Selling or buying a vehicle in Minnesota? The buyer has just 10 business days from the date of purchase to transfer the title at a deputy registrar office — one of the strictest deadlines in the country.
This free template is formatted for Minnesota’s requirements and works alongside the Certificate of Title at any deputy registrar office.
Click Get This Template below to open it in Google Docs, then click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive.
For templates for all 50 states, visit the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Templates →
On this page:
- What Is a Minnesota Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
- Is a Bill of Sale Required in Minnesota?
- Minnesota-Specific Requirements
- Free Minnesota Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
- How to Fill Out the Template
- How to Transfer a Car Title in Minnesota
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Minnesota Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A Minnesota motor vehicle bill of sale is a written record of a private vehicle sale.
In Minnesota, a bill of sale is not required by state law for standard title transfers — the signed Certificate of Title is the primary ownership document. However, it is strongly recommended as documentation of the purchase price and transaction terms.
Is a Bill of Sale Required in Minnesota?
Minnesota does not require a separate bill of sale for most standard private party title transfers. The completed title assignment — including buyer and seller information, purchase price, date, odometer reading, and signatures — serves as the primary transaction document.
A bill of sale is strongly recommended for all private sales to document the purchase price and protect both parties. It is also useful when the title does not have space for the purchase price.
Minnesota-Specific Requirements
1. 10-Business-Day Deadline
Minnesota law requires the title to be transferred within 10 business days of the date of sale to avoid a penalty. This is one of the shortest title transfer deadlines in the country. The transfer must be completed at a deputy registrar office.
2. Where to Transfer
Title transfers in Minnesota are handled at any deputy registrar office. Transfers can also be submitted by mail to Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). The buyer must complete an Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle — the seller does not need to sign this form.
3. Motor Vehicle Sales Tax: 6.875%
Minnesota charges a 6.875% Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) on the purchase price of a privately sold vehicle. Tax is paid at the deputy registrar office at the time of title transfer. Every owner applying for registration must provide proof of insurance.
4. No Alterations to the Title
Any alteration or erasure to the title — including crossing out, writing over, or using correction fluid — will void it. If an error is made, both buyer and seller must complete and sign a corrected title form. Contact the DVS for the appropriate correction form.
5. Proof of Insurance Required
Every owner applying for registration in Minnesota must provide proof of insurance. The vehicle must be insured before registration can be completed.
6. Joint Ownership
Both buyer and seller must complete and sign the appropriate section on the title. If there are multiple owners, all must sign to release the title unless “OR” is used between names.
7. Notarization
Minnesota does not require notarization for a standard private party vehicle bill of sale. Notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.
Free Minnesota Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
This template opens in Google Docs. Click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive, fill it out digitally, or print and complete by hand.
How to Fill Out the Template
Enter the seller’s name exactly as it appears on the Certificate of Title. Enter the buyer’s name exactly as they want it on the new title.
In Section 3, copy the VIN character by character from the dashboard plate and the title. Enter the full agreed purchase price in Section 4 — Minnesota calculates 6.875% Motor Vehicle Sales Tax on this figure.
Both parties sign and complete the appropriate section on the title. Both parties also sign Section 11 of this bill of sale.
For a complete field-by-field walkthrough of every section, see: How to Fill Out a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale →
How to Transfer a Car Title in Minnesota
For the Seller
Complete the title assignment section — including purchase price, date, odometer reading, and your signature. Provide the buyer with the completed title and this bill of sale. Keep a copy for your records.
For the Buyer
Within 10 business days of purchase, visit any Minnesota deputy registrar office with the signed title, a completed Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle, this bill of sale, proof of insurance, valid Minnesota ID, and payment for the title fee and 6.875% Motor Vehicle Sales Tax.
Lost Title
The seller must obtain a duplicate title from Minnesota DVS before the sale can proceed. Contact DVS at dps.mn.gov or visit any deputy registrar office.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 business days from the date of sale. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the country. A penalty is assessed after 10 business days. The transfer must be completed at a deputy registrar office or submitted by mail to Minnesota DVS.
Minnesota charges 6.875% Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) on the purchase price of a privately sold vehicle. Tax is paid at the deputy registrar office at the time of title transfer.
No. The buyer completes the Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle. The seller does not need to sign this form — only the title assignment needs to be completed and signed by the seller.
No. Minnesota does not require notarization for a standard private party vehicle bill of sale. Notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.
Any alteration — crossing out, writing over, or using correction fluid — voids the title. If an error is made, both buyer and seller must complete and sign a corrected title form. Contact Minnesota DVS for the appropriate correction form.
Yes. Minnesota does not require a specific state-issued bill of sale form. Any bill of sale with the seller and buyer information, vehicle description, VIN, purchase price, and date of sale is acceptable as supplemental documentation alongside the signed title.
This template and all information on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Contact Minnesota DVS at dps.mn.gov to confirm current requirements before completing your transaction.