Paperwork When Buying a Car in Minnesota

If you are buying a car through a dealership they will complete the paperwork; if you are buying a car from a private party, you will need to complete the paperwork.

To complete a car sale, have the seller sign over the title to you. It's also not a bad idea to get a bill of sale, which should list all the terms of the sale.

Buying Without Proper Documentation

If the seller can't find the title, he should apply to the DVS for a replacement title.

If you still want to buy a nontitled vehicle, the seller can execute the transaction by completing the necessary information on the registration card. Or you may complete a bill of sale form that contains all the pertinent vehicle information. Be sure that all of the vehicle's owners sign the form. The buyer must then complete a title application form.

If the seller can produce neither the title nor the registration, the buyer will need to show the following to Driver and Vehicle Services in order to title and register the vehicle:

• Bill of sale signed by the seller or sellers.

• Photographs of the vehicle taken from all sides. You don't need to take this step for utility trailers weighing less than 6,000 pounds gross.

• A written statement of facts completed by the seller. It must contain the vehicle's year, make, model, and vehicle identification number. It also needs to have an explanation as to why there isn't any proof of ownership available and give as much detail regarding the history of the vehicle as possible. The seller must then sign the statement.

• A written statement by the buyer saying that the buyer will need to defend the state against any claims of ownership that might arise. The buyer must sign the statement. The state may also require the buyer to purchase a surety bond to protect the state from any ownership claims.

Of course, the buyer will also need complete a registration and titling application.

Bill of Sale

Though not mandatory for registering and titling, a bill of sale should be mandatory for your own records. This document serves as your proof of purchase and, in the event of any sales and/or county wheelage tax discrepancies, protects your position. You can conveniently download this form from our Bill of Sale page.

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