Minnesota titles cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, vans and large trailers. Except in special situations, the transfer of ownership must take place on the certificate of title. Minnesota does not title utility, boat or snowmobile trailers with a gross vehicle weight less than 3,000 pounds unless there is a lien on the vehicle or the vehicle has been previously titled.

When Minnesota or another state has issued a certificate of title to a vehicle, the transfer of ownership must be recorded on the certificate of title and the title submitted with transfer fees by mail to DVS or in person at a local deputy registrar office. 

Mail to:

Driver and Vehicle Services - Central Office
Town Square Building
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 187
Saint Paul, MN 55101-5187

If the title has been lost, the owner of record must obtain a duplicate title before s/he can complete the transfer of ownership.

Current Minnesota titles have a Minnesota Motor Vehicle Registration Card and a Recorded Owner(s) Record of Sale. When the vehicle is sold, the seller should complete and remove the The Recorded Owner(s) Record of Sale stub from the title. The seller is required to report the sale of the vehicle by mailing the stub to DVS (see address above) or by filing a report of sale online. 

If the vehicle has never been titled, the Minnesota registration card is acceptable proof of ownership. 

Refer to the Buying or Selling a Motor Vehicle - Just the Facts for all the information regarding transferring vehicle ownership.