Title & Proof of Ownership
Minnesota titles motor vehicles, trailers, ATVs, watercraft, and manufactured homes unless exempt. Snowmobiles and many off-highway vehicles are registered through DNR rather than titled. Minnesota title and registration transactions are handled through DVS Deputy Registrars, while DNR handles watercraft, ATV, OHM, ORV, and snowmobile registration workflows.
Application for Title
Minnesota title applications are submitted to a Deputy Registrar or Driver and Vehicle Services. Dealers and secured parties should verify whether the transaction requires a standard vehicle title application, watercraft title documents, manufactured home title documents, DNR registration application, lien release, damage disclosure, or dealer reassignment documentation.
| Title Item | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Vehicle title | $14.00 reference title fee |
| Lien notation | $2.00 reference lien fee |
| Filing fee | $12.00 reference filing fee |
| Duplicate title | $9.50 reference fee, plus applicable fees |
| Transfer tax | $10.00 reference transfer tax where applicable |
| Non-titled vehicle transfer fee | $3.00 |
| Release lien filing fee | $12.00 for vehicle; $7.00 for watercraft |
| Dealer plate fee | $40.00 annually for first four plates; $35.00 for each additional plate |
Fees vary by transaction, class, plate, tax, DNR registration type, and deputy registrar filing charges. Verify current totals before submitting dealer packets.
Manufactured Homes
Manufactured homes are title-required. All personal property taxes must be paid before transferring a manufactured home title. Manufactured home property taxes are levied on January 1 of the payable year.
Trailers
Minnesota titles trailers, subject to exemptions and registration classifications. Farm trailers under 10,000 lbs. GVW, fertilizer trailers, and certain equipment carriers may be registration-exempt.
Watercraft
Watercraft are titled and/or registered through Minnesota DNR or Deputy Registrars. Licensed out-of-state watercraft operating on Minnesota waters for more than 90 consecutive days must register in Minnesota.
ATVs / OHVs / OHMs / Snowmobiles
ATVs, OHVs, OHMs, and snowmobiles are registered through DNR. Used OHVs purchased in Minnesota must be registered within 15 days for ATVs and OHMs and within 30 days for ORVs.
Proof of Ownership & Dealer Packet Notes
New Vehicles
Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin or comparable manufacturer ownership document, plus dealer sale paperwork and lien/tax documentation where applicable.
Used Vehicles
Properly assigned Certificate of Title with odometer and damage disclosure sections completed when required.
Non-Titled Units
Non-titled vehicles or DNR units may require prior registration, bill of sale, Universal Registration Application, or other ownership evidence depending on unit type.
Motorcycles
If the vehicle is a motorcycle, the engine number must be recorded on the face of the title.
DNR Units
The Universal Registration Application is used to register non-titled watercraft, OHMs, ORVs, ATVs, and snowmobiles. Checks are payable to MN DNR.
NMVTIS / Records
Minnesota title and lien records are maintained by Driver and Vehicle Services in St. Paul.
Damage Disclosure, Brands & Special Handling
Motor vehicle dealers must provide written and verbal disclosure of prior vehicle damage, the existence or requirement of any title brand, or if a vehicle has been submerged or flooded above the bottom of the dashboard while parked on the dealer’s lot. Verbal disclosure is not required for online sales. Anyone receiving a flood disclosure must provide the same disclosure to later prospective purchasers.
- Upon assignment of a Minnesota title, the Damage Disclosure Statement in the Assignment by Seller section must be completed.
- The Damage Disclosure Statement section of the title application must be completed by the seller.
- Vehicles six years old or older and commercial vehicles 26,000 lbs. GVW or more are exempt from damage disclosure.
- Lien releases are required for any liens shown on the title unless a surviving-owner transfer includes lender authorization.
Lien Law
Minnesota vehicle liens are perfected through DVS and shown on the title record. The title is mailed to the registered owner, and notification of security interest is sent to the secured party. Financial agencies may register as e-lienholders and release liens electronically through MNDRIVE e-Services for Business.
Perfection & Filing
Reference lien tables identify Minnesota lien perfection as the date of filing. Dealer and lender packets should include lienholder information, fees, ownership documents, and any needed title/lien forms.
Release of Lien
A lien release must be sent to the next secured party, or if none, to the owner within 15 days of satisfaction; seven days if satisfied by a licensed dealer. The owner must surrender the title and release with filing fee to DVS to release the secured party’s rights or obtain a new title.
Release Forms
A notarized Notification of Assignment, Release or Grant of Secured Interest (PS2017) may be used. Filing fee is $12.00 for vehicles and $7.00 for watercraft.
Electronic Liens
E-lienholders may mark a lien as electronic in MNDRIVE. Electronic releases update the vehicle account instantly. A lien card is not sent to the owner and is not required to release the lien on title.
UCC, Manufactured Homes & Records
UCC is not adopted for motor vehicles. Liens on manufactured homes may be filed through the Minnesota Secretary of State, Uniform Commercial Code, 332 Minnesota Street, Suite N201, Saint Paul, MN 55101, 877.551.6767, ucc.dept@state.mn.us. Online filing is available.
Transfer of Title
Transfer is accomplished by assignment of title. The Seller’s Notice of Sale section of the Minnesota title must be filed within 10 days of sale, donation, or removal from Minnesota unless sold to a Minnesota dealer. Notice of Sale may be filed online. Purchaser must apply for title within 10 business days of assignment to avoid a $2.00 penalty.
Transfer Deadlines & Fees
If title is not transferred within 30 days, a $10.00 fee is due to reinstate registration. A $3.00 transfer fee applies to ownership transfer of a non-titled vehicle. If a lien is shown on the title, a release must accompany the transfer.
Add / Remove Owner
Same procedure as a normal transfer. Transfers from joint to single ownership are exempt from transfer tax and sales tax.
Tenancy in Common
No conjunction is used between names. All owners must sign on transfer. If one owner is deceased and estate is probated, the personal representative acts for the deceased and submits required probate documents.
Joint Tenancy
Names joined by “or” indicate right of survivorship. All owners must sign on transfer. If one party is deceased, the survivor may transfer with title, proof of death, fees, and any required lien release or lender authorization.
Surviving Spouse / Non-Probate
If estate is not subject to probate, ownership may transfer with proof of death, title assignment, fees, and Assignment of a Vehicle to a Surviving Spouse/Not Subject to Probate (PS2071) or an Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property when applicable. A corresponding watercraft form is used for watercraft.
Transfer on Death
A notarized Application for Transfer-on-Death Beneficiary (PS2004) may be submitted with title or title application. Ownership transfers to the beneficiary upon death of the owner or last surviving joint owner, subject to secured party rights. Certified death record is required.
Notarization / POA / Assignment Space
Notarization is not required for title transfer. Minnesota Secure Power of Attorney and Disclosure Form may only be used when the title to a trade-in has been lost; generic POA is accepted when the vehicle is not subject to disclosure. Licensed dealers may attach a Minnesota Supplemental Dealer Reassignment form when no assignment space remains.
Repossession
Upon default under a security agreement, the secured party may take possession without judicial process if it proceeds without breach of peace. If the secured party is in possession of title, it does not need to apply for title in its name but must submit a Dealer Purchase Receipt (PS2009) within 48 hours of repossession.
When Repossession Title Is Needed
If the secured party cannot obtain title from the registered owner, or if the owner failed to transfer ownership and is not shown on title, title must be issued in the secured party’s name before transfer.
Repossession Forms
If the repossessor chooses to title in its name, submit title with notarized Affidavit of Repossession/Title Application (PS2024), or the watercraft repossession/title application for watercraft, plus title fee, PSV fee, and filing fee.
Sales Tax on Repossession
If lienholder is anyone other than a lending institution, dealer, or prior owner, sales tax is due. If lienholder elects to use the vehicle, title must be issued in lienholder’s name and sales tax is due.
Foreign State Title
A Minnesota repossession form is not accepted with a foreign state title. Lienholder must provide documents required by the jurisdiction that issued the title. All unperfected liens require a court order.
Registration
Minnesota registers all vehicles, trailers, ATVs, OHVs, OHMs, snowmobiles, and watercraft unless exempt. Exemptions include manufactured homes, park trailers, nonmotorized watercraft 10 feet or less, certain equipment carriers, implements of husbandry, tractors used solely for agricultural purposes, farm trailers under 10,000 lbs. GVW, fertilizer trailers, special mobile equipment, and official government or municipal vehicles.
Application for Registration
Registration applications are made to any Deputy Registrar. Registration card or cab card must be carried in commercial vehicles. New residents must register vehicles within 60 days of establishing residency. If the vehicle is not currently registered in the foreign state, registration is required immediately.
- ATVs, OHVs, OHMs, snowmobiles, and watercraft are registered through DNR or a Deputy Registrar.
- The Universal Registration Application is used for non-titled watercraft, OHMs, ORVs, ATVs, and snowmobiles.
- Checks for DNR registration transactions are payable to MN DNR.
- IRP is handled through DVS Prorate Office, 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 188, Saint Paul, MN 55101.
IRP
Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Prorate Office, 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 188, Saint Paul, MN 55101. Phone: 651.205.4141. Email: dvs.prorate@state.mn.us. Online services are available to motor carriers.
Nonresidents
Properly registered nonresident vehicles may be operated in Minnesota under reciprocity. Exemption does not apply to passenger vehicles or travel trailers owned by nonresidents temporarily residing in Minnesota while gainfully employed on the same job for six months or more, or to vehicles used in Minnesota intrastate commerce.
Watercraft / OHV / Snowmobile Nonresidents
Licensed out-of-state watercraft operating in Minnesota waters for more than 90 consecutive days must register in Minnesota. OHVs legally registered elsewhere must display a nonresident trail pass, and if operated in Minnesota more than 30 days, Minnesota registration is required. Nonresident snowmobiles on state or grant-in-aid trails must display a snowmobile state trail sticker.
Planned Non-Operation
Vehicles not operated on public roadways are not required to be registered. Some cities have ordinances requiring registration of vehicles parked outside.
Plates, Dealer Plates & Registration Notes
Dealer Plates
Dealer plate fee is $40.00 annually for the first four plates and $35.00 for each additional plate.
Nonresident Plates
Out-of-state plates are not required to be surrendered when applying for Minnesota registration.
DNR Registration
ATV, OHV, OHM, snowmobile, and watercraft transactions should be checked for DNR-specific registration term, trail pass, decal, and transfer requirements.
Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicles must carry registration card or cab card. HVUT proof is required for motor vehicles with declared gross weight of 55,000 lbs. or more before registration.
Fees, Plates & Registration Costs
Minnesota fees vary by title type, lien status, registration class, filing fee, plate type, DNR registration type, transfer tax, in-lieu tax, excise tax, and whether the transaction involves a dealer, DNR unit, manufactured home, or IRP vehicle.
| Common Fee | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Vehicle title | $14.00 reference fee |
| Lien notation | $2.00 reference fee |
| Filing fee | $12.00 reference filing fee |
| Duplicate title | $9.50 reference fee, plus applicable fees |
| Transfer tax | $10.00 reference transfer tax where applicable |
| Transfer ownership of non-titled vehicle | $3.00 |
| Release lien filing fee | $12.00 vehicle; $7.00 watercraft |
| Dealer plates | $40.00 annually for first four plates; $35.00 each additional plate |
| Motor vehicle sales tax | 6.875% unless exempt or in-lieu tax applies |
| Older passenger vehicle in-lieu tax | $10.00 if 10 years old or older and purchase price/fair market value is less than $3,000 |
| Collector class in-lieu tax | $150.00 for passenger vehicles and fire trucks registered in collector class |
| Local vehicle excise tax | $20.00 in listed cities/counties for dealer motor vehicle sales |
Taxes
Motor Vehicle Sales Tax
Motor Vehicle Sales Tax is 6.875% of purchase price or fair market value, whichever is higher, unless exempt or the vehicle qualifies for an in-lieu tax. Tax is paid to the Deputy Registrar or DVS. Credit is allowed for trade-in of another registered or previously registered motor vehicle titled in the owner’s name, parent’s name, or spouse’s name. Credit is allowed for taxes paid to another state.
New Resident / Nonresident
New residents are exempt from tax if the vehicle was titled for at least 60 days in another state. Nonresidents are exempt if the vehicle will be registered in another state.
Exemptions
Exemptions include gifts between immediate family members, transfers upon divorce or inheritance, transfers from joint to single ownership, transfers between related companies, sales to nonprofits or exempt agencies, and certain sales to tribal members living on reservations when sale occurs on the reservation. Use Certificate of Exemption (ST3) or Native American Sales Tax Exemption where applicable.
In-Lieu Taxes
A $10.00 in-lieu tax applies to passenger vehicles 10 years old or older when purchase price and fair market value are less than $3,000. A $150.00 in-lieu tax applies to passenger vehicles and fire trucks registered in a collector class.
General Sales Tax
Vehicles not registered for road use are subject to 6.875% sales tax plus any local or regional taxes. Credit is allowed for trade-in and taxes paid to another state. Casual sales of OHVs are exempt. OHV sales to nonresidents are exempt if delivered outside Minnesota.
Manufactured Homes
The first retail sale or use of a manufactured home in Minnesota for residential use is taxed on 65% of the dealer’s cost. Manufactured homes used for offices or other nonresidential purposes are taxed on the full sales price. Used residential manufactured homes previously taxed in Minnesota are exempt.
Excise / Property / HVUT
A $20.00 vehicle excise tax applies to dealer sales in listed counties and cities. Manufactured homes are subject to property tax through the County Assessor, and taxes must be paid before title transfer. Motor vehicles with declared gross weight of 55,000 lbs. or more must provide Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax proof before registration.
Official Forms & Resources
Key Minnesota DVS, DNR, Department of Revenue, UCC, IRP, and State Patrol resources commonly used for dealer title, registration, lien, transfer, repossession, watercraft, ATV/OHV/OHM, snowmobile, manufactured home, tax, and permit workflows.
General Information
Dealer Workflow
Dealer packets should include title assignment, lien release if applicable, damage disclosure, odometer disclosure when required, sales tax or exemption documentation, transfer tax/filing fees, and Notice of Sale handling unless sold to a Minnesota dealer.
E-Lien Workflow
E-lienholders can release liens through MNDRIVE e-Services for Business, which updates the vehicle account instantly. A lien card is not sent to owner and is not required to release the lien on title.
DNR Workflow
ATVs, OHVs, OHMs, snowmobiles, and watercraft may be registered through DNR or a Deputy Registrar. Used OHVs purchased in Minnesota must be registered promptly: 15 days for ATVs/OHMs and 30 days for ORVs.
Manufactured Homes
Personal property tax must be paid before manufactured home title transfer. UCC liens on manufactured homes may be filed through the Minnesota Secretary of State.
Records
Lien records are on file with Driver and Vehicle Services in St. Paul. The title showing lien is mailed to the registered owner, and security interest notification is sent to the secured party.
Enforcement
Minnesota State Patrol supports commercial vehicle and enforcement matters. DNR handles trail, OHV, snowmobile, and watercraft registration enforcement issues.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Fees, requirements, forms, taxes, and procedures may change. Always verify current information with Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, Minnesota DNR, Minnesota Department of Revenue, Minnesota Secretary of State, Minnesota State Patrol, or another applicable agency before submitting paperwork or payment.