Vehicle Gift Tax in Minnesota: Who Pays, Who's Exempt, and What Forms You Need

Gifting a car in Minnesota comes with specific tax rules that vary by relationship and vehicle value. Here is what the recipient owes, which family members qualify for exemptions, and exactly which forms to file.

Does Minnesota Tax Vehicle Gifts?

Rules vary significantly by state — some states offer full exemptions for family gifts, others charge full sales tax on fair market value.

Always check with your state DMV or tax authority before completing the transfer.

Family Members Exempt in Minnesota

Varies by state — spouses are commonly exempt; parent-child transfers may or may not be exempt

Contact your state DMV to confirm whether your relationship qualifies for a gift tax exemption.

Required Forms

Most states require a title transfer form plus a gift affidavit or statement of transaction

Your state DMV will provide the correct forms. Some states require notarization of the gift affidavit.

How Fair Market Value Is Assessed

Most states use NADA or Kelley Blue Book retail value as the baseline fair market value for tax assessment.

If the vehicle has significant damage or high mileage, a professional appraisal can support a lower FMV.

Federal Gift Tax

The federal annual gift exclusion is $18,000 (2024). Gifts above this amount require IRS Form 709. Most vehicle gifts fall under this threshold.

Penalty for Misrepresentation

Misrepresenting a sale as a gift to avoid taxes is tax fraud in all states. Penalties include back taxes, interest, and potential criminal charges.

Minnesota-Specific Facts for Vehicle Gift Tax

Minnesota Vehicle transfer fees and requirements

In Minnesota, the title transfer fee is $8.25 and registration costs $10 - $65+ based on vehicle value and age. Vehicle sales are subject to 6.5% motor vehicle sales tax (not general sales tax). Minnesota does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Minnesota does not require emission testing for private-party vehicle sales.

Motor vehicle sales tax is 6.5%, separate from general sales tax
Title transfer at Driver and Vehicle Services office
Wheelage tax may apply in certain counties

Minnesota sales tax on vehicle purchases

Minnesota has a 6.5% state sales tax rate. 6.5% motor vehicle sales tax (separate from general 6.875% rate). Private-party vehicle sales in Minnesota are subject to sales tax. Motor vehicle sales tax applies to all vehicle sales. The title transfer fee is $8.

Minnesota bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,371 bill of sale documents for Minnesota transactions, with 37 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

More Minnesota Vehicle Guides

Each guide is written specifically for Minnesota laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I owe sales tax when I gift a car to a family member in Minnesota?

Rules vary significantly by state — some states offer full exemptions for family gifts, others charge full sales tax on fair market value. Always check with your state DMV or tax authority before completing the transfer.

Which family members are tax-exempt for vehicle gifts in Minnesota?

Varies by state — spouses are commonly exempt; parent-child transfers may or may not be exempt. Contact your state DMV to confirm whether your relationship qualifies for a gift tax exemption.

What forms do I need to gift a car in Minnesota?

Most states require a title transfer form plus a gift affidavit or statement of transaction. Your state DMV will provide the correct forms. Some states require notarization of the gift affidavit.

Does federal gift tax apply to vehicle gifts in Minnesota?