the car. If there was a loan, you must also receive the official Lien Release Card.
2. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the “Application to Title & Register a Motor Vehicle” (Form PS2000). You will need to provide your full name and address, the vehicle details from the title, and the purchase price.
3. Secure Proof of Insurance: Contact your insurance company and add the new vehicle to your policy. You will need to show a valid insurance card at the registrar’s office.
4. Visit a Deputy Registrar Office: Take all your documents—the signed title, the completed application, your driver’s license, and your proof of insurance—to a local Deputy Registrar office.
5. Submit Paperwork and Pay Fees: Hand your documents to the clerk. You will pay the title transfer fee, filing fee, and the 6.5% Motor Vehicle Sales Tax based on the purchase price you listed on the application.
6. Receive Your Receipt and New Plates/Tabs: Once the transaction is complete, you will receive a receipt that serves as temporary proof of ownership. You may receive new license plates and registration stickers on the spot, or they will be mailed to you.
7. Wait for Your New Title: The official new Minnesota Certificate of Title with your name on it will be printed by the state and mailed to you within a few weeks.

How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a Car Title in MN in 2026?

In 2026, the total cost to transfer a car title in Minnesota is a combination of several fees. You can expect to pay a title fee (~$8.25), a filing fee (~$12), plus the 6.5% Minnesota Motor Vehicle Sales Tax on the purchase price, which is the largest portion of the cost. Understanding these costs ahead of time is crucial for budgeting your vehicle purchase.

While fees are set by the state and subject to change, here is a clear breakdown of what to expect as of January 2026.

Fee Type	Estimated Cost (as of January 2026)	Notes
Title Fee	~$8.25	Standard state fee for issuing a new title.
Filing Fee	~$12.00	Fee charged by the Deputy Registrar office to process the transaction.
Public Safety Fee	~$3.50	A technology surcharge often included in the transaction.
Motor Vehicle Sales Tax	6.5% of Purchase Price	The largest cost. Paid by the buyer at the time of transfer.
Lien Recording Fee	~$11.00	Only applies if you are financing the car and need to add a lender to the title.
Late Transfer Penalty	~$2.00 (plus other fees)	May apply if you submit after the 10-business-day deadline.

Where Can You Complete the Title Transfer in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, you can transfer a car title either in person at any Deputy Registrar office for immediate processing or by mailing the required documents to the DVS, which takes longer and risks delays from errors. Choosing the right method depends on your confidence in your paperwork and your need for speed.

Option 1: In-Person at a Deputy Registrar Office

This is the most common and highly recommended method, especially for first-timers. You can find a statewide list of Deputy Registrar offices on the Minnesota DVS website. Visiting in person allows the staff to review your documents for any errors or missing information on the spot. This immediate feedback prevents the frustration of having your application rejected and mailed back to you.

Option 2: By Mail to the DVS

If you are 100% confident that your paperwork is filled out perfectly, you can mail your documents to the Driver and Vehicle Services central office. This option offers convenience but comes with significant risks. If there is even a small mistake, your entire application will be returned, causing major delays. There is no direct support available, and the processing time is much longer than an in-person visit.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Feature	In-Person at Deputy Registrar	By Mail to DVS
Processing Speed	Immediate processing; new title mailed in weeks.	Slow; can take several weeks or longer.
Error Correction	Staff can spot and help fix errors on the spot.	Paperwork is rejected and mailed back, causing major delays.
Support	Direct assistance and questions answered by staff.	No direct support available.
Convenience	Requires a trip during business hours.	Can be done from home at any time.
Best For	First-timers, complex situations, or anyone wanting peace of mind.	Experts who are 100% confident their paperwork is perfect.

How Do You Handle Special Title Transfer Situations in MN?

For special title transfers in MN, a lien requires a ‘Lien Release’ from the bank, gifting a car may allow a sales tax exemption with a specific form, and inheriting a vehicle requires legal documents like a death certificate and court appointment. While most transfers are straightforward, these common edge cases have unique requirements.

Transferring a Title with a Lien

To transfer a Minnesota title with a lien, the seller must first pay off the loan. The lender (the lienholder) will then provide a ‘Lien Release Card’ or a notarized release letter. The seller must give this official lien release document to the buyer along with the title, as the Deputy Registrar cannot process the transfer without it.

Gifting a Car to a Family Member

If you are receiving a car as a gift from a qualifying family member (such as a parent, spouse, or child), you may be exempt from paying the 6.5% Motor Vehicle Sales Tax. You will list the purchase price as “Gift” on the application forms. You may need to complete a specific affidavit or form to certify the gift relationship.

Inheriting a Vehicle from a Deceased Owner

To transfer the title of a vehicle from a deceased owner, you cannot simply sign their name. The executor or administrator of the estate must handle the transfer. They will need to provide the original title along with legal documents, such as a copy of the death certificate and the official court appointment papers (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration), to prove they have the legal authority to sign on behalf of the estate.

Transferring an Out-of-State Title to Minnesota

If you are a new resident or have purchased a car from out of state, the process is similar. You will surrender the out-of-state title and complete the Minnesota “Application for Title and Registration.” Be prepared for the clerk to perform a visual inspection of the VIN on the vehicle to ensure it matches the title.

FAQs About how to transfer title of car in mn

What if the seller lost the car title in MN?

The seller cannot legally sell the car without the title. They must first apply for a “Duplicate Title” from the Minnesota DVS. The sale must be paused until the seller receives the physical duplicate title in the mail, as only the official document can be signed over to the buyer. Never purchase a vehicle with only a bill of sale.

How long do I have to transfer a title in MN after buying a car?

You have 10 business days from the date of sale to transfer the title. This deadline is important because if you submit your paperwork after this period, you may be charged a late transfer penalty fee. The date of sale written on the title by the seller is what starts this 10-day clock.

Can I transfer a car title online in Minnesota?

No, you cannot fully complete a private-party title transfer online in Minnesota. The process requires the physical exchange of the original paper title and submission of documents either in person at a Deputy Registrar office or through the mail. You can, however, use the DVS website to find forms and office locations online.

Does a car title need to be notarized in Minnesota?

Generally, no. For a standard private party sale, signatures on the Minnesota Certificate of Title do not need to be notarized. However, some supporting documents, like a lien release from a lender or a power of attorney form, may require notarization. Always check the requirements for any non-standard forms you submit.

What happens if I make a mistake on the title?

Do not use correction fluid (White-Out) or cross out information, as this will void the title. If a minor error is made, the DVS may accept a “Statement of Facts” form explaining the correction. However, for significant errors, the seller will likely need to apply for a duplicate title to start the process over with a clean document.

Key Takeaways: Minnesota Car Title Transfer Summary

• The Buyer is Responsible: While the seller signs first, the buyer is legally responsible for submitting all paperwork and paying fees to the DVS within 10 business days.
• Meet at the Registrar’s Office: The safest way to conduct a private sale is for both buyer and seller to meet at a Deputy Registrar office to complete the paperwork together, preventing nearly all common errors.
• The Title is Everything; No Title, No Sale: Never buy a car without receiving the physical Certificate of Title from the seller at the time of payment. A bill of sale is not proof of ownership.
• Don’t Forget the Sales Tax: The largest cost is the 6.5% Motor Vehicle Sales Tax, which is calculated on the purchase price and paid by the buyer during the transfer.
• Seller: Remove Your Plates: After the sale is complete, the seller must remove their license plates. Leaving them on the car can make the seller liable for tickets, tolls, and crimes committed by the buyer.
• No Alterations on the Title: Any use of correction fluid (White-Out) or crossing out information on the Certificate of Title will void it, causing significant delays.

Final Thoughts on Your Minnesota Title Transfer

Navigating a Minnesota vehicle title transfer can seem complicated, but it’s a straightforward process when you know the steps. By preparing your documents, understanding the responsibilities of both the buyer and seller, and double-checking your work, you can ensure a hassle-free change of ownership. The most critical takeaway is to never rush the paperwork; accuracy is far more important than speed.

Once the title transfer is submitted, your next steps will be to ensure your vehicle is properly registered and that you receive your new plates or tabs. With the official paperwork filed correctly, you can confidently and legally enjoy your new vehicle on the road. Following this guide will give you the peace of mind that your transaction is secure and complete.