Selling or junking a car in Minnesota

How do I sign over a car title in Minnesota?

Every seller hand prints their name and signs in the assignment area on the back of the title. The seller writes the sale date and the actual selling price, which goes in the sales tax declaration area (Minn. Stat. 168A.10 subd. 1). The signed title goes to the buyer right away. Odometer: the seller writes the true mileage, or states that the actual mileage is unknown (Minn. Stat. 325E.15). DVS requires odometer disclosure on model year 2011 and newer vehicles for 20 years; vehicles over 16,000 lbs GVWR and vehicles that are not self-propelled are exempt. A seller who knows of damage over 80% of the vehicle's value must disclose it in writing (325F.6641). DVS's seller steps do not include a notary. If a lien shows on the title, give the buyer a lien release card or a notarized lien release. The buyer must apply for a new title within 20 days.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in Minnesota?

Private sale: the seller must sign over the title (168A.10). If the title is lost, get a duplicate with form PS2067A first. Scrap sale (Minn. Stat. 168A.1501 subd. 7): a scrap vehicle buyer such as a scrap processor, used parts dealer or junk yard generally needs (1) the title and any lien releases, or an official impound-lot bill of sale; (2) the seller's ID; and (3) a signed statement, under penalty of perjury, that the vehicle is not stolen, has no liens, and the seller may sell it. No-title exceptions: (a) A licensed dealer may buy a vehicle 10 or more model years old (2016 or older in 2026) if the seller gives DVS printed proof that it has not been registered for more than 7 years, plus ID and the perjury statement (subd. 8). (b) A licensed used parts dealer may buy a vehicle for parts if the seller agrees in writing to a 7-business-day hold and gives ID and the perjury statement (subd. 9). (c) These rules do not apply to an inoperable vehicle 20 or more model years old (2006 or older in 2026) (subd. 10). Scrap buyers pay by check or electronic transfer, not cash; without a title, the check is payable only to the person who showed ID (subd. 4).

How do I get a duplicate title in Minnesota?

Use form PS2067A, Application for Duplicate Title, Registration, Cab or Lien Card. Only the owner, or a legal representative with power of attorney, can apply; for joint owners one signature is enough. The statutory fee is $7.25 plus a $2.25 technology surcharge (Minn. Stat. 168A.29). By mail the total is $21.50, with checks payable to DVS, sent to DVS, 445 Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. At a deputy registrar a $1 surcharge applies, and most print same-day duplicates. A duplicate voids all earlier titles.

Do I need to file a release of liability in Minnesota?

Yes. Unless a licensed dealer is the buyer or seller, the seller must report the sale within 10 days. Mail the detached Notice of Sale section of the title, or report online through DVS ('Mark vehicle as sold/donated/removed from state'). Include the buyer's name, address and driver's license number and the sale date (168A.10 subd. 1). A seller who has delivered the vehicle and done this is not liable as owner for damages from its later operation (168A.10). Reporting the sale does not transfer ownership; the buyer must still title the vehicle.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in Minnesota?

Standard plates go with the car. By statute the seller surrenders the plates and assigns the paid registration tax to the buyer (Minn. Stat. 168.301). Personalized plates can be moved to another vehicle of the same type that the owner has, for a $5 fee.

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in Minnesota?

A person who acquires an unrepairable total loss vehicle must surrender the title to DVS and apply for a junking certificate (Minn. Stat. 168A.151). A junking certificate allows the holder only to possess and transport the vehicle; a salvage pool or insurer may sell such a vehicle only to a licensed used parts dealer or scrap metal processor. Insurers, and self-insured owners with damage over 80% of value, must apply for a salvage or prior salvage title. A dealer that buys a vehicle for scrap keeps the title for 3 years, then destroys it, and the title can never be reissued (168A.15 subd. 3). Some scrap operators must report purchases to NMVTIS by the close of the next business day (168A.1501 subd. 6).

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in Minnesota?

Minn. Stat. ch. 168B covers this. A vehicle left on private property without permission may be impounded at these times: immediately on single-family or duplex residential property, or on posted property; after 24 hours on unposted nonresidential property; or 5 business days after certified-mail notice on a repair shop's property (168B.04). The impound lot must notify the owner and lienholders within 5 business days. If the owner can't be found, notice is published in a newspaper (168B.06). Junk or abandoned vehicles may be disposed of 15 days after notice. Other unauthorized vehicles may be disposed of after 45 days, or 15 days in Minneapolis and St. Paul (168B.051).

Official sources

1. Minn. Stat. 168A.10 Transfer of interest
2. Minn. Stat. 168A.1501 Purchase of scrap vehicles
3. Minn. Stat. 168A.151 Salvage title; junking certificate
4. Minn. Stat. 168A.15
5. Minn. Stat. 168A.29 Title fees
6. Minn. Stat. 168.301 Vehicle transfer; plates
7. Minn. Stat. 325E.15 Mileage disclosure
8. Minn. Stat. 325F.6641 Damage disclosure
9. Minn. Stat. 168B.04
10. Minn. Stat. 168B.051
11. Minn. Stat. 168B.06
12. DVS: Buying or Selling a Motor Vehicle (March 2025)
13. DVS: Report vehicle sold, donated or removed from state
14. DVS: Duplicate vehicle title application
15. DVS form PS2067A
16. DVS: Personalized license plates

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) before you sell.