Minnesota

Title Fee

$14.00

Who must title a vehicle in Minnesota?

All motor vehicles and watercraft must be titled, except:Snowmobiles, ATVs, ORVs, electric-assisted bicycles, trailers ≤4,000 lbs., certain farm/ag trailers, documented vessels, kayaks, canoes, seaplanes, lifeboats, watercraft ≤1979, vehicles moved by animal power, implements of husbandry, special mobile equipment, self-propelled wheelchairs, and U.S. government vehicles.
Manufactured homes are titled unless affixed to real property.

Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?

Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).
Application: PS2000 (vehicle), local Deputy Registrar or by mail to DVS.
Fee: $8.25 (title) + $3.50 Public Safety fee + $2.25 technology surcharge + $10.00 transfer tax + $12.00 filing fee + $2.00 per security interest.
Watercraft: DNR, $15.00 title + $7.00 issuing fee.

What documents are needed as proof of ownership?

New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: MN Registration Card or bill of sale with vehicle description.
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs, EPA/DOT bond release, U.S. Treasury receipt for gas guzzler tax, English translation.

How are special titles or brands handled?

Distinctive Title: For vehicles from states/countries not naming secured parties; legend “This Vehicle May be Subject to an Undisclosed Lien.”
Bonded Title: For vehicles with no record; bond = 1.5x value, valid 3 years.
Brands: Assembled, Flood, Lemon, Prior Salvage, Rebuilt, Reconstructed, Salvage, Bond, Undisclosed Lien, etc. Out-of-state brands are carried forward.
Salvage: Required if repair cost >80% of value or insurer total loss; insurer must apply within 10 days.
Rebuilt/Prior Salvage: Must pass DVS inspection, submit Declaration of Reconstruction (PS2015), receipts, $35.00 inspection, $12.00 filing fee; title branded Prior Salvage or Rebuilt.
Junk: Junking certificate issued, vehicle cannot be retitled.

How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?

Other notes:

Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN inspection required for reconstructed/salvage/bonded vehicles.

Are electronic signatures accepted?

What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?

Motor Vehicle Sales Tax: 6.875% of purchase price or FMV (whichever is higher).Trade-in credit allowed (owned by buyer, spouse, or parent).
Credit for taxes paid to another state.
Exemptions: Family gifts, divorce/inheritance, joint-to-single, related companies, nonprofits, tribal sales, and more.
In-lieu tax: $10.00 for passenger vehicles 10+ years old, price < $3,000.
Excise Tax: $20.00 on dealer sales in certain counties/cities.
Sales Tax: 6.875% on non-road vehicles, manufactured homes (65% of dealer cost on new homes).
Property Tax: On manufactured homes.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Proof required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.

How are liens recorded and perfected?

Enter secured party on PS2000; $2.00 per security interest + $12.00 filing fee.
Security interest is perfected upon delivery.
ELT (e-Lien) program available for financial agencies; e-release instantly updates vehicle account.

How are liens released or assigned?

Lien release to next secured party or owner within 15 days of satisfaction (7 days if dealer); owner submits title and release with $12.00 fee to DVS for new title.
Assignment: Title + PS2017 + $1.00 + $12.00 fee.
Watercraft: $7.00 for release.

How does repossession work in Minnesota?

Secured party may repossess without judicial process if peaceful; must submit Dealer Purchase Receipt (PS2009) within 48 hours.
If unable to obtain title or owner not shown, must title vehicle in secured party’s name before transfer.
Out-of-state repos: Must follow state-of-title laws.

Other notes:

Mechanic’s liens require notice to owner and secured parties, public notice, and sale after 90 days if unpaid.

Enforcement Agency:

Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services445 Minnesota St, Suite 190, St. Paul, MN 55101-5190
651.297.2126 | dvs.motor.vehicles@state.mn.us
MN DVS

Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:

Key Regulations:

Insurance required: $40,000 PIP, $30,000/$60,000/$10,000 liability, $25,000/$50,000 UM/UIM.
Proof of insurance required at registration and must be carried.
No emissions inspection; annual safety inspection for commercial vehicles, limos, special transportation.
Two plates for most vehicles; one for trailers, motorcycles, etc. Plates remain with vehicle on transfer (except nonresident sales).
Title records retained 7 years.