Selling your car in Minnesota? Whether you’re in Minneapolis, Duluth, Rochester, or a smaller town, it’s important to follow the proper steps to complete a legal and stress-free transaction. This guide will help you navigate the process.
Sell a Car in Minnesota – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
To sell a vehicle in Minnesota, you’ll need:
- Minnesota Certificate of Title: Must be properly assigned to the buyer with all required signatures. If there’s a lien, it must be released.
- Valid Identification: A Minnesota driver’s license or another government-issued photo ID.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles less than 10 years old.
- Bill of Sale (optional): Helps document the transaction but is not required by the state.
- Lien Release (if applicable): Must be issued by your lender if a lien was on the title.
Minnesota DVS Forms You May Need
You may need the following forms, available from the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS):
- Application for Duplicate Title: If your title is lost
- Odometer Disclosure Statement: If not already included on the title
Vehicle Transfer Form: For buyers to complete when applying for a new title
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Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
Getting your car ready can impact how fast it sells and how much you get. A clean, well-kept vehicle makes a better first impression and draws more interest.
That said, not everyone has the time or resources to clean, fix, or prepare a vehicle. If you’re in a hurry to sell or simply don’t want to deal with the extra effort, you can always sell your car as-is. Contact us, and we’ll make you an offer. No prep work is required.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Before accepting an offer, it’s helpful to know your vehicle’s market value:
- Use Our Free Online Appraisal Tool: Get a quote in under 2 minutes.
- Compare Using Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or NADA: These tools give insight based on location, mileage, and features.
- Review Local Listings: See what similar cars are selling for in St. Paul, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, and Eagan.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
You have several ways to sell your vehicle in Minnesota:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Easiest & Fastest): We offer competitive pricing and handle all the paperwork.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: Suitable if you’re buying another car, but may result in a lower payout.
- Private Sale: May take longer and require more effort, but could result in a higher price.
Ken Ganley Buying Center makes the process smooth and secure.
Step 5: Get Paid
Skip risky payment methods. We offer secure, same-day payment and complete all necessary title and transfer paperwork.
Avoid delays and uncertainty — get peace of mind with a trusted buyer.
What Affects Car Values in Minnesota? Local Market Insights to Know
Minnesota’s seasons and road conditions play a role in used car demand:
- 4WD and AWD vehicles are highly valued during snowy winters.
- SUVs and trucks are especially popular outside the metro areas.
- Rust-free vehicles fetch higher prices due to heavy road salt use in winter.
- The average price of a 3-year-old used car in Minnesota has risen 40% since 2019, now topping $31,000, a $10,000 increase. Scarcity of late-model used cars persists due to pandemic-era new car production slowdowns, leading to tight supply and continued upward pricing.
Understanding these trends helps you set expectations for pricing.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Minnesota?
With Ken Ganley Buying Center, you can skip the hassle and sell your car with confidence.
Start your free appraisal online or call 330-427-3656.
We work with vehicle owners across Minnesota to provide fast, fair offers.
Need help selling your car in Minnesota? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to notarize the title when selling my car in Minnesota?
No, notarization is not required for vehicle title transfers in Minnesota. However, the title must be properly signed by both buyer and seller without any alterations, erasures, or use of correction fluid, as these will void the document. Use only black or blue ink and ensure all information is legible. Both parties should ideally complete the transfer at a deputy registrar office to ensure proper processing and avoid future complications.
Do I keep my license plates after selling the car in Minnesota?
No, unlike most other states, Minnesota mandates that license plates remain with the vehicle and transfer to the buyer. You should NOT remove your license plates unless they are specialized or personalized plates, which you can keep or transfer to another vehicle. The registration and taxes also transfer with the vehicle to the buyer, making Minnesota unique in this regard among U.S. states.
Can I sell my car without a title in Minnesota?
No, you must apply for a duplicate title before selling if the original is lost. Use Form PS2067A (Application for Duplicate Title) and pay the $7.25 duplicate title fee. You can submit this application in person at a DVS office or by mail. Processing typically takes several business days. If there’s a lien on the vehicle, you’ll need proper lien release documentation before the duplicate title can be issued.
Is a bill of sale required when selling a car in Minnesota?
It is not required by law, but it is highly recommended to protect both the buyer and seller. A bill of sale serves as legal documentation and acts as a receipt for the transaction. It should include vehicle details, buyer and seller information, purchase price, date of sale, and signatures from both parties. This document can be crucial if disputes arise or if there are issues with the title transfer process.
Who pays the sales tax when selling a car in Minnesota?
The buyer pays the sales tax when they register the vehicle with DVS. Minnesota calculates sales tax based on the vehicle’s age and base value, with exemptions for vehicles 10 years old or older, or vehicles with a price and market value under $3,000. The buyer must also pay various fees including title transfer fee ($8.25), filing fee ($12), public safety vehicle fee ($3.50), and transfer tax ($10).
How long do I have to report the sale in Minnesota?
You must report the sale to DVS within 10 days of the transaction. This is mandatory for all private vehicle sales, including gifted or donated vehicles. You can report the sale online at the DVS website, by mail using the “Notice of Sale” (Record of Sale stub) at the bottom of your title, or in person at a DVS office. Failing to report the sale can result in liability for parking tickets, tollway violations, or accidents involving the vehicle.
What disclosure requirements apply when selling in Minnesota?
You must provide an odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old (expanding to 20 years for model year 2011 and newer vehicles). Additionally, damage disclosure is required for vehicles less than six years old or commercial vehicles under 26,000 pounds. These disclosures must be accurate and complete. Minnesota also has Lemon Law protections, so you must provide accurate information about the vehicle’s condition and history to avoid legal issues.
What if there's a lien on my vehicle in Minnesota?
If there’s a lien listed on the title, you must provide an original signed lien release card or a notarized lien release from the lending institution. Minnesota DVS is not automatically notified when loans are satisfied, so it’s your responsibility to obtain proper documentation. If the lien release is lost, contact your lender for a duplicate. The lien must be properly released before the title can be transferred to the new owner.