What you need to do to transfer a vehicle title in Minnesota

To transfer a vehicle title in Minnesota, you fill out Form REG 14 (process for Minnesota Certificate of Title), provide proof of ownership and identity, and submit everything to your county's deputy registrar office along with the transfer fee. The process takes about two weeks if done in person, longer if mailed. You cannot legally drive the vehicle as the new owner until the title is in your name — doing so can result in fines and complications if you're in an accident.

Minnesota requires the title transfer to happen before or at the same time as vehicle registration. If you buy a used car from a private seller, the seller signs the back of their title and gives it to you; if you buy from a dealer, they handle the paperwork. Either way, you then take the signed title to your deputy registrar to complete the transfer into your name.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete Form REG 14 and submit it to your county's deputy registrar office with the signed title, proof of identity, and the transfer fee.
  • The seller must sign the back of the title in the designated area; a notary is not required in Minnesota, but the signature must be original ink.
  • The transfer fee varies by county but is typically between $10 and $20; check your specific county's fee schedule before you go.
  • You cannot legally drive the vehicle until the new title arrives in your name, which usually takes two to three weeks.
  • If the title is lost, the seller can request a duplicate from their county registrar before signing it over to you.

Where to submit your title transfer in Minnesota

You submit your title transfer to your county's deputy registrar office, not to a state office. Minnesota has no single central location for title work — each of the state's 87 counties runs its own deputy registrar, and they handle all title transfers for vehicles registered in that county. You can find your county's office by searching "[your county name] deputy registrar" online or by calling your county auditor's office.

Most deputy registrar offices are located in the county courthouse or a separate county building. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some counties offer limited Saturday hours. You can also mail your paperwork, though this adds one to two weeks to the process. If you mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the new title can be returned to you.

Documents and information you need to bring

Bring the original title signed by the seller in the designated signature area on the back. The signature must be in original ink — photocopies or digital signatures are not accepted. If the title has multiple owners listed, all owners must sign unless the title shows "and" between names (which means both must sign) versus "or" (which means either can sign).

You also need a valid photo ID — a Minnesota driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bring proof of your Minnesota residency if your ID address is not current; a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you are buying from a dealer, they usually provide a bill of sale; if buying from a private seller, you can create a straightforward bill of sale listing the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, date, and both signatures, though it is not legally required in Minnesota.

Have the vehicle's VIN ready — it appears on the title and on the dashboard of the vehicle. You will also need to know the odometer reading at the time of transfer, which the seller should provide on the title.

The transfer fee and what it covers

Minnesota charges a transfer fee that varies by county. Most counties charge between $10 and $20, though some may be slightly higher or lower. This fee covers the cost of processing your paperwork and issuing the new title in your name. Contact your county's deputy registrar office directly to confirm the exact fee before you go, since it can differ from neighboring counties.

The fee is separate from registration fees. If you are also registering the vehicle for the first time in Minnesota or renewing registration, those fees explore on top of the transfer fee. Payment methods vary by county — most accept cash, check, or card, but call ahead to confirm what your specific office takes.

Timeline: when you will receive your new title

If you submit your paperwork in person at the deputy registrar office, the new title is usually mailed to you within two to three weeks. During that time, you should not drive the vehicle except to get it inspected or to drive directly to your home. If you are stopped by police, you can show them the receipt from the deputy registrar proving you submitted the transfer — this protects you from being cited for driving an unregistered vehicle.

If you mail your paperwork, add one to two weeks to that timeline. The office will process your process and mail the new title back to you. If there is an error or missing information, the office will contact you, which can delay the process further. Check your paperwork carefully before submitting to avoid this.

What to do if the seller cannot find the title

If the seller has lost the original title, they can request a duplicate title from their county's deputy registrar before transferring it to you. The seller pays a duplicate fee (usually $5 to $10) and provides their ID and proof of ownership. The duplicate is a legal replacement and works exactly like the original for transfer purposes.

This process takes one to two weeks, so it adds time to your overall transfer. If the seller is unwilling or unable to get a duplicate, you can sometimes complete a transfer using a bill of sale and a court order, but this is more complicated and requires legal help. It is far simpler to ask the seller to get the duplicate before you complete the purchase.

Transferring a title when there are liens or loans

If the vehicle has a loan or lien against it, the lender's name appears on the title. The seller cannot transfer a clear title to you until the loan is paid off. When the loan is paid, the lender releases the lien by signing the title or providing a separate lien release document.

At the time of sale, the seller should provide you with proof that the lien will be released — usually a letter from the lender stating the payoff amount and confirming release upon payment. Many private sales are structured so the seller pays off the loan at closing using part of the sale proceeds, and the lender releases the lien when ready. If you are buying from a dealer, they typically handle this process and provide you with a clear title. Never accept a title with an active lien unless you are taking over the loan yourself, which requires separate paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the vehicle before the new title arrives?

No. Legally, you cannot drive it except to get it inspected or to drive directly home. If you are stopped, show the deputy registrar receipt proving you submitted the transfer. Driving without a title in your name can result in fines and complications if you are in an accident or pulled over.

What if I bought the vehicle out of state?

You must transfer the out-of-state title to a Minnesota title within 30 days of moving to Minnesota or purchasing the vehicle here. Bring the out-of-state title, your ID, and proof of residency to your county deputy registrar. The process is the same as a within-state transfer.

Do I need a notary to sign the title?

No. Minnesota does not require a notary for title transfers. The seller's signature must be in original ink on the back of the title in the designated area, but it does not need to be notarized.

What happens if there is a mistake on the new title?

Contact your county's deputy registrar office when ready with the error. They can issue a corrected title, usually at no extra charge if the error was theirs. Bring the incorrect title and proof of the error. Do not drive the vehicle with an incorrect title.

Can someone else pick up my new title for me?

Yes, if you authorize them in writing. Bring a signed letter stating who can pick up the title on your behalf, along with their ID. Some counties may require the authorized person to show your ID as well, so call ahead to confirm your county's policy.