Minnesota

Steps from handshake to completed transfer

1. 1
   Check the title and the vehicle before money changes handsbuyerpaperworkcan be done online

   DVS: make sure you have the vehicle title before taking possession, that the name on the front is the person selling to you, that the dashboard VIN matches the title, and that there is a lien release for every lienholder printed on the front. DVS also recommends an NMVTIS history report.

2. 2
   Agree the price and how you'll paybothpaymentcan be done online

   The seller writes this exact price in the sales tax declaration on the title; the buyer pays 6.875% of it. A token price doesn't help — DVS taxes fair market value when the price is nominal.

3. 3
   Sign the Minnesota bill of sale and condition snapshotbothpaperworkcan be done online

   Our per-state document with the damage disclosure, odometer statement, known-defects list, lien declaration, and dated photo checklist. Not a state form, so it can be e-signed.

4. 4
   Sit down together and complete the title assignment in inkbothpaperworkin person / wet signature

   Back of the Minnesota title: every seller handprints their name and signs the assignment; the seller enters the sales price in the sales tax declaration, the date of sale, the odometer reading and status (model year 2011+), and the damage disclosure. Every buyer completes the assignment and application portions: full name, date of birth, residential address, insurance company/policy/expiration, and signature. No notary. Do not alter any entry — it voids the title.

5. 5
   Hand over the lien release for every lien on the titlesellerpaperworkin person / wet signature

   Signed lien release card, a letter on the lender's letterhead, or a notarized PS2017. Without it the deputy registrar will not transfer the title.

6. 6
   Leave the plates and tabs on the car (Minnesota plates stay with the vehicle)sellerplatesin person / wet signature

   The plates and the registration tax you already paid pass to the buyer. If you have personalized plates you want to keep, get regular plates for the car before the sale and transfer the personalized ones to another vehicle you own.

7. 7
   Remove your E-ZPass tag and update or close the accountsellertoll tagsin person / wet signature

   Take the tag off the windshield, remove the vehicle and plate from your E-ZPass Minnesota account, and either move the switchable tag to your next car or return it to MnDOT with a signed closure request. Tags stay active and billable to you until returned.

8. 8
   Confirm no tag remains, then set up your own E-ZPass account if you need onebuyertoll tagscan be done online

   Plates stay with the car, so also confirm the seller removed this plate from their account before you drive an express lane.

9. 9
   Exchange payment, the assigned title, keys, and documentsbothhandoffin person / wet signature

   Buyer leaves with the title assigned to them, lien releases, the signed bill of sale, keys, and records — and the plates on the car. Seller receives payment and keeps the buyer's full name, address, and driver's license number for the Report of Sale. Take dated photos for the condition snapshot.

10. 10
    File the Report of Sale online within 10 dayssellerfilingcan be done onlinewithin 10 days

    DVS online services → 'Mark vehicle as sold', with the buyer's name, address, driver's license number, and the sale date. This is your liability cutoff (Minn. Stat. §168A.10). It must be filed before the buyer transfers the title, so do it right after handoff.

11. 11
    File the title at a deputy registrar office within 20 calendar daysbuyerfilingin person / wet signaturewithin 20 days

    Bring the assigned title, lien releases, ID, insurance details, and payment for 6.875% sales tax plus title, filing, surcharge, and transfer fees (about $37 + $1 at a deputy registrar). Or mail it all to DVS in St. Paul. Late: $2 penalty after 20 days, and DVS suspends the registration after 30 days. Note: some DVS material still says 10 days — don't wait.

12. 12
    Insurance handoffbothhandoffcan be done online

    Buyer has no-fault coverage before driving away (the title application needs the policy details). Seller cancels or moves their policy after the Report of Sale is filed.

What to file, where, and how

Loose ends