Minnesota DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Vehicle Title In Minnesota

Do you need to know how to transfer a car title in Minnesota? Whether you are buying or selling a car in the state you’ll need this FAQ to help you with the information and title transfer requirements.

Each vehicle registration and title is handled by Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services. The title transfer paperwork can be mailed directly to DVS or submitted in person at a local deputy registrar office.

If you need help throughout the process, call your local office for assistance.

Why Do I Need A Car Title?

A title is proof of vehicle ownership and is required to prove that you actually own the vehicle. The title should be transferred from one owner to another when the car is sold. Title transfers are needed when buying or selling a vehicle, and also for inheriting, donating, or gifting a vehicle. The process varies in Minnesota according to the situation.

A title covers legal ownership for a car, truck, boat, motor home, or even mobile home. This categorizes the ownership with the vehicle make, model, year, and vehicle identification number in a unique file.

What Do You Need To Transfer A Car Title?

When you’re buying or selling a car in Minnesota, the title needs to be transferred to the new owner. Both the buyer and seller must fill out the ownership of the title transfer. In Minnesota the transfer of ownership must take place on the certificate of title within 10 days of the sale.

The DMV title transfer form can be filled out and sent into DVS or brought in person to a local deputy registrar office.

If you’re the vehicle buyer, you’ll need:

• The vehicle title with the seller’s name printed on the front of the title as well as your date of birth and signature.
• Verification that the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the dashboard matches the number which is printed on the title.
• Signed lien release card or notarized lien release form for any lien holders if there are any.
• Your proof of insurance on the car.
• Your payment for fees and applicable taxes.

How To Fill Out Transfer Of Title Form

When you’re filling out the transfer of title form you’ll need to properly fill out the VIN, odometer reading, and sale price and date when finalizing the forms. Each person who was listed as an owner on the original title must sign and print their name in order for the sale to be considered valid.

Sellers must include the sales price of the vehicle in the sales tax declaration on the back of the certificate of title. They must also include any disclosure statements that are applicable. The odometer disclosure is required for all vehicles that are under 10 years old and under a gross weight of 16,000 pounds.

A damage disclosure is required for any vehicle that is less than six years old or is a commercial vehicle that weighs under 26,000 pounds.

Buyers must include their full name, birthdate, and signature on the title form along with their residential address. The buyer must also designate whether the vehicle is subject to a loan and sign the application area.

How Much Is A Title Transfer?

When transferring a vehicle title in Minnesota you need to pay title transfer fees, tax, a public safety vehicle fee, and a filing fee.

In Minnesota those fees currently cost:

• Title Fee: $8.25 (and an additional $2 for each lien record).
• Tax: 6.5 percent of the purchase price of the vehicle unless it is exempt from sales tax or qualifies for in-lieu taxes.
• Public Safety Vehicle Fee: $3.50.
• Filing Fee: $10.

To qualify for a $10 in-lieu tax the vehicle must be older than 10 years and have a purchase price and market value under $3,000. To qualify for a $150 in-lieu tax the vehicle must be registered in a collector class.

It’s also worth noting that when transferring a vehicle, the registration tax must not be expired.

My Car Title Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

If your title never transferred then notify DVS.

In Minnesota, if your title is not transferred within six months then your application for a duplicate title is processed free of charge.

Requesting A Duplicate Title

You’ll need to request a duplicate title if your original has been lost or stolen, or has been damaged to the point of needing a replacement. You’ll need to make your request for a duplicate title at a deputy registrar office or by mail to the DVS central office.

The duplicate title will also be subject to fees and tax, unless you’re requesting a duplicate title if the transfer of your title did not go through in a six month period.

How To Transfer A Car Title To A Family Member

To transfer a car title to a family member in Minnesota, simply follow the same steps for a normal title transfer and contact DVS with any questions.

How To Transfer A Car Title When Owner Is Deceased

To handle the transfer of a car title for a deceased family member or friend you will need to notify DVS about vehicle ownership transfer, their driver’s license or ID card, and any disability license plates or parking certificates they may have been issued.

You may already be considered a joint owner of the car if your name is listed on the vehicle title as one of the owners. You can title the vehicle in your name by submitting the evidence of death, the vehicle title, and payment of required fees to DVS.

You will also need to submit additional paperwork according to whether their estate ir probated or not subject to probate.

How To Transfer Ownership Of A Car Without A Title

In Minnesota, if a vehicle has never been titled then a registration card is accepted as proof of ownership. If the title has been lost or stolen then the vehicle owner should apply for a duplicate title with DVS.

To transfer over a vehicle the owner must then follow the No Proof Of Ownership procedure.

Minnesota DMV Hours And Contact Information

For questions specific to your situation and more information regarding how to complete the title transfer process in the state of Minnesota, visit the MN Driver and Vehicle Services official website by clicking here.

Common Questions About Minnesota Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of Minnesota.