Minnesota Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
When buying or selling a vehicle privately in Minnesota, a bill of sale is an essential piece of documentation. The Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division uses the bill of sale to verify the sale price for tax calculation purposes. It also serves as the legal record of the transaction for both the buyer and seller.
Minnesota's vehicle transfer system operates through a network of deputy registrar offices rather than centralized DMV locations. These privately operated offices are authorized by DVS to process title transfers, collect taxes, and issue registration documents. The title assignment must be notarized, which is a notable requirement that sets Minnesota apart from some neighboring states.
One critical detail for Minnesota buyers is the very short 10-day transfer deadline. This is among the shortest in the nation, so buyers must act quickly after purchasing a vehicle. Minnesota also has a unique registration tax that decreases with the vehicle's age, based on its original MSRP. There are no emissions testing requirements anywhere in the state.
6.5%
State sales tax
10 Days
Transfer deadline
Yes*
Notarization (title)
No
Emissions test
Minnesota DVS Requirements
Minnesota's DVS sets the requirements for all vehicle title transfers. Here's what both buyer and seller need to know for a successful transaction.
Important: Minnesota's 10-Day Deadline
Minnesota gives buyers just 10 days to transfer the title after the sale — one of the shortest deadlines in the country. Late transfers are subject to additional fees. The date on your bill of sale triggers this deadline, so visit a deputy registrar office as soon as possible after the purchase.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed and Notarized Title: The seller must sign the title assignment and have the signature notarized — this is a Minnesota requirement for title transfers
- Bill of Sale: A completed bill of sale with buyer/seller details, vehicle information, VIN, price, date, and both signatures
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement for vehicles under 20 years old — must state current mileage and accuracy on the title
- Lien Release: If a lender held a lien on the vehicle, a release of lien document is needed before transfer
What the Buyer Must Bring to the Deputy Registrar
- Notarized Title: With the seller's notarized signature and all fields completed
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties
- Valid Photo ID: Minnesota driver's license or state ID
- Proof of Insurance: Minnesota minimum liability coverage ($30,000/$60,000/$10,000)
- Payment: Title fee ($8.25), registration tax (based on vehicle value/age), $7 filing fee, $10 filing fee on tax, and 6.5% sales tax
How to Fill Out a Minnesota Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Minnesota vehicle bill of sale. Our template covers every required field for DVS compliance.
Enter Seller Information
Provide the seller's full legal name exactly as it appears on the Minnesota vehicle title, current mailing address, and phone number. If the title lists joint owners with "and," both owners must sign. If it says "or," either owner may sign independently.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name exactly as it should appear on the new Minnesota title, current address, and phone number. The buyer's information will be used at the deputy registrar office to issue the new title and calculate the registration tax.
Describe the Vehicle
Enter the year, make, model, body style, and color. Record the complete 17-character VIN from the vehicle's dashboard plate or door jamb sticker. Verify the VIN matches the title exactly — the deputy registrar will reject any transfer where the VIN doesn't match.
Record the Odometer Reading
Document the current odometer mileage at the time of sale and indicate whether the reading is accurate, has exceeded mechanical limits, or does not reflect actual mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA regulations. Vehicles 20 model years or older and those over 16,000 lbs GVWR are exempt.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Minnesota's 6.5% sales tax plus the $10 filing fee on tax are calculated based on this price. For gift transfers between immediate family, write "$0 — Gift" and ask the deputy registrar about tax exemption options.
Sign and Date
Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. Print at least two copies — one for each party. Remember that the title assignment must also be notarized separately. The buyer should take all documents to a deputy registrar office within 10 days of the sale date.
Minnesota Title Transfer Process
After completing the bill of sale and getting the title assignment notarized, the buyer must visit a deputy registrar office within 10 days to finalize the transfer. Minnesota uses deputy registrar offices rather than centralized DMV locations.
Complete the Sale
Sign the bill of sale, sign and notarize the title assignment, exchange payment and keys
Get Insurance
Obtain Minnesota minimum liability insurance before visiting the deputy registrar
Visit a Deputy Registrar Office
Bring the notarized title, bill of sale, photo ID, and proof of insurance
Pay Fees and Taxes
Title fee ($8.25), registration tax (based on value/age), filing fees, and 6.5% sales tax
Receive Your New Title and Tabs
Minnesota issues a new title in the buyer's name and provides license plate tabs or a new plate
Minnesota Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees
Minnesota's vehicle tax structure includes a 6.5% sales tax, a registration tax that decreases as the vehicle ages, and several filing fees. Here's a complete breakdown:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 6.5% of sale price |
| Sales Tax Filing Fee | $10 |
| Title Transfer Fee | $8.25 |
| Registration Tax | Based on vehicle value and age (decreases annually) |
| Filing Fee | $7 |
| License Plate Fee | $8 (new plate) or transfer existing |
| Duplicate Title | $8.25 (if title is lost) |
Sample Minnesota Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Minnesota-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by Minnesota deputy registrar offices.
STATE OF MINNESOTA
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Minnesota Address]
City/State/ZIP: [City, MN ZIP]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Minnesota Address]
City/State/ZIP: [City, MN ZIP]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Minnesota Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Minnesota vehicle bills of sale, title transfers, and DVS requirements.
Official Minnesota Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify requirements, find a deputy registrar office, and access forms for your Minnesota vehicle transaction.
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS)
Title transfers, registration, and deputy registrar locator
Minnesota — Buying & Selling a Vehicle
Official guide to private party vehicle transactions in Minnesota
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
IRS — Vehicle Sale Tax Reporting
Federal tax implications of selling a vehicle
Other Minnesota Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Minnesota? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Minnesota Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Minnesota Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Minnesota Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Minnesota Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Minnesota General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Minnesota ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Minnesota Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Minnesota Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Minnesota Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Minnesota-compliant document in minutes. Accepted at all deputy registrar offices statewide.
No account required. Free to create and preview.