Title Transfers

Transferring the ownership title on a vehicle in Minnesota is relatively simple process, provided automobile owners in the state follow the guidelines of Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).

To transfer the title on a Minnesota vehicle, fill out the proper seller and buyer information on the title certificate. For plural ownership of a vehicle, all co-owners must sign the document. However, you are not required to have it notarized.

You don't need to have a driver's license to be listed as a title holder in Minnesota.

There are other requirements and qualifications for title transfer in Minnesota, including the following:

• Emission certification: If a Minnesota title certificate was issued later than July 1, 1990, it contains an emission declaration that must be answered. This applies to regular passenger vehicles and motorcycles, and not to vehicles 1967 model year or older.

• Odometer readings: An odometer statement is required for all vehicles that are covered by the Federal Truth in Mileage Act (TIMA) (U.S. Code 49 Sec. 32701-32711.} All vehicles including motorcycles fall under TIMA, excluding 10-year-old or older vehicles, vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating of 16,000 pounds or more, or vehicles that are not self-propelled.

• Secured Power of Attorney (SPOA): This power of attorney form is sometimes used by Minnesota dealers in order to transfer or reassign vehicles covered by TIMA. In Minnesota, the SPOA may only be used along with a duplicate title, or if the title is being held by a lienholder.

• Secured Reassignment Form (SRF): This form may only be used for certain classes of dealers in Minnesota, including new and used car dealers, lessors, wholesalers, and auctioneers. It should be used when all reassignment spaces on a Minnesota or other state title have been filled in, or when the dealer in Minnesota does not possess the title to record the ownership change.

• Out-of-state titles: The change of ownership should be recorded on the out-of-state title, unless the state has issued a form for secured reassignment that conforms to TIMA odometer regulations. The title and form for secured reassignment must both be from the same state. It is also acceptable if the reassignment form was issued by the same state as the home of the dealership using the form.

• Non-titled vehicles: If a vehicle does not have a title, change of ownership is recorded on the vehicle registration card. The transfer may also be accomplished by written bill of sale that includes the vehicle year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN). The bill of sale must also include the signature of all owners. The buyer of the vehicle can then fill out an Application to Title/Register a Motor Vehicle form to obtain a title.

• Damage declaration: If a Minnesota title certificate was issued after July 1, 1990, it will contain a statement of damage declaration. This is not required if the vehicle is six years or older according to the first day of the year of the model year. Damage declaration is also not required for commercial vehicles that have a gross weight of 26,000 pounds or more.

If ownership of a Minnesota vehicle cannot be established and the state does not have any record of the vehicle on file, the following are required for title transfer:

• Bill of sale, including vehicle description and VIN, name of purchaser, and date of sale that is signed by seller or all owners.

• An Application to Title/Register a Motor Vehicle, which is filled out by the purchaser.

• A statement containing the circumstances of the vehicle, as well as description, that is written and signed by the seller, offering as much information as possible on the vehicle history, and reason for lack of title or other proof of ownership.

• A statement signed by the purchaser agreeing to defend and protect Minnesota against any claims of ownership.

• Photographs displaying each side of the vehicle.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety advises that it may require the purchaser of a vehicle without clear ownership documentation to get a surety bond in order to protect the state against potential ownership claims.

Adding, Deleting, or Changing a Name on a Title

If your name has changed due to marriage or divorce, you may change your name on the title by completing a new title application. Bring it along with a copy of the marriage or divorce certificate to a motor vehicle office.

Adding or deleting a name on a title is a bit more complicated, and the correct procedures vary according to a number of circumstances. For instance, if there is a lien on the vehicle, you will need to complete a Notification of Assignment, Release, or Grant of Secured Interest. Contact a motor vehicle office or call (651) 297-2126 for information on the proper procedure for your situation.

Title Transfers Following Death of Title Owner

If the title owner has died and the title needs to be transferred to the surviving spouse, complete an Assignment of a Vehicle to a Surviving Spouse/Not Subject to Probate form. Bring it along with a copy of the death certificate to a motor vehicle office.

As the form name implies, this form is only to be used in cases when the title is being transferred to the surviving spouse and the estate is not subject to probate. In all other cases of transferring a title after the title owner has died, it's best to contact a motor vehicle office or call (651) 297-2126 for specific information on how to handle your situation.

Gift Title Transfers

If you have received a vehicle as a gift, complete a sales tax/gift affidavit and take it to a motor vehicle office.