Selling a vehicle in Minnesota requires a handful of specific documents. Most are simple. A few vary depending on your situation. Here is a complete guide.
Standard sale — the core documents
Vehicle title (Certificate of Title)
The title is the primary proof of ownership. In Minnesota, titles are issued by the Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). To transfer ownership, you sign the back of the title in the designated seller section. If there are two owners listed, both must sign. Bring the original title — a copy is not acceptable for transfer.
If you cannot find your title, you can apply for a duplicate through Minnesota DVS before the sale. Do not sign the title until you are ready to complete the transaction.
Current registration
Your current registration card confirms the vehicle is properly registered in Minnesota. Bring it when you come in, though it is not required for the title transfer itself.
Photo ID
A valid government-issued photo ID is required to complete the sale. A Minnesota driver's license is standard.
Both sets of keys
All keys and key fobs. For luxury vehicles, programming a replacement key can cost $300 to $500 or more, so having both sets is worth looking for before you come in.
Financed vehicles — additional documents
If your vehicle has an active loan, the lender typically holds the title electronically or as a paper lien holder. You do not need the title in hand for a dealer sale. Bring:
Your lender's name, contact phone number, and your account number. We contact the lender directly to request the payoff amount and handle the lien release. For more detail on the process, see How to Sell a Financed Car in Minnesota.
Inherited vehicles — additional documents
Inherited vehicles require additional documentation to transfer title from the deceased owner. The specific requirements depend on how the estate is being handled. See Sell an Inherited Vehicle in Minnesota for a complete breakdown by scenario, including small estate affidavit, Letters Testamentary, and surviving spouse situations.
Leased vehicles
If you are selling or trading in a leased vehicle, bring your lease agreement (which contains the residual value and lease-end terms) and your most recent monthly statement. We handle the buyout coordination with the leasing company.
Optional but helpful
Service records: Not required, but documented service history from a dealer or authorized facility can strengthen your offer, particularly for luxury and European vehicles.
Original window sticker (Monroney): For well-optioned vehicles, the original window sticker confirms factory packages and options. If you kept it, bring it — it can be relevant to the offer for vehicles like a Porsche, Mercedes with AMG packages, or a BMW M Sport specification.
If you are missing your title: Apply for a duplicate at a Minnesota DVS office or online before your sale appointment. The duplicate title process typically takes a few days. You can get your offer before the duplicate arrives — there is no need to delay the offer process.
Common questions
Apply for a duplicate title through Minnesota DVS before your sale. You can do this online or in person at a DVS office. The process typically takes a few days. You can get your offer from Feldmann Acquisitions before the duplicate arrives — there is no need to delay the offer process.
For a sale to a licensed dealer, a bill of sale is generally handled by the dealer as part of the transaction paperwork. You do not need to prepare one yourself. For private sales, a bill of sale is recommended but not legally required in Minnesota.
Yes. If a vehicle is titled in two names connected by "and," both owners must sign. If connected by "or," either owner can sign. Check your title to confirm how the names are listed.
A lien holder on the title means there is an active loan on the vehicle. The lender must release the lien before or as part of the title transfer. When you sell to Feldmann Acquisitions, we contact your lender and coordinate the lien release as part of the transaction.
After. Keep your insurance active until the title transfer is complete. Once you have confirmed the sale is finalized and the title has transferred, contact your insurance company to cancel or transfer coverage.
Minnesota does not currently require sellers to file a Notice of Sale, but it is good practice to keep your bill of sale or dealer receipt as documentation that the vehicle changed hands. This protects you if the buyer does not promptly register the vehicle in their name.