When selling a car in MN, properly filling out the vehicle title is a crucial step to ensure a smooth and legally compliant transaction. This guide will walk you through exactly how to fill out title when selling car in MN, covering all the necessary sections, common pitfalls to avoid, and essential tips to protect both you and the buyer. Understanding these steps ensures a hassle-free transfer of ownership and prevents future complications, establishing a clear record with the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).
Understanding the Minnesota Vehicle Title
The vehicle title, also known as the Certificate of Title, is the most important document proving legal ownership of a vehicle. In Minnesota, this document is issued by the DVS and contains vital information about the car, including its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, model, year, and the owner’s details. When you sell your car, transferring this title correctly is paramount. An improperly filled-out title can lead to significant delays, fines, and even legal issues for both the seller and the buyer. It’s not just a piece of paper; it’s a legal declaration of ownership transfer.
Key sections of a Minnesota title typically include:
* Current Owner Information: Your name and address as the registered owner.
* Vehicle Description: Details like VIN, make, model, year, and body type.
* Odometer Disclosure: A section where the mileage at the time of sale is recorded.
* Assignment of Title/Transfer of Ownership: This is where you, as the seller, sign off your ownership and assign it to the new buyer.
* New Owner/Purchaser Information: Space for the buyer’s name, address, and signature.
* Lienholder Information: If there was a loan on the vehicle, this section records the lienholder. A lien release is critical if a lien existed.
* Date of Sale and Purchase Price: Essential for accurate tax calculations and establishing the transaction date.
Understanding each part before you begin to fill out title when selling car in MN will save you time and prevent errors.
Pre-Sale Checklist: Before You Fill Out Anything
Before you even pick up a pen, it’s wise to perform a quick checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared. This preparation can prevent common mistakes and make the actual title transfer process much smoother.
- Locate Your Original Title: Ensure you have the physical Certificate of Title. If it’s lost, you’ll need to apply for a duplicate title through the Minnesota DVS before you can sell your car. This process can take time, so plan ahead.
- Verify Information on Current Title: Double-check that your name and address on the title match your current identification. If there are discrepancies due to a name change (e.g., marriage) or address change, you might need to update your records with the DVS or provide supporting documentation.
- Confirm No Active Liens: If you financed your car, a lienholder (usually the bank or credit union) will be listed on your title. Before you can transfer ownership, this lien must be satisfied and formally released. The lienholder will either send you a lien release document or sign off on the title itself. You cannot legally transfer the title until the lien is cleared. This is a common hurdle for many sellers, so address it early.
- Clean the Car and Gather Maintenance Records: While not directly related to the title, having your car in good condition and providing maintenance history builds trust with the buyer and can streamline the overall sale process. It also helps demonstrate the car’s value, which ties into the reported sale price on the title.
- Understand Your Role as a Seller: As the seller, you are responsible for providing an accurate title and disclosing any known issues with the vehicle. Honesty and transparency are key to a smooth transaction.
Taking these preparatory steps will ensure that when you are ready to how to fill out title when selling car in MN, you have everything in order.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out Your MN Car Title for Sale
This section provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough for properly completing the Minnesota vehicle title. Pay close attention to each instruction, as mistakes can be costly. Remember to use only a black or blue pen, and avoid any white-out, erasures, or corrections.
Section 1: Seller’s Information and Signature
This is typically the first part you’ll encounter on the back of your title, often labeled “Assignment of Title” or “Transfer of Ownership by Seller.”
- Locate the Seller’s Signature Line(s): Find the designated area for the “Seller(s) Signature.” If there are multiple owners listed on the front of the title with “AND” between their names, all listed owners must sign. If “OR” is between the names, typically only one signature is required, but it’s often safer to have both if possible.
- Print Your Name(s): Below or next to your signature, there will be a line to “Print Name(s) of Seller(s).” Clearly print your full legal name exactly as it appears on the front of the title.
- Date of Sale: Accurately record the date the sale transaction officially occurred. This date is crucial for both the seller’s notice of sale and the buyer’s registration timeframe.
Crucial Tip: Do NOT sign the title until the sale is final and the buyer is present and ready to complete their part. An open-signed title (without buyer information) is sometimes called “title jumping” and can be illegal, potentially causing issues for both parties.
Section 2: Buyer’s Information
This section is for the new owner’s details. It is critical that you obtain accurate information directly from the buyer to avoid any issues with their registration.
- Buyer’s Full Legal Name(s): Ask the buyer for their full legal name(s) as they want it to appear on the new title. If there are multiple buyers, ensure you get both names.
- Buyer’s Address: Record the buyer’s current street address. This must be a physical address where they receive mail, not a P.O. Box.
- Buyer’s City, State, and Zip Code: Complete the full address details.
- Buyer’s Signature: The buyer(s) must also sign the designated “Purchaser(s) Signature” line(s). Again, if multiple buyers are listed with “AND,” all must sign.
- Driver’s License Number (Optional but Recommended): While not always a mandatory field on the title itself, asking for the buyer’s driver’s license number for your Bill of Sale (which you should also prepare) can be a good practice for your records.
Double-check that all buyer information is legible and correct before proceeding.
Section 3: Odometer Disclosure
The odometer disclosure is one of the most legally significant parts of the title transfer. Federal and state laws require accurate reporting of a vehicle’s mileage to protect consumers from fraud.
- Locate the Odometer Disclosure Section: This is usually a prominent box on the title.
- Record Current Mileage: Carefully read the odometer at the exact time of sale and enter the mileage into the designated box. Use only numbers.
- Check Boxes for Odometer Status: You will typically find check boxes related to the odometer reading:
- “Actual Mileage” or “Actual Odometer Reading”: This is the most common and indicates the mileage shown is accurate.
- “Not Actual Mileage”: This must be checked if you know the odometer reading is incorrect or has been altered.
- “Exceeds Mechanical Limits”: For older vehicles where the odometer has “rolled over” (e.g., a 5-digit odometer reading 10,000 but the car has 110,000 miles).
- Seller’s Odometer Signature and Printed Name: As the seller, you must sign and print your name in the odometer disclosure section, certifying the accuracy of the mileage.
- Buyer’s Odometer Signature and Printed Name: The buyer must also sign and print their name, acknowledging the odometer reading and its status.
Important Note: Do not tamper with the odometer. Misrepresenting mileage is a serious felony offense.
Section 4: Lien Release (If Applicable)
If you had a loan on your vehicle, your title likely lists a lienholder. This section is for the lienholder to formally release their claim on the vehicle.
- Obtain a Lien Release: Before selling, contact your lender (bank or credit union) to ensure your loan is paid in full and to request a lien release. They will typically mail you a separate document or, in some cases, electronically notify the DVS.
- Lienholder Signature on Title: If your lender provides a physical release on the title itself, they will sign and date the “Lien Release” section, sometimes also requiring a representative’s printed name and title.
- Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) System: Minnesota uses an ELT system. If your lien was electronic, once paid off, the lienholder will electronically release the lien. The DVS will then print and mail you a paper title without the lien listed. Wait until you have this “clear” title before selling.
Never try to sell a vehicle with an active lien without the lienholder’s explicit release, as this would violate your loan agreement and prevent the buyer from titling the car.
Section 5: Date of Sale and Purchase Price
Accurately recording the date of sale and purchase price is important for tax purposes and to finalize the transfer.
- Date of Sale: This should be consistent with the date you entered in the seller’s information section.
- Purchase Price: Clearly write the agreed-upon sale price of the vehicle. This amount is used by the DVS to calculate sales tax when the buyer registers the vehicle. Even if the car is a gift or sold for a nominal amount, it’s best to indicate a value (e.g., $1 for a gift, or the actual low sale price) and prepare a separate “Bill of Sale” to document this, stating it was a gift, if applicable.
- Reassignment (for Dealers): This section is usually found on the back of the title and allows a licensed dealer to reassign the title to another dealer or a new owner without retitling it in their own name. As a private seller, you will NOT use this section. It’s crucial not to fill this out, as it can invalidate the title transfer for a private sale.
Completing these sections precisely is crucial for a smooth title transfer. Errors here often lead to rejection by the DVS. For more general advice on car maintenance and ownership, you might find valuable resources at maxmotorsmissouri.com.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out Your Title
Even with the best intentions, sellers often make small errors that can cause big headaches. Being aware of these common mistakes can help you navigate the process flawlessly.
- Using White-Out or Erasures: This is perhaps the most common and critical error. Any alteration, correction, or use of white-out on a Minnesota title immediately invalidates it. The DVS views this as potential fraud. If you make a mistake, you cannot simply correct it. You will likely need to apply for a duplicate title, which costs money and takes time.
- Leaving Sections Blank: All relevant sections must be filled in completely. An incomplete title will be rejected by the DVS, preventing the buyer from registering the vehicle. This includes all signatures, printed names, dates, and odometer readings.
- Incorrect Odometer Reading: Reporting an inaccurate odometer reading, whether accidental or intentional, can have severe legal consequences. Always double-check the mileage.
- Signing Too Early: As mentioned, do not sign the seller’s portion of the title until the transaction is finalized, funds have changed hands, and the buyer is present and ready to fill in their details. An “open title” is a liability.
- Missing Signatures: Ensure all required signatures (all owners on the title, and all buyers) are present. If a spouse is listed as an owner with “AND,” their signature is also required.
- No Lien Release: Attempting to sell a vehicle with an active lien without the official release from the lienholder will prevent the new owner from successfully titling the car.
- Not Using Black or Blue Ink: Some states are strict about ink color. While Minnesota is generally flexible, using black or blue ink is standard practice and avoids any potential issues.
- Not Making Copies: Always make clear photocopies or take pictures of the completed title (front and back) after both parties have signed, but before handing it over to the buyer. This serves as your proof of transfer.
Avoiding these common pitfalls will significantly ease the title transfer process for both you and the buyer.
What to Do After the Title is Signed
The process isn’t entirely over once the title is signed and handed to the buyer. As the seller, you still have a few important steps to complete to protect yourself from liability.
- Provide a Bill of Sale: Even if not strictly required by the DVS for title transfer, a Bill of Sale is highly recommended. It’s a legal document that details the transaction, including:
- Date of sale
- Seller’s and buyer’s full names and addresses
- Vehicle information (VIN, make, model, year)
- Final sale price
- Odometer reading
- Signatures of both seller and buyer
This document serves as proof of the transaction and can be crucial for resolving disputes or proving the date of sale for liability purposes.
- Remove Your License Plates: In Minnesota, license plates stay with the seller, not the vehicle. You must remove your plates from the car after the sale. You can typically transfer these plates to another vehicle you own or surrender them to the DVS. Do NOT let the buyer drive off with your plates, as you could be held liable for any parking tickets or violations they incur.
- Submit a Notice of Sale: While Minnesota doesn’t have a mandatory “Notice of Sale” form for private party sales, it’s highly advisable to keep clear records of the sale date and buyer information. This can protect you if the buyer accumulates tickets or is involved in an accident before registering the vehicle. If you want official documentation, you can contact the DVS directly for advice on how to formally record the sale for your protection.
- Cancel Your Insurance: Once the vehicle is sold and title transferred, you should notify your insurance company to cancel or adjust your policy for that specific vehicle. This stops premium payments and officially removes your liability.
- Keep Your Records: Retain copies of the signed title, Bill of Sale, and any other relevant documentation for your personal records for several years. This is your proof of sale.
Completing these post-sale steps is just as important as accurately completing the title itself.
Other Important Considerations for Selling a Car in MN
Beyond the title, a few other aspects warrant attention when selling a vehicle in Minnesota.
- Vehicle Condition Disclosure: While Minnesota doesn’t typically require a formal written disclosure for private sales (unlike some states), it’s always best practice to be transparent about the vehicle’s condition. Any known major defects should be disclosed to the buyer. Selling a car “as-is” protects the seller, but honest communication builds trust.
- Sales Tax: The buyer is responsible for paying Minnesota’s motor vehicle sales tax (currently 6.5%) at the time of registration. This is calculated based on the purchase price listed on the title or the vehicle’s market value, whichever is greater, minus any trade-in credit if applicable. As the seller, you do not collect this tax.
- Temporary Permits: The buyer cannot drive the vehicle without proper registration and plates. If they don’t have plates to transfer, they’ll need to obtain a temporary permit from the DVS or a deputy registrar office to legally drive the car home and complete their registration process.
- DVS Timelines: The buyer typically has 10 business days from the date of sale to transfer the title into their name with the DVS. Encouraging the buyer to do this promptly protects both parties. Failure to do so can result in late fees for the buyer.
- Emissions Testing: Minnesota does not require emissions testing for vehicle registration, simplifying this aspect compared to some other states.
Being informed about these additional considerations will make your entire car selling experience in Minnesota more straightforward and legally sound.
Frequently Asked Questions About MN Car Title Transfers
Here are answers to some common questions that arise when sellers are learning how to fill out title when selling car in MN.
Q: What if I lose my car title before selling?
A: If you lose your title, you must apply for a duplicate title through the Minnesota DVS. You can do this by completing a “Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title” (Form PS2071) and submitting it with the required fee to a DVS office or deputy registrar. You will need your identification and the vehicle’s VIN. Do not attempt to sell the car without a valid title.
Q: Do I need a notary to sign the title in Minnesota?
A: No, Minnesota does not require notarization for the seller’s signature on a vehicle title for a private party sale. Both the seller and buyer simply sign and print their names in the designated areas.
Q: Can I sell a car with an expired registration?
A: Yes, you can sell a car with an expired registration. The new owner will be responsible for renewing the registration and paying any applicable fees when they transfer the title into their name. However, the car cannot be legally driven on public roads until it is properly registered and has current plates.
Q: What if the buyer doesn’t transfer the title?
A: This is why keeping a Bill of Sale and a copy of the signed title is crucial. While Minnesota doesn’t have a formal “Notice of Sale” for private sellers, these documents serve as your proof that you no longer own the vehicle as of a certain date. If the buyer fails to transfer the title, you could potentially still be listed as the owner in DVS records, leading to liability for tickets or accidents. Promptly removing your license plates and canceling your insurance are also vital protective measures.
Q: What if I’m selling the car to a family member or giving it as a gift?
A: The title transfer process is largely the same. You still need to fill out all seller and buyer information, including the odometer disclosure. For the purchase price, you can indicate “Gift” or a nominal amount (e.g., $1). However, the DVS may still assess sales tax based on the vehicle’s market value, even for gifts, unless certain exemptions apply (e.g., direct lineal relatives like parent-child). It’s best to check DVS guidelines for specific gift transfer rules and potential tax implications.
Conclusion
Properly completing your vehicle title when selling a car in MN is a fundamental step that ensures a legally sound transfer of ownership. By meticulously following the guidelines for filling out each section, from seller and buyer details to odometer disclosure and lien release, you safeguard yourself and the new owner from future complications. Remembering these key steps for how to fill out title when selling car in MN will help facilitate a smooth, transparent, and compliant transaction for everyone involved, leaving both parties satisfied with the change of ownership.
Last Updated on October 10, 2025 by Cristian Steven
