Title Transfers in Minnesota

What is a Title Transfer?

A title verifies legal ownership of your vehicle. When it comes time to transfer ownership you will need the title to legally complete the deal, making it imperative that you house the title in a safe location. After the seller submits an Affidavit of Sale to the state, you, the buyer, have ten days to title the vehicle in your name.

Some typical title transfer situations include:

• Paying off a loan

• Selling or buying a vehicle

• Changing a name

• Gifting a vehicle

• Transferring to a family member

• Inheriting a vehicle

Selling a Vehicle

Owning a vehicle history report eases the selling process. It provides verified information for the buyer and helps you establish an asking price. You can learn more at our vehicle history report page.

When you're ready to sell, you must:

1. Sign-off on the title as seller.
2. Complete the date of sale on the title.
3. Include an odometer reading on the title if the vehicle is 10 years old or older.
4. Include a damage disclosure if the vehicle is six years old or newer.
5. Complete an online Report of Sale.
6. The plates stay with the vehicle.

Buying a Vehicle

New Cars

The dealer will manage and submit the titling papers.

If you're still searching, try a more convenient approach by shopping online.

Used Cars

1. Complete the application for title section on the title, making sure to include your name, date of birth, and address. Hold off on adding your signature until asked to sign at the DVS office.
2. Bring the completed title, proof of insurance, and lien release (if applicable) to your local Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office.
3. Pay all applicable fees.

Be diligent in your research before buying a used car. Be sure to order a Vehicle History Report to verify the condition of the car and its title before you agree to buy; you may also want to check out the cost of insurance for that make and model.

Removing a Lien

After paying off your loan, you must do the following to clear the lien from your title:

1. Receive a Lien Notification card or a notarized Notification of Lien Release that's signed by your lender.
2. Submit either document along with the vehicle's title to any DVS location.
3. Pay all applicable fees.

Transferring to Family

You can only transfer ownership to the following family members:

• A son

• A daughter

Here's what to do to complete the transfer:

1. Have the giver (or seller) sign-off on the title.
2. Have the giver write "Gift to Child" as the price of purchase.
3. Complete the application for title section on the title. Be sure to include your name, date of birth, address and signature.
4. Both parties should bring the completed title to your local DVS office.
5. Pay all applicable fees.

NOTE: You can obviously transfer to other family members, but only siblings can receive sales tax exemption.

Gifting a Vehicle

Gifted vehicles are exempt from sales tax.

1. Complete a Sales Tax/Gift Affidavit.
2. Have the giver (or seller) sign-off on the title.
3. Complete the application for title section on the title. Include your name, date of birth, address and signature.
4. Bring all documents to your local DVS office.
5. Pay all applicable fees.

You will also need to register the car when titling.

Donating a Vehicle

Donating provides an easy alternative to selling and allows you to contribute to your choice of charity or cause. Want to learn more? Visit our Car Donation page for the full scoop.

Though not required, consulting a tax attorney will boost your chances for receiving a sizable tax credit.

Inheriting a Vehicle

Consulting with a probate attorney is strongly encouraged for helping wade through the complicated inheritance process.

If you're a surviving spouse with an estate not subject to probate, follow these steps:

1. Complete an Assignment of a Vehicle to a Surviving Spouse/Not Subject to Probate form.
2. Bring it along with a copy of the death certificate and the vehicle's title to any DVS office.
3. Pay all applicable fees.

NOTE: Inherited vehicles are exempt from sales tax.

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) 215-1328 for specific information on how to handle your situation.

Making Name Corrections

Changing a Name

1. Complete a title application.
2. Have proof of your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order).
3. Bring both documents to any DVS location.

If you can't track down a document―marriage certificate, divorce decree, birth certificate, court order―needed to confirm your name change, visit our Vital Record page for information on how to obtain proof.

Deleting a Name

1. If your names are connected by "AND" or "OR" you must both sign-off on the title. If you're retaining the vehicle you must then sign-on as the buyer.
2. Bring the title to your local DVS location.

Adding a Name

1. You must sign-off as seller
2. Both of you must sign-on as buyers.
3. Both of you must bring the title, along with proper ID, to your local DVS office.

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