Minnesota Title Transfer Guide (2026)
| Titling agency | Minnesota DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 10 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.5% · Motor vehicle sales tax applies to all vehicle sales |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · |
| Lien release form | PS2004 or title lien release section |
Minnesota title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (PS2004 or title lien release section) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Minnesota requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — Minnesota requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with Minnesota DMV or a licensed inspector.
- 5Buyer files at Minnesota DMV — within 10 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Minnesota DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 6.5% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Minnesota DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Minnesota DMV the same day as the sale.
Minnesota lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form PS2004 or the lien release section on the existing title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the title and title application at a Minnesota DVS office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Minnesota title.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Minnesota estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Minnesota DMV.
Need a Minnesota bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Minnesota DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Minnesota Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Minnesota
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Minnesota?▾
Minnesota requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 10 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Minnesota title transfer cost?▾
Minnesota charges 6.5% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Motor vehicle sales tax applies to all vehicle sales The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Minnesota?▾
Yes — Minnesota requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Minnesota DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Minnesota?▾
In Minnesota, the lender must complete PS2004 or title lien release section confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Minnesota DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Minnesota?▾
Minnesota inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Minnesota DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Minnesota DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07