Private-party transfer in Minnesota: closing the sale without surprises
Steps for buyer and seller, documents, payment and state-specific plate conditions.
A private sale calls for checking the title, payment, plate and applicable state procedures. This guide is written for both sides of the table, with Minnesota's rules.
The place and the moment
Ask the titling office (At any of the nearly 200 deputy registrar offices in the state, or by mail to Driver and Vehicle Services (445 Minnesota Street, St. Paul). If you buy from a dealer, the dealer files it for you) in advance about accepted signatures, documents, appointments and payments. Where available, coordinate the handover with that office and verify payment with the issuing bank before releasing the car or documents.
Step by step
| # | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm the title is in your name and lien-free. If there is a loan, get the bank's release before listing. | Ask for the VIN and check title, recalls and history before seeing the car. |
| 2 | Allow an independent inspection. Agree in writing how and when it will take place. | Pre-purchase inspection with your own mechanic. |
| 3 | Agree the total price in writing on a bill of sale: VIN, year, make, model, price, date, names, signatures. Two copies. | Same. The bill of sale is your proof of price for the tax. |
| 4 | On the title: your signature, the buyer's name and address, price, date and the applicable odometer disclosure, including exemptions and any required mileage-discrepancy indicators. Odometer statement on the title, required for 20 years on 2011 and newer models (federal law, 49 CFR 580); DVS excepts vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 16,000 pounds and vehicles that are not self-propelled. The damage disclosure is made on every sale: any seller who knows of it must state in writing whether the car had damage over 80% of its actual cash value (§ 325F.6641). | Check that the VIN on the title is the car's and that the person signing is the titled owner. |
| 5 | Receive payment: cashier's check verified at the issuing bank, confirmed transfer, or cash inside the bank. | Pay only when the signed title is in your hand. |
| 6 | Confirm the plate that accompanies the vehicle. Check the exceptions and state procedure below. | A plate on the car does not replace the ownership-transfer or registration requirements. |
| 7 | Listed seller-process document: Notice of Sale on the title, or the online Report of Sale (DVS online services). Follow the timing and conditions in the state process below; keep your copy. | Confirm the required documents, fees, taxes and deadline with the agency, including the event that starts the deadline. Bring the applicable insurance or financial-responsibility documents. |
| 8 | Ask your insurer when to cancel or transfer coverage, and first confirm the registration and plate conditions. | Confirm the coverage or proof of financial responsibility required for your transaction and before driving. |
The plate in Minnesota
In Minnesota the plates and registration go to the new owner with the car (there are exceptions, such as some special plates; ask at the deputy registrar). The seller must report the sale to DVS within 10 days. The buyer has 20 calendar days to transfer the title; after that there is a penalty and the registration can be suspended.
What each one must bring
Seller
- Title (or printout of the electronic one)
- Photo ID
- Lien release, if any
- Notice of Sale on the title, or the online Report of Sale (DVS online services)
- A screwdriver for the plate
Buyer
- State forms (PS2000A, PS2067A, PS2017)
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- Payment for fees and tax
- If out of state: whatever VIN verification the state requires
Three special situations
- Lost title. The seller requests a duplicate before selling. Don't accept "I'll send it later."
- Two owners on the title. If the names are joined by "and," both sign. With "or," one is usually enough.
- The seller is an heir or holds a power of attorney. Extra documentation is needed (estate papers or POA). Confirm at the office before paying.
Keep the records; check the official process
Sources
- Minnesota DVS — Vehicle fees
- Minn. Stat. § 168A.10 — Transfer of ownership
- Minn. Stat. § 168A.29 — Title fees
- Minn. Stat. § 168.013 — Registration tax
- Minn. Stat. § 168A.152 — Salvage title; prior salvage inspection
- Minnesota DVS — Buying or Selling a Motor Vehicle (March 2025)
- Minnesota DVS — Title and registration for those new to Minnesota
- Minnesota DVS — Adding or removing a lien
- Minn. Stat. § 65B.49 — Required auto insurance coverage
- Minn. Stat. § 65B.44 — Basic economic loss benefits (PIP)
- Minn. Stat. § 168.33, subd. 7 — Filing fee and deputy registrar surcharge
- Minn. Stat. § 168.15 — Registration certificate and plates on transfer
- Minn. Stat. § 168.54 — Transfer fee
- Minn. Stat. § 168A.10, subd. 1 — Notice of Sale on the title, or the online Report of Sale (DVS online services)
- 49 CFR Part 580 — Federal odometer disclosure requirements
This guide informs; it is not legal or financial advice, nor an offer, quote or appraisal. Every figure carries its source and date; check it is still current before you decide.