What a Minnesota car title is and why you need one
A Minnesota car title is a document from the state that proves you own a vehicle. It lists the vehicle identification number (VIN), the owner's name, any lienholders (like a bank if you financed the car), and the odometer reading at the time of transfer. Without a title, you cannot legally sell the car, register it, or use it as collateral for a loan.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services division, issues and maintains all car titles. When you buy a used car from a dealer or private seller, the seller must sign the title over to you. When you buy a new car, the dealer typically handles the title paperwork and sends it to the state on your behalf.
Key Takeaways
- A Minnesota car title proves ownership and is required to register, sell, or refinance your vehicle.
- The state issues titles through the Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, and you can request a duplicate or corrected title by mail or in person.
- If you buy a used car, the seller must sign the back of the title and provide it to you before the sale is complete.
- A lien on the title means a lender has a legal claim to the vehicle until the loan is paid off.
- If your title is lost, damaged, or has errors, you can request a replacement from the state for a fee.
How to get a title when you buy a used car
When you purchase a used car from a private seller in Minnesota, the seller must sign the back of the title and give it to you. The title should show the sale price, the date of sale, and the odometer reading. Both you and the seller should sign and print your names. Do not accept a car without the title in hand — this is your proof of ownership.
Once you have the signed title, you must take it to a Deputy Registrar office (usually located at your local city or county office) or mail it to the Department of Public Safety with a registration form (Form REG 13) and payment. The Deputy Registrar will process the title transfer and issue you a new title in your name. This typically takes one to two weeks if you mail it, or you may receive it the same day if you go in person, depending on the office's workload.
If you buy from a dealer, the dealer is responsible for sending the title paperwork to the state. The dealer should give you a temporary registration document while the state processes the permanent title. Ask the dealer for a timeline — most titles arrive within two to four weeks.
What to do if the title has a lien on it
A lien is a legal claim a lender holds on your vehicle. If you financed your car purchase, the lender's name appears on the title as the lienholder. You own the car, but the lender has the right to repossess it if you stop making payments. The lien stays on the title until you pay off the loan in full.
When you pay off the loan, contact your lender and ask them to release the lien. The lender will send you a lien release document or a new title with the lien removed. If you do not receive this document within 30 days of final payment, contact the lender in writing. Once you have the lien release, take it to a Deputy Registrar or mail it with a title correction form to update your title.
If you want to sell the car while a lien is still active, the buyer cannot take ownership until the lien is removed. Most private sales require the seller to pay off the loan at closing using the sale proceeds. If you are selling to a dealer, the dealer will often handle the lien payoff as part of the trade-in process.
How to request a duplicate or corrected title
If your title is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a duplicate from the Department of Public Safety. You will need to complete Form REG 13 (process for Minnesota Certificate of Title), provide your driver's license or state ID, and pay a fee. The fee varies depending on whether the title is a duplicate or a correction — contact your local Deputy Registrar or the state for current pricing.
You can request a duplicate title in person at any Deputy Registrar office, by mail to the Department of Public Safety, or online through the state's website if you have a Minnesota driver's license. By mail, the process typically takes two to three weeks. In person, some offices can issue a duplicate the same day.
If the title has errors — such as a misspelled name, wrong VIN, or incorrect odometer reading — you must request a corrected title using the same process. Bring documentation that proves the correct information, such as your driver's license for a name correction or the vehicle's registration for a VIN correction.
Understanding title brands and what they mean
Minnesota titles may include a brand that indicates the vehicle's history. A salvage title means the car was declared a total loss by an insurance company, usually after an accident, flood, or theft. A rebuilt title means the car was previously salvaged but has been repaired and passed a state inspection. A flood title indicates the vehicle was damaged by water. A lemon title means the car was returned to the manufacturer under Minnesota's lemon law.
These brands remain on the title permanently and affect the car's value and insurability. Insurance companies may charge higher premiums or refuse to insure a salvaged or rebuilt vehicle. If you are buying a used car, ask the seller whether the title carries any brand. You can also check the title yourself — the brand will be printed on the front of the document.
What happens if you lose the title before selling your car
If you plan to sell your car but cannot find the title, request a duplicate from the state before the sale. You cannot legally transfer ownership without the title, and a buyer will not complete the purchase without it. Request the duplicate as soon as you know you will be selling — this gives you time to receive it before you show the car to potential buyers.
Once you have the duplicate title, follow the same process as a normal sale: sign the back of the title, provide it to the buyer, and the buyer takes it to a Deputy Registrar to register the car in their name. If you are selling to a dealer, tell them you are requesting a duplicate title and ask how long they are willing to wait.
Transferring a title after someone passes away
If the registered owner of a vehicle has died, the title must be transferred to the estate or to a beneficiary. The process depends on whether the estate goes through probate court. If there is a will or the estate is small enough to avoid probate, you may be able to transfer the title with a death certificate and a form from the court or the deceased person's attorney.
Contact the Department of Public Safety or your local Deputy Registrar for the specific forms and documents needed. Generally, you will need the original title, a certified copy of the death certificate, proof of your relationship to the deceased, and documentation showing you have the legal right to the vehicle (such as a will or court order). The process can take several weeks, so plan ahead if you need to sell the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register my car without having the title yet?
No, you cannot register a vehicle without a title. However, dealers typically provide a temporary registration document while the title is being processed by the state. If you bought from a private seller, you must have the signed title before you can register the car at a Deputy Registrar office.
What if the seller will not give me the title?
Do not complete the purchase. A title is a legal requirement for ownership transfer. If the seller claims they lost it, they can request a duplicate from the state, but you should not pay for the car until you have the title in hand. If there is a lien on the title that the seller has not paid off, the lender may be preventing the transfer — ask the seller to contact their lender.
How much does it cost to get a duplicate title in Minnesota?
The fee for a duplicate or corrected title varies and changes periodically. Contact your local Deputy Registrar office or the Department of Public Safety website for current pricing. Fees are typically under $20 but may be higher if corrections are needed.
Do I need the title to renew my vehicle registration?
No, you do not need the physical title to renew registration. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using your registration renewal notice. However, you will need the title if you sell the car, change ownership, or correct information on the registration.
What is a bonded title, and do I need one?
A bonded title is a replacement title issued when the original cannot be found and there is no record of it with the state. This is rare and usually only happens with very old vehicles or cars purchased out of state. If you need a bonded title, contact the Department of Public Safety — you will need to purchase a surety bond and provide additional documentation.