Free Minnesota Car Bill of Sale
Minnesota car sales use Form PS2000 and carry a 6.875% motor vehicle sales tax (MVST). The buyer must apply for the new title within 20 calendar days after the title is assigned — buyers should plan to visit a DVS deputy registrar promptly.
Free PDF includes a light diagonal watermark. Go Pro to remove it. Already subscribed? Sign in.
First time selling a car privately? Our complete guide covers how to verify the buyer, which payment methods are safe, what paperwork the DMV actually needs, and the odometer disclosure mistake that can make a transaction legally void. Read: Car Bill of Sale: Complete Guide →
Minnesota Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
6.875%
Title Required
Yes
Minnesota requires the buyer to apply for the new title within 20 calendar days after the title is assigned.
Inspection
Not required
Sales Tax Details
Minnesota motor vehicle sales tax (MVST) is 6.875% of the purchase price; certain older and collector vehicles pay a flat in-lieu tax instead. There is no local add-on for MVST (unlike general sales tax).
Minnesota Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Complete PS2000 with VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price.
- Seller signs the title's assignment section and odometer disclosure.
- Buyer must submit title + PS2000 to a DVS deputy registrar within 20 calendar days after the title is assigned.
- Buyer pays 6.875% MVST + title fee ($8.25) + registration tab fees.
- Proof of insurance required at registration.
Common Pitfalls
- The buyer's 20-calendar-day title deadline is strict — missing it results in suspension of the vehicle's registration.
- Minnesota MVST is assessed on the purchase price, which the seller lists in the sales tax declaration area on the back of the title — you cannot simply under-declare the price.
- Odometer disclosure is required on all vehicles of model year 2011 or newer and under 16,000 lbs.
- If the title is lost, ask DVS what replacement paperwork is needed before the sale — a titled vehicle must be transferred on the title itself.
- Letting the buyer leave without writing down their driver's license number. Minnesota's Notice of Sale asks for it, and the seller has only 10 days to file.
Pro Tip
MN car: PS2000 + 20-calendar-day title transfer + 6.875% MVST (no local add-on).
Minnesota Car Bill of Sale — FAQs
What is the Minnesota MVST?
Minnesota Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) is 6.875% of the purchase price (certain older and collector vehicles pay a flat in-lieu tax instead). Unlike regular sales tax, MVST is a flat statewide rate with no local add-ons. It is paid at DVS during title transfer.
What is Form PS2000?
PS2000 is the Minnesota DVS application to title and register a vehicle — not a bill of sale. It documents the transaction details including VIN, price, and buyer/seller information for title transfer.
How soon must I transfer a MN car title?
The buyer must apply for the new title within 20 calendar days after the title is assigned. Missing the deadline results in suspension of the vehicle's registration.
Does Minnesota require a bill of sale for a car?
Minnesota's title-transfer law, section 168A.10, does not ask for a separate bill of sale. It requires the seller to sign the assignment and warranty of title when the car is delivered and to write the actual selling price in the space on the title. That price on the title is what the 6.875% tax is based on. A bill of sale is still a good dated receipt, and it is a handy place to collect the buyer details the seller must report.
What does the seller put on Minnesota's Notice of Sale?
Within 10 days of a private sale, the seller must report the buyer's name, address and driver's license number (if they have one), plus the date of sale. You can fill in and mail the 'Notice of Sale' part of the title, or send the same details electronically. Sales to or by a licensed dealer are handled differently.
Am I liable for the car after I sell it in Minnesota?
Not once you have done your part. Minnesota law says a seller who has handed over the car, and has signed the title over and delivered it to the buyer (or does so within 48 hours of handing over the car), is not liable as owner for damage caused by how the car is driven after that. Missing the Notice of Sale does not undo this protection, but it is still required.
I bought my car in another state before moving to Minnesota. Do I owe the 6.875% tax?
Usually not. Minnesota exempts a car bought by someone who lived in another state or country at the time, if the purchase was more than 60 days before they began living in Minnesota and the car was registered in their name there. Keep the bill of sale from that purchase, since its date shows when you bought it.