The cost to transfer a vehicle title in Minnesota involves several specific state fees, totaling a minimum of $24.00 for a vehicle without any liens. This amount can increase if there are liens recorded on the vehicle.
Minnesota Title Transfer Fees Explained
When transferring a vehicle title in Minnesota, you will encounter several mandatory state-imposed fees. These fees are separate from any sales tax you might pay on the vehicle purchase or the annual registration renewal fees. The exact total depends primarily on whether there is a lien (such as a car loan) recorded on the title.
Here's a breakdown of the typical fees you'll pay:
| Fee Type | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Title Fee | $8.25 | This is the base fee for issuing a new vehicle title in the name of the new owner. |
| Lien Recording Fee | $2.00 per lien | An additional fee is charged for each lien that needs to be recorded on the title. If you have a car loan, this fee will likely apply. |
| Transfer Tax | $10.00 | This tax is applied to all vehicle title transfers in Minnesota, regardless of the vehicle's value. |
| Public Safety Vehicle Fee | $3.50 | This fee contributes to public safety initiatives and services within the state. |
| Technology Surcharge | $2.25 | A surcharge collected to fund improvements and maintenance of the state's vehicle registration and titling technology systems. |
| Minimum Total (No Lien) | $24.00 | Sum of all fees without any liens recorded ($8.25 + $10.00 + $3.50 + $2.25). |
| Total (One Lien) | $26.00 | Sum of all fees with one lien recorded ($24.00 + $2.00). |
Example Scenarios
- Vehicle without a lien: If you are transferring a vehicle title that has no outstanding loans or recorded liens, your total state title transfer fees will be $24.00.
- Vehicle with one lien: If the vehicle has one lien (e.g., a car loan from a bank), an additional $2.00 lien recording fee will be added, bringing your total state title transfer fees to $26.00.
- Multiple liens: While less common, if a vehicle has more than one lien, an additional $2.00 would be charged for each subsequent lien.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Beyond the specific title transfer fees, other costs and factors are crucial to consider when purchasing or selling a vehicle in Minnesota:
- Sales Tax: This is often the most significant cost when buying a vehicle. Minnesota imposes a sales tax on the purchase price of vehicles, which is separate from the title transfer fees. This tax is typically collected at the time of title transfer. For current rates and exemptions, it's advisable to check the Minnesota Department of Revenue website.
- Deputy Registrar Filing Fee: While the fees listed above are state-mandated, most title transfers are processed through Deputy Registrar offices across Minnesota. These offices are authorized to charge a small service fee for their administrative services, which is typically around $7 to $10, and is added to the state fees.
- Registration Fees: Title transfer does not automatically renew your vehicle's registration. You will likely pay annual registration fees based on the vehicle's age, value, and type, which are separate from title transfer costs.
- Required Documents: To facilitate a smooth title transfer, ensure you have all necessary documents, including the properly signed-over title, a bill of sale, and identification. You can find detailed requirements on the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) website.
Understanding these fees ensures you are prepared for the full financial implications of transferring a vehicle title in Minnesota.
