Minnesota Title Transfer Cost Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate the cost of transferring a vehicle title in Minnesota. Fees are administered by Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS); the figures shown are the latest published amounts we could verify against the official source. County and dealer-specific charges are not included.
Always confirm your final amount with Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) before paying.
Estimate your Minnesota title transfer cost
Enter the sale price to see an estimated total. Numbers update as you type. County and dealer-specific add-ons are not included — see What this excludes below.
Used only to remind you that your county may add local fees not shown here.
Minnesota title transfer fee breakdown
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title transfer fee | Check official source |
| Base registration fee | Check official source |
| State sales/use tax rate | 6.50% |
| Plate fee | Check official source |
| Weight / value-based components | Registration is value-based: calculated from MSRP, depreciating by age, plus a $10 flat fee. |
Fee schedule varies — see official source. Minnesota motor vehicle sales tax is 6.5%.
View Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) fee schedule ↗What this calculator excludes
- County or city add-ons. Many Minnesota jurisdictions tack on their own processing or local sales tax that this calculator does not account for.
- Late penalties. If you miss the title-transfer deadline, Minnesota typically charges a late fee that grows over time.
- Lien recording fees. If your vehicle has a lienholder, expect a separate lien-notation fee.
- Dealer documentation fees. Buying from a dealer? Their “doc fee” is separate from any state title or registration fee.
- Emissions, smog, or safety inspections. Some Minnesota counties require these before registration; the cost is paid to the inspection station, not the state.
Related Minnesota resources
Official Minnesota source
↗Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS)dps.mn.govFrequently asked questions
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in Minnesota?
Minnesota title transfer costs vary by vehicle type, county, and transaction details. The official Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) fee schedule is the authoritative source — see the link below.
Do I have to pay sales tax when I transfer a title in Minnesota?
Minnesota levies a state sales/use tax of approximately 6.50% on most vehicle purchases. Counties or cities may add their own tax on top. Some transfers (gifts between family members, inheritance, divorce) qualify for an exemption — check with Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) for the exact rules.
Can I avoid sales tax by listing a low sale price on the title in Minnesota?
No. Most states (including Minnesota) use a Standard Presumptive Value or fair-market value table when the declared price is unusually low, and intentionally under-reporting the price is tax fraud. List the actual amount paid.
What's the difference between the title fee and the registration fee?
The title fee pays for the new ownership document (the title certificate). The registration fee pays for your license plate and the right to drive on public roads for a registration period. They are separate charges and you'll typically pay both at the same visit when transferring a title for a vehicle you're going to drive.
Last reviewed: 2026-01-01 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice