Minnesota completes hundreds of thousands of title transfer processes every year, and even a modest private-party sale can see fees and taxes add six to eight percent to the deal.
Use this guide to see every statewide charge, county add-on, and optional service so you can budget the exact cost of putting a Minnesota title into your name.
Key Takeaways
- Base state fee of $8.25 plus $12 filing and $2.25 technology surcharges
- File within 20 days to avoid a $2 late penalty; unpaid MVST accrues 1 % interest monthly
- You can file in person, by mail, or start online; pay with cash, check, or card (card surcharge applies)
- Complete odometer, lien, and signature blocks to prevent application rejections
- Twin Cities Auctions posts fee estimates on run lists and charges one flat buyer fee for predictable budgeting
What Drives Title Transfer Costs in Minnesota
Total out-of-pocket expense combines five elements
- State title fee new, transfer, or duplicate
- Filing and technology surcharges collected by deputy registrars
- Motor-vehicle sales tax MVST or in-lieu taxes
- County wheelage tax in participating counties
- Optional services expedited processing or courier delivery
Statewide Base Fees
| Service | Cost | Notes |
| Title transfer or original | $8.25 | Same fee for any sale |
| Filing fee deputy registrar | $12.00 | Mandatory on every title |
| Technology surcharge | $2.25 | Statewide systems upgrade |
| Electronic-lien recording | $2.00 | Added when a lender is listed |
| Duplicate title | $7.25 | Lost, stolen, or damaged title |
| Expedited processing | $20.00 | St Paul office only |
| Optional courier | $15.00 | FedEx or UPS overnight |
Motor-Vehicle Sales Tax and In-Lieu Taxes
- 6.875 % MVST applies to most retail transfers calculated on the greater of purchase price or wholesale book value
- $10 collectors MVST applies to vehicles 20 years or older valued under $3 000
- $150 in-lieu tax replaces MVST on registered collector, classic, or pioneer vehicles
- Gifts between immediate family members are MVST-exempt if the vehicle is older than ten model years
County Wheelage and Regional Taxes
| County tier | Wheelage tax | Examples |
| None | $0 | Cook, Lake, Lyon |
| Standard | $10 | Stearns, Wright, Olmsted |
| Maximum | $20 | Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota |
Wheelage is collected when you file the title or renew tabs.
Example Cost Scenarios
| Line item | $6 000 Sedan Hennepin | $25 000 SUV Ramsey | Gift to Sister Olmsted |
| Title fee | $8.25 | $8.25 | $8.25 |
| Filing + tech | $14.25 | $14.25 | $14.25 |
| MVST | $412.50 | $1 718.75 | $0 |
| In-lieu tax | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Wheelage | $20.00 | $20.00 | $10.00 |
| Tabs & plates avg | $85.00 | $140.00 | $85.00 |
| Total due | $540.00 | $1 901.25 | $117.50 |
Figures exclude lien-recording and expedited fees.
How to Pay and File
- Walk-in bring assigned title, insurance proof, and payment to any deputy-registrar office
- Mail-in send Form PS2000, title, and check to the DVS Title Unit, St Paul MN 55101
- Online pre-application start the form online then finish payment at the counter
- Pay cash, check, or major cards some offices add a two-percent card surcharge. Standard tabs print instantly.
Avoiding Penalties and Extra Costs
- File within twenty days to avoid the $2 late fee
- Pay MVST on time; interest accrues at one percent per month after thirty-one days
- Verify all seller signatures and odometer entries before you leave the counter
- Obtain notarized lien-release letters for paid-off loans
Why Auctions Are a Smart Choice for Car Purchases
Auctions can be an excellent source for late-model vehicles with clear chains of title and affordable pricing. Twin Cities Auctions, based in Minnesota, is one such reputable auction house that offers a wide range of vehicles at competitive prices.
Key Benefits of Buying from Auctions:
- Wide Selection: Auctions like Twin Cities Auctions offer a variety of vehicles, from low-budget cars to high-end models.
- Competitive Pricing: Auctions often offer vehicles at prices below retail value, enabling dealers to maximize their profit margins.
- Transparency: Auctions provide full vehicle history reports, so you know exactly what you’re buying.
- Convenient Bidding: Many auctions offer online bidding for your convenience, making it easier to source vehicles without being physically present.
Twin Cities Auctions: A Smart Vehicle Sourcing Choice
For those in the automotive industry, Twin Cities Auctions offers an excellent platform for sourcing quality vehicles at competitive prices.
Whether you are just starting or expanding your business, this auction house provides transparency, competitive pricing, and a broad selection.
| Feature | Description |
| Inventory Variety | Wide range of cars, trucks, and SUVs available |
| Competitive Pricing | Below-market pricing allows for higher profit margins |
| Vehicle History Reports | Detailed history reports for every vehicle |
| Online Bidding | Convenient online bidding options for dealers |
| Financing Options | Financing available to help with inventory purchases |
Conclusion
Minnesota title transfer cost follows a clear formula: base title fee, mandatory filing and technology surcharges, MVST or in-lieu taxes, county wheelage, and any optional rush services. Reviewing each line item before your next transaction helps you stay on budget, avoid penalties, and negotiate with confidence.
Twin Cities Auctions: No Dealer License? No Problem!
Are you interested in buying or selling a car but worried about the complexities of needing a dealer license? Worry no more! At Twin Cities Auctions, we’ve removed the barriers, making our auctions open to everyone.
Whether you’re a seasoned buyer or a first-time seller, our platform offers a welcoming environment where you can participate freely. Experience the ease and excitement of our next auction and discover just how simple and rewarding a car auction can be!
Looking for more options? Explore our comprehensive list of all available car auctions across the United States. Your next deal might be just a click away!
FAQ
What if the title is from another state?
Submit the out-of-state title with Form PS2000. MVST applies at 6.875 % unless the vehicle qualifies for an in-lieu or gift exemption.
How is MVST calculated on gift vehicles?
If the vehicle is ten model years or newer, MVST is based on wholesale book value. Older gifts qualify for the $10 collectors tax.
Does trading in a vehicle reduce tax?
Yes. Dealers subtract the trade-in allowance from the purchase price before applying MVST.
Can I pay cash for all fees?
Most deputy-registrar offices accept cash; mail-in applications must use check or money order.
How long until I receive the new title?
During title transfer, standard processing takes seven to ten business days by mail. Expedited requests with courier usually arrive in three business days.
Source Links
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/forms-documents/Documents/MNVehicleFeeChart.pdf
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/297B
https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/wheelage-tax
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/forms-documents/Documents/PS2000.pdf