Free Minnesota Vehicle Bill of Sale
A Minnesota vehicle bill of sale documents the private sale of a car, truck, or SUV and supports the buyer's filing of Form PS2000 at a deputy registrar office within 20 calendar days after the title is assigned. While the assigned title is the primary ownership document, a bill of sale creates a clean record of price, date, odometer reading, and the as-is condition for both parties.
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Minnesota Vehicle Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
Minnesota charges a 6.875% Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) on the purchase price. MVST is separate from the general state sales tax and is collected by the deputy registrar at title transfer, not by the seller.
Exemption: Some transfers may be exempt from MVST; check with DVS which transfers qualify and how to claim an exemption.
Inspection Requirements
Minnesota has no statewide safety inspection and no emissions inspection program. The assigned title and PS2000 handle the transfer; a bill of sale is a useful personal record.
Registration
Registration for this vehicle type is handled by Processed at any deputy registrar office (county or private contract office) on behalf of MN DVS — not the same agency that handles cars in Minnesota. Plan for separate filings.
Minnesota Vehicle Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Complete a bill of sale with full names, addresses, VIN, year/make/model, sale price, and date
- Seller signs off the Minnesota title and fills in the odometer disclosure on the title assignment
- Buyer completes Form PS2000 (Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle)
- Buyer visits a deputy registrar office within 20 calendar days after the title is assigned, with the assigned title, PS2000, and proof of MN insurance — a bill of sale is not required for a titled vehicle
- Buyer pays 6.875% MVST on the purchase price plus title fees (about $14) and a $12 filing fee
- Seller leaves standard plates on the vehicle (in Minnesota they stay with the vehicle; personalized or special plates can go with the seller) and reports the sale to DVS within 10 days, online or by mail
Common Pitfalls
- Missing the 20-calendar-day transfer deadline — it results in suspension of the vehicle's registration
- Pulling the plates off — standard Minnesota plates stay with the vehicle; only personalized or special plates go with the seller
- Assuming a family transfer is tax-exempt without checking DVS exemption rules first
- Assuming MVST is the same as MN sales tax — it is a separate 6.875% motor vehicle tax
- Skipping the seller notification of sale to DVS (required within 10 days of the sale), which can leave the seller exposed to tickets and tolls
Pro Tip
File Form PS2000 with the assigned title at any deputy registrar within 20 calendar days after the title is assigned. Pay 6.875% MVST plus title fees (about $14) and the $12 filing fee, and the title will be reissued to the buyer.