How to Transfer Ownership of a Car in Minnesota

Without a car name in your name, there is no proof that you actually own the car. Obviously this is an important document and it is important that it is passed from one owner to another when the vehicle changes hands. Transfer of ownership may be required in connection with the sale or purchase of a vehicle, inheritance of a vehicle, donation or gift of a vehicle. However, the process for transferring ownership of a car in Minnesota varies by situation.

Minnesota Byers

If you are buying a car from a private seller in Minnesota, there are a few things you will need to do to have the title transferred to your name.

• Make sure the fields on the back of the header are filled out completely. The seller will need to complete most of these, but there is information required from you and any other buyers, including names, dates of birth, and signatures.
• Insure the car and provide evidence.
• Bring this information (including the name) to the DVS office in Minnesota, along with the $10 registration fee and the $7.25 property deed. There is also a $10 transfer tax, as well as a sales tax of 6.5% on the purchase price. If the vehicle is over 10 years old and has a retail value below $3,000, a $10 tax will be charged instead of the 6.25% tax. A $150 tax may apply if your vehicle is a collectible, classic, or other eligible vehicle.

Common Mistakes

• Names, dates of birth and signatures of all buyers on the title are not indicated.

Minnesota Sellers

Sellers in Minnesota (not dealers) must take a few steps themselves to transfer ownership. This includes:

• Complete the fields on the back of the title, including your name, date of sale, price, odometer reading, and damage information if the vehicle is less than six years old.
• Remove the part of the registered owner sale record from your records.
• Take off your license plates.
• Report the vehicle sale to DVS through their website. You can also send the stub to the following address:

Chauffeur and Vehicle Services - Central Office Town Square Building 445 Minnesota St. Suite 187 St. Paul, MN 55101

Common Mistakes

• All required fields are not filled
• Not filing a sale notice with DVS

Gifting or Inheriting a Car in Minnesota

To donate a car, you must follow the same process as above. This also applies to car donations. In the case of inheriting a car, everything changes. First, understand that a will has no weight in terms of transferring title. If the property is in probate, the executor will process payments including vehicles. If the property is not bequeathed, the legal heir or surviving spouse will have control over the payment.

For more information on how to transfer ownership of a car in Minnesota, visit the State DVS website.