Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn in my damaged car title?
The Department of Public Safety asks that applicants attach their damaged title to their completed Application for Duplicate Title, Registration, Cab or Lien Card. Given that the original document is no longer valid once the duplicate car title is issued, the original will be disposed of.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Minnesota

How can I transfer a car title if I have a lien on it?
If you have a lien on your car title, the MN DMV will not release the certificate of title until the lien is released. When the lien on your vehicle title has been settled, the lien holder must release the lien by submitting the following documentations to the Minnesota DVS:

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Minnesota

How do I file a police report if my car title was stolen?
If you have a stolen car title in Minnesota, one option you have is to file a police report. To do so, visit a local law enforcement office and inform an officer of your situation. He or she will provide you with the necessary paperwork to fill out to prevent identity fraud.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Minnesota

How do I obtain a duplicate car title?
There are two ways to apply for a car title replacement in Minnesota: in person and by mail. To apply in person, visit a local Driver and Vehicle Services location and provide a completed Application for Duplicate Title, Registration, Cab or Lien Card and payment for the duplicate fees.

For by-mail applications, submit the completed form and payment (check or money order) to the following address:

Driver and Vehicle Services Town Square Building 445 Minnesota Street St Paul, MN 55101

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Minnesota

How do I obtain a salvaged car title?
In order to apply for clear salvage status in the state of Minnesota, one must visit a local DVS office and provide all of the following documents:
  • A current MN salvage title, if previously issued
  • A completed Declaration of Reconstruction/Special Assembly form
  • A report stating that the vehicle passed a salvage inspection
  • The original receipts for all major car parts replacements
  • Payment for the $35 inspection fee and $10 titling fee

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Minnesota

How do I transfer my car title between states?
The process to transfer car title documentation includes a number of steps and requires applicants to provide a variety of different personal documents. Additionally, this process can differ greatly from one state to the next. Thus, it is not recommended that you simply follow the steps listed for transferring car title in Minnesota. For accurate information on what you must do in your new state, contact their Department of Motor Vehicles office.

For more information: Minnesota Cross-State Title Transfers

How do I transfer my car title if I lost the original?
If your Minnesota car title is lost, stolen or destroyed, you must apply for a duplicate before you can transfer credentials to another driver. In order to do so, fill out an Application for Duplicate Title, Registration, Cab or Lien Card. Once it is completed, you can submit the form in person at a local DVS office or mail in the form and payment to the following address:

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

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Minnesota

How do I transfer my car title?
The process to transfer title in Minnesota requires all applicants to visit a Deputy Registrar office with the following:
  • Car title, filled out by buyer and seller
  • A filled out Application to Title/Register a Vehicle, signed by one owner
    • The application must feature the odometer reading.
  • Proof of ID:
    • A drivers license OR
    • One primary (birth certificate) and one secondary proof of identification (Social Security card)
  • A leasing agreement, if applicable
  • Payment for titling and registration fees

Additionally, the filled out title can be submitted by mail (with payment) to:

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

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Minnesota

How do I transfer the title of my RV?
When purchasing, selling or inheriting a recreational vehicle, there are two important processes that one should become familiar with: registering and titling the car. Fortunately, RVs do not require any specific procedures and can be registered and titled in the same way as standard passenger vehicles within the state of Minnesota. The only difference that one will face when visiting the office for registration is a slightly higher cost to obtain tabs.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Minnesota

How long does it take to receive my replacement car title after ordering online?
The amount of time one may have to wait for an MN car title replacement varies depending on the application method chosen. Applying regularly can result in a slow turnaround, but if you choose to Fast Track the transaction, your application will be processed in three business days and arrive in the mail within 10 business days.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Minnesota

If a family member dies and leaves his or her car to me, how do I switch over the title?
In the event a family member has passed away and left his or her vehicle to you, visit a Deputy Registrar office and provide the following:
  • The current car title
  • Evidence of death, such as:
    • A copy of the death certificate
    • A copy of the obituary notice
    • A copy of the memorial card
  • Payment for the appropriate fees
    • The presence of the deceased s will removes the need to pay taxes.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Minnesota

What are some reasons that may require me to transfer my car title?
There are a number of common reasons why someone would have to transfer title in Minnesota. These typical instances include:
  • When a driver is moving outside the state.
  • When a driver satisfies a lien.
  • When a driver inherits a car.
  • When a driver undergoes a name change.
  • When a driver adds an owner to the vehicle title.
  • When a driver donates a car.
  • When a driver buys a car from a private seller.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Minnesota

What are the required fees to get a replacement car title?
The fee to obtain a duplicate car title in Minnesota is $8.25. Additionally, drivers must pay a $10 titling fee for their vehicle. In any case, it is important to note that fees may vary.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Minnesota

What documents do I need to present for a replacement car title?
When applying in person or by mail, one must submit a filled out Application for Duplicate Title, Registration, Cab or Lien Card. This form must include personal information, vehicle information and details on any liens.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Minnesota

What documents do I need to transfer my car title?
A wide variety of documents must be provided in order to successfully transfer car title in Minnesota. These include:
  • A Completed car title, with information from the transaction.
  • A signed and completed Application to Title/Register a Vehicle, including the odometer reading.
  • Proof of identification, such as:
    • A driving license,or one primary (birth certificate) and one secondary proof of identification (Social Security card)
  • A vehicle leasing agreement, if applicable

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Minnesota

What forms must I fill out for a duplicate car title?
There is only one form that the Department of Public Safety requires for replacing car titles in Minnesota. It is the Application for Duplicate Title, Registration, Cab or Lien Card, which requires all drivers to provide personal and vehicle information as well as lien details, if applicable.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Minnesota

What if the original is located after my car title replacement has been issued?
In the event an original title is located after a duplicate car title has been issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the driver is required to bring the original document to Driver and Vehicle Services. The DVS will dispose of the original, invalid title.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Minnesota

What is the process to get a title for a scooter or motorcycle?
The process to title and register a motorcycle or scooter in the state of Minnesota is just about the same as the process used for registering car credentials for passenger vehicles. The only difference is that motorcycle riders must have the following safety equipment inspected when transferring car title:
  • Rear-view mirror
  • Horn
  • Muffler
  • Passenger footrests and seats
  • A minimum of one red taillight, including a brake or stop lamp
  • A minimum of one brake, which can be operated by foot or hand
  • A minimum of one and no more than two headlights with a low and a high beam
  • Face shield, protective eyeglasses or goggles
  • Windscreen (optional)

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Minnesota

When should I complete a Bill of Sale?
In the state of Minnesota, a bill of sale can be used to show proof of car ownership. This document is used so that the seller does not have to fill out the appropriate sections of the Application to Title/Register a Vehicle. When submitting a Minnesota bill of sale, verify that it shows the following information:
  • Personal information for buyer and seller:
    • Full names
    • Signatures
    • Addresses
  • Vehicle information:
    • Make
    • Model
    • Year
    • VIN
    • Odometer reading
  • Transaction information:
    • Selling price
    • Sale date

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Minnesota

Where can I mail my request for a replacement title?
If you decide that you would like to apply by mail for an official Minnesota car title copy, send a check or money order and the completed Application for Duplicate Title, Registration, Cab or Lien Card to this address:

Driver and Vehicle Services Town Square Building 445 Minnesota Street St Paul, MN 55101

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Minnesota

Will I need to present proof of insurance to get a car title replacement?
No. It does not matter whether you are applying for a car title replacement in person or by mail; it is not a requirement to bring proof of Minnesota auto insurance.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Minnesota