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 in Minnesota?
No. Notarization is not required for vehicle title transfers in Minnesota.
Do I keep my license plates after selling the car?
Yes. In Minnesota, license plates stay with the seller. You can transfer them to another vehicle or return them to DVS.
Can I sell my car without a title?
No. You must apply for a replacement through the DVS if the title is lost.
Is a bill of sale required in Minnesota?
It is not required by law, but it is recommended to protect both the buyer and seller.
Who pays the sales tax in Minnesota?
The buyer pays the sales tax when they register the vehicle.