Selling a car privately in Minnesota
Minnesota is one of the few states where plates generally stay on the vehicle through a sale, so your handoff is about paper, not hardware. Complete the title assignment with the buyer: price, date of sale, odometer disclosure, and both signatures. No notary is required. The buyer applies for transfer at a deputy registrar and pays Minnesota's motor vehicle sales tax; delays past the state's window bring penalties and can suspend the registration, so encourage prompt filing.
Minnesota's seller protection is the report of sale: notify Driver and Vehicle Services that the vehicle was sold, which you can do online through DVS. File it soon after the handoff, because a report of sale cannot be completed once the buyer transfers the title. Keep your own dated bill of sale as backup.
The checklist
- 1
Complete the title assignment (Minnesota)
Fill in price, date of sale, and odometer disclosure, with both parties signing. No notary required.
- 2
Report the sale to DVS
File Minnesota's report of sale promptly after the handoff; it cannot be filed after the buyer transfers the title.
- 3
Leave standard plates on the vehicle (Minnesota)
Minnesota plates generally stay with the vehicle. Retain personalized plates by notifying DVS.
- 4
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 5
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 6
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 7
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 8
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 9
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 10
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 11
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 12
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
Generate your Minnesota sale packet
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Start your free beta packetMinnesota private sale FAQ
Does a Minnesota car title need to be notarized?
No. Complete the assignment with price, date, odometer disclosure, and both parties' signatures. Legible, unaltered entries matter more than a notary stamp.
Do plates stay with the car in Minnesota?
Generally yes. Standard Minnesota plates remain on the vehicle through the sale. Personalized plates are the exception and can be retained; confirm specifics with DVS.
How do I report the sale to Minnesota DVS?
Use the DVS report-of-sale service (online or by mail) soon after the handoff. It records the sale on your record and must be filed before the buyer completes their transfer.
What does the buyer pay in a Minnesota private sale?
Minnesota's motor vehicle sales tax on the purchase price plus transfer and registration fees, at any deputy registrar office. Late transfers accrue penalties.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.