Overview
Minnesota gives buyers 10 business days from the sale date to get the transfer filed with a deputy registrar - noticeably tighter than the 30-calendar-day windows common in other states. Miss it and DVS adds a flat $2 late fee to the transaction. It's a small dollar amount, but the real risk of dragging your feet is different here: until the title is in your name, DVS records still show the seller as owner, which can mean parking tickets or toll violations chasing the wrong person.
01 - Official fees
Minnesota title transfer fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $8.25 | |
| Transfer tax | $10.00 | flat, separate from MVST |
| Public Safety Vehicle fee | $3.50 | |
| Technology surcharge | $2.25 | |
| Filing fee | $12.00 | title transactions |
| Lien recording fee | $2.00 | per lien |
| Late title transfer fee | $2.00 | past 10 business days |
| Motor vehicle sales tax | 6.875% | due at the same transaction |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with your local deputy registrar office (MN Driver and Vehicle Services) - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to transfer a Minnesota title within the deadline
- 1
Get the title signed over by the seller the same day you take possession - the 10-business-day clock starts at the sale date.
- 2
Complete the Application to Title/Register a Vehicle (PS2000) with both parties' information.
- 3
Bring the signed title, application, proof of insurance, and ID to any deputy registrar.
- 4
Pay the title fee, transfer tax, Public Safety Vehicle fee, technology surcharge, and filing fee, plus MVST or your qualifying exemption.
- 5
If you're past 10 business days, budget the extra $2 late fee - it doesn't grow the longer you wait.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Minnesota vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Minnesota title transfer FAQ
How much does it cost just to transfer a Minnesota title?
About $33.50 in DVS paperwork - $8.25 title fee, $10 transfer tax, $3.50 Public Safety Vehicle fee, $2.25 technology surcharge, and a $12 filing fee - before the 6.875% sales tax (or your qualifying gift/in-lieu rate) on the vehicle's value.
How many days do I have to transfer a title after buying a car?
10 business days from the sale date, under Minnesota Statute 168.301. That's business days, not calendar days, so a weekend sale effectively gives you a bit more breathing room than it looks.
What happens if I'm late?
DVS adds a flat $2 late fee to the transaction. It's a minor charge, but a title that never gets filed at all means the vehicle stays on the seller's DVS record - their name stays linked to tickets, tolls, and liability until the paperwork clears.
Do I need the title in hand before I can drive the car?
You need valid registration and plates, which typically get issued at the same deputy registrar visit where you file the title transfer - in practice, title and registration happen together as one trip.
What if there's a lien from my lender?
Add $2 per lien recorded on the title. Once the loan is paid off, the lienholder release and any duplicate title needed are separate transactions with their own small fees.
Can I transfer a title without going to a deputy registrar in person?
Some deputy registrars and DVS offer mail-in paperwork for specific transaction types, but most private-party transfers still require an in-person visit with the signed title, application, insurance proof, and ID.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.