Minnesota Car Bill of Sale: Form + Requirements
Minnesota is one of 16 US states that require a bill of sale for private vehicle title transfer. Minnesota's Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) handles title transfers; deputy registrars (private offices) also process them. Notarization is not required.
Is a bill of sale required in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota requires a signed bill of sale for private vehicle title transfer.
Notarization
Not required.
State-specific form
Minnesota doesn't publish a single mandatory form. Generic templates with the required fields are acceptable.
The bill of sale must include:
- Seller's full legal name, address
- Buyer's full legal name, address
- Vehicle year, make, model, body type, VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price
- Date of sale
- Both signatures
Sales tax implications
Minnesota state sales tax on motor vehicles: 6.5%. Local tax adds in some cities; Minneapolis ~7.125%, St. Paul ~7.875%.
The buyer pays at the deputy registrar at title transfer.
State-specific seller disclosures
- Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old
- No statewide emissions testing: Minnesota doesn't require periodic emissions inspection
- Salvage title disclosure: required if branded
- MN tax structure: a portion of the 6.5% goes to the General Fund and a portion to roads (transit/road taxes)
Where to file
The buyer files at any Minnesota DVS office or deputy registrar within 10 days of sale.
For a more complete national reference, see the national bill of sale guide and our Minneapolis guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota requires a signed bill of sale for private vehicle title transfer.
Does Minnesota require a notarized bill of sale?
No.
What's the sales tax on a private car sale in Minnesota?
6.5% statewide + local. Minneapolis is ~7.125%; St. Paul is ~7.875%.
What form do I use?
No single mandatory form. Generic templates with the required fields are acceptable.
Where do I file the bill of sale in Minnesota?
At any Minnesota DVS office or deputy registrar, with the signed title. Within 10 days of sale.
Does Minnesota require emissions testing?
No.
What's a deputy registrar?
Private office authorized by the MN DVS to process title transfers, registrations, and other vehicle services. Often shorter wait times than DVS offices.
What if I lost the title in Minnesota?
Apply for a duplicate at any DVS office or deputy registrar.
Should I disclose flaws on the bill of sale?
The "as-is" disclosure covers most. Disclose salvage or rebuilt status and major defects.
Selling a car in Minnesota?
Generate a Minneapolis-, St. Paul-, or Duluth-ready listing for Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Cars.com from one upload. About ten minutes total.
For Minneapolis specifically, see our selling in Minneapolis guide.