Selling a car in Minnesota may take some time, but it’s not impossible. Once you know what rules and regulations to follow, selling your car can be easy. The Minnesota DPS, Division of Driver and Vehicle Services has guidelines for selling a car. They require specific paperwork and documents that have to be filled out.
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So, check out our detailed guide that gives you the information you need for a successful sale of your car!
General Rules – How to Sell a Car in Minnesota
To successfully sell your car in Minnesota, you must fill out a title transfer within ten days of the date of sale.
You as the seller as well as the buyer of your vehicle, have to complete the requested information on the back of the car title. Then must and fill out the transfer process at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office.
Even though the legal process of selling a car in the Minnesota is fairly straightforward, independent sellers may find that they don’t have much help in preparing for the sale and making informed decisions along the way.
How to Sell a Car in Minnesota – The Title
Here in Minnesota, the state titles cars, trucks, buses, vans, motorcycles and large trailers.
Although there are exceptions to this rule, the transfer of ownership must take place on the certificate of title within ten days of the date of sale.
After you sell your car, you will first need to sign over the car title to the new owner. You as well as the buyer must complete the requested information from the state of Minnesota. Additionally, you’ll have to provide the following:
- Date of sale.
- Price of the car.
- Odometer disclosure.
- Damage disclosure.
- Lien release car or a notarized lien release if this applies to your sale.
- Your printed name and your signature.
It’s important to note that if you’re selling a motorcycle, you must record the cycle’s engine number on the face of the title.
Where Can I go to Transfer Vehicle Ownership?
In order to transfer the ownership of a motor vehicle, you can visit any of the state’s deputy registrar offices. Click here to find a location near you or simply call (651) 297-2005!
Titled Vehicles
For vehicle buyers here in Minnesota, you must make sure that you have the vehicle title before taking possession of the vehicle.
You also have to make sure that the owner’s name is on the front of the title, and that name matches the person selling you the car.
Additionally, you must also make sure that the VIN (vehicle identification number) matches the number printed on the title.
Don’t forget to have a signed lien release or notarized lien release form for all lien holders of the vehicle.
How to sell a car in Minnesota – Documents the Seller Needs to Have
Minnesota requires that all car sellers write out or hand print their name and sign in the assignment portion of the vehicle title.
As the seller, you must also list the sales price of the car in the sales tax declaration portion. You will find it on the back of the certificate of title. Then, make sure that you take the time to write the date of sale and complete any disclosure statements if applicable.
- The Odometer Disclosure– Here in Minnesota, this is a required document for all vehicles. The exception to this law is vehicles that are ten years or older, or vehicles that a gross vehicle weight rating of more than16,000 pounds. The other exception to this rule is for vehicles that are not self-propelled, as defined by state guidelines.
- Damage Disclosure– As the seller, you must supply this document to sell your car to another person. This document is a must for all vehicles except for cars that are six years or older. The other exception to having this required document, is for vehicles that have a gross weight of 26,000 lbs. or more.
Here in Minnesota, it’s very important to remember: if a lien is listed on the certificate of title, a notarized lien release or a lien release card must be with the transfer.
Information About Non-Titled Vehicles
If the vehicle has been issued a title, the transfer must be completed on the title. In the case of a list title, the owner of the vehicle must get a duplicate car title
For vehicles that have never been titled, you can submit a Minnesota registration card as satisfactory proof of ownership of the vehicle.
You cannot offer a foreign state registration card as acceptable proof of ownership, even if the state that issued it doesn’t issue a title to that particular model or type of vehicle.
What If I Want to Sell My Car, But Can’t Show Proof of Ownership?
If there is no tangible proof of ownership for a vehicle or the state of Minnesota has no record of the vehicle, the state may be able to work with this issue.
If the owner is not aware of any registration or title issued in another state, Minnesota may issue a title if certain criteria are met.
You can obtain more details about this from the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services. Your local Minnesota deputy registrar office can also assist with this. Click here for additional information!
How to Sell a Car in Minnesota – General Fees and Costs
The following are the general fees and costs Minnesota charges:
- Title fee – $8.25
- For each recorded lien – $2.00
- The transfer tax – $10.00
- The Public Safety Vehicle Fee – $3.50
- The filing fee – $10.00
- Minnesota Sales Tax – $6.5% of car or vehicle purchase
Contact DVS at (651) 297-2126 or Email: DVS.motor.vehicles@state.mn.us for additional questions! You can also click here!
What Does Minnesota State About Vehicle History Reports?
The state of Minnesota wants sellers as well as buyers to be aware, alert and informed at all times. Therefore, they recommend that buyers check the vehicle history before the purchase of a used car.
They also recommend that all sellers provide a vehicle history report. used car. A vehicle history report can be purchased on the US Department of Justice-sponsored National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) website. Click here to be taken there now!
What About Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability?
Even though the state of Minnesota doesn’t require sellers to submit a notice of transfer and a release of liability when selling a car, you might want to consider getting them.
The Minnesota DVS requires you as the seller to submit a report of sale.
Therefore, you should think about giving both a transfer notice and release of liability since doing so will release you from any and all liabilities concerning your old car.
It might be ideal to do this in person with the buyer, while transferring the vehicle title at your local Minnesota DVS office.
Selling Your Car Online in Minnesota
Now that you as a Minnesota car seller have a great grasp of what is required, check out some tips on a successful online sale!
- Take at least 10 to 15 pictures of your car. Your pics tell the story of the condition of your car.
- Whether you’re selling your car on Facebook, Craigslist or another online marketplace, you want to write an honest description of your car. Even if there is damage or a non-working part on the car, let the potential buyer know this.
- Have a competitive price. If you see cars similar to yours online, click on that ad and see what the price is of the car. Then, price your car accordingly.
- If you are firm on the price of the car, be firm. You don’t have to be mean or pushy. But be firm.
- If you will negotiate the price of the car, make sure that you entertain sensible offers on your car.
- Once you have a potential buyer, make plans to meet that buyer in person.
- Be specific about the forms of payment you will accept. If you will accept only cash, a cashier check or a money order, do so. These are the best ways to accept payment. You may even want to buy a “fake money detector” marker or take the cash to the bank, so they can verify the bills are real. But under no circumstances, should you accept money wired to you!
- Don’t forget to take the time to make sure you have all of the required paperwork for your car. You want to be a seller who has everything good to go once you have a real buyer!
- Keep your car clean. Even though you are selling a used car, you want it to be washed and clean. So, make sure that you wash and even wax it on the outside. Also, give it a good vacuum and wipe-down on both inside! Don’t forget to remove money, coins and other personal items from the car before you sell it!
Looking for a quick, and easy sale of your car here in Minnesota? Call us! We are Cash Cars Buyer, offering a quick, convenient sale of your car with an instant offer! 844-663-7286!