Transfer of Out of State Titles

Learn how to transfer your registration from another state if you have moved to Minnesota. 

If you have purchased a vehicle that has a title from a state other than Minnesota, follow the steps outlined here. No two states have the same format of title; however, all titles contain the same type of information. Minnesota law requires a title purchased by a Minnesota resident be transferred within 10 business days of the date of sale to avoid a penalty.

Transferring a title 
In every case, you will need to present the most current title. If you do not have the most current title, the seller will need to obtain a duplicate from the state that issued the title. Seller and buyers will need to complete and sign the appropriate section on the title. 

Every owner applying for a self-propelled motor vehicle or motorcycle/moped registration, re-registration, or transfer of ownership must provide proof of insurance. Required insurance information includes the insurance company's name, the policy number and the policy expiration date for the motor vehicle or motorcycle. 

Title with lien listed 

If the title has a lien holder listed on it, a lien release statement from the lending institution listed is needed. In most states, the lien holder can sign a designated area on the title to release the lien. If the title of the vehicle does not have such an area or it is not completed, the owner must obtain a lien release statement from the lien holder. 

Buyers' application for Minnesota title

The buyer must complete an Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle. This form will allow the State of Minnesota to transfer the title and registration of the vehicle to Minnesota. It is not necessary for the seller to sign this form. View the Application Guide to assist on what is required to be filled out.

Important!

Any alteration or erasure to the title or supporting document will void it. This includes crossing out, writing over, or using correction fluid/tape on incorrect information once it has been written. If an alteration occurs, both buyers and sellers will need to complete and sign a corrected title form. If the alteration is to remove a person's name from the buyer's section, complete this form. For all other alterations or corrections, including the date and purchase price, complete this form.

Prices of taxes, fees

Due to the wide variety of transfer types and situations, we cannot offer pricing estimates online or over the phone. The only way to obtain an accurate price estimate is to present the title and all necessary documents to a License Center representative for review.