What you need to do to transfer a title in Minnesota

To transfer a vehicle title in Minnesota, you submit Form REG 13 (process for Minnesota Certificate of Title) to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, along with the signed title from the previous owner, proof of ownership, and a check or money order for the title fee. The state processes most transfers within two to four weeks. You cannot register the vehicle until the title transfer is complete, so timing matters if you need to drive it legally.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you bought the vehicle from a dealer, a private seller, or inherited it. A dealer typically handles the paperwork for you as part of the sale. A private sale requires you to handle it yourself. An inheritance requires additional court documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Form REG 13 is the document you submit to Minnesota Department of Public Safety, along with the signed title from the seller and a fee that varies by vehicle weight.
  • You must submit the process within 10 days of purchase, or you may face a late fee added to the title cost.
  • The previous owner's signature on the back of the title is required; a title with a blank signature line cannot be processed.
  • You can submit your process by mail to the address on Form REG 13, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office in your county.
  • Once approved, Minnesota mails the new title to you; you cannot pick it up in person at the state office.

Documents you need to submit

Gather these items before you start: the signed title from the previous owner, your proof of ownership (the bill of sale or purchase agreement), a completed Form REG 13, and payment for the title fee. If the vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), the lienholder's name and address must appear on the title process.

The title signature is the most common missing piece. The previous owner must sign the back of the title in the designated area. A title with an unsigned signature line will be rejected, and you will have to contact the seller again. If the seller is unavailable or unwilling, you may need to contact Minnesota Department of Public Safety to learn about alternative procedures, though these are rare and typically require additional documentation.

If you are transferring a title after inheriting a vehicle, you will also need a copy of the death certificate and either a court order or an affidavit of heirship, depending on the estate size. Contact your county probate court or a Deputy Registrar for the specific form required in your situation.

Title transfer fees in Minnesota

The title fee depends on the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not its current condition or market value. Most passenger cars fall into the lowest bracket and cost less than $20. Trucks and heavier vehicles cost more. You can find the exact fee on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or by calling a Deputy Registrar office in your county.

If you submit your process more than 10 days after purchase, Minnesota adds a late fee on top of the title fee. The late fee is typically $25 to $50, depending on how far past the important date you are. Submitting on time saves money and avoids a second processing delay.

Where to submit your process

You have two options: mail it or deliver it in person. To mail, send Form REG 13, the signed title, proof of ownership, and your payment to the address listed on the form. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the processed title returned by mail (it will be anyway, but this ensures you receive it). Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks from the date Minnesota receives it.

To submit in person, visit a Deputy Registrar office in your county. These are not state offices; they are local government branches authorized to accept title applications. You can find the nearest office and its hours on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. In-person submission does not speed up processing time—the state still processes the process at the same pace—but it confirms receipt when ready and lets you ask questions on the spot.

What happens after you submit

Minnesota Department of Public Safety reviews your process for completeness and accuracy. If something is missing or incorrect, they mail you a notice asking for the missing item or clarification. This adds one to two weeks to the timeline. Once approved, the state mails the new title to the address you listed on Form REG 13. You cannot pick it up in person or have it mailed to a different address after submission.

Do not register the vehicle or put it on the road until you receive the new title. Driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal, even if you own it. If you need to drive it before the title arrives, you can request a temporary registration from a Deputy Registrar, though this is a separate process with its own fee and requirements.

Title transfers from dealers versus private sales

When you buy from a Minnesota dealer, the dealer is required by law to submit the title process on your behalf within 10 days. You pay the title fee at the time of purchase, and the dealer handles the paperwork. You should still verify that the dealer submitted it; ask for a receipt or confirmation number. If the dealer fails to submit within 10 days, you are responsible for the late fee, even though the dealer caused the delay.

When you buy from a private seller, you handle the entire process yourself. The seller must sign the title and give it to you at the time of sale. You then submit it to Minnesota within 10 days. There is no middleman to rely on, so the timeline is entirely in your hands. Many private sellers are unfamiliar with the process, so explain clearly that you need the signed title before you leave with the vehicle.

Common reasons applications are rejected or delayed

An unsigned title is the most common reason for rejection. The previous owner's signature must be in the correct box on the back of the title. A signature in the wrong location or a title with a blank signature line will be sent back. Illegible signatures or signatures that do not match the name on the title can also cause delays while Minnesota verifies the identity.

Mismatched information is another frequent issue. If the name on the title does not match the name on your proof of ownership, or if the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the title does not match the VIN on Form REG 13, the process will be rejected. Double-check all numbers and names before you submit. If you discover a mismatch, contact the seller when ready to correct it or obtain a corrected title.

Incomplete payment is less common but still happens. Make sure your check or money order is for the correct amount and is signed (if it is a check). If you are unsure of the fee, call a Deputy Registrar office before you submit; paying too little will delay processing while Minnesota requests the additional amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my vehicle before the title transfer is complete?

No. Minnesota requires the new title to be issued before you can register the vehicle. If you need to drive it before the title arrives, you can request a temporary registration from a Deputy Registrar for a separate fee. This is a short-term solution and does not replace the title transfer.

What if the previous owner will not sign the title?

Contact Minnesota Department of Public Safety to discuss your options. In rare cases, you may be able to file a complaint or provide additional documentation to prove ownership. However, without the seller's signature, the transfer cannot proceed through the standard process. If you purchased the vehicle, you have a bill of sale or receipt that proves the transaction; bring that when you contact the state.

How long does it take to get the new title in the mail?

Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date Minnesota receives your complete process. If your process is incomplete, add one to two weeks for the back-and-forth. Once approved, the title is mailed to your address; delivery time depends on postal service, usually three to five business days.

Do I need to notarize the title or any forms?

No. Minnesota does not require notarization for standard title transfers. The seller's signature on the title itself is sufficient. If you are transferring a title after an inheritance, a notarized affidavit may be required depending on the estate, but this is handled separately from the title process.

What if I bought the vehicle out of state?

If you bought it in another state and are now a Minnesota resident, you must transfer the title to Minnesota. Submit the out-of-state title along with Form REG 13 and proof that you now live in Minnesota (such as a lease or utility bill). Minnesota will issue a new title in its format. The fee is the same as a standard transfer.