Minnesota Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trailers, Trucks, and Boats
A Minnesota Bill of Sale provides a legal record of a vehicle or vessel transaction, protecting both the buyer and seller. It helps verify ownership transfer and may be required for registration. Easily avoid disputes with a Minnesota bill of sale.
Minnesota Bill of Sale Form
For a smooth and secure transaction, complete a bill of sale when buying or selling. Download our free Minnesota Bill of Sale template today!
What's the Use of a Minnesota Bill of Sale?
A bill of sale is an important legal document that records the details of a vehicle or vessel transaction. While Minnesota does not legally require a bill of sale for most sales, having one can provide significant benefits.
It acts as proof of purchase, outlining key details such as the buyer and seller’s information, the sale price, and the date of transfer. With this information clearly outlined on a bill of sale, it helps to resolve potential disputes, protect both parties in case of legal issues, and serve as additional documentation for tax or registration purposes.
Check for Stolen Records and Other Hidden History!
Plan to buy a used car in Minnesota? Don’t forget to check the vehicle history report to be informed about the vehicle thoroughly so you are not missing out on a thing or two that could lead to costly repairs, legal issues, or financial burdens in the future.
What Information Can You Find in the Vehicle History Report?
When you run a VIN check with Detailed Vehicle History, you can get all the detailed information about the vehicle.
- Mileage
- Ownership History
- Sales History
- Usage History
- Accident History
- Lien & Loans
- Recalls History
- Flood Damage
- Title Brand
- Warranty Status
- Salvage Title
- Repair Cost
- Hail Damage
- Ownership Duration
- Accident History
- Maintenance Schedule
In addition, sellers can display their vehicles’ original factory specifications and features with window stickers. A window sticker shows the standard and optional features, packages, MSRP, safety ratings, and more.
Display accurate vehicle specs to all buyers easily with our window sticker lookup tool!
What's Included in a Window Sticker?
Our window sticker lookup provides all original factory details for your vehicle.
- MSRP & Pricing
- Optional Equipment
- Warranty Details
- Engine Specs
- Exterior Features
- Color Codes
- Standard Features
- Safety Ratings
- Fuel Economy
- Interior Features
- Packages & Options
- Manufacturing Info
What Should Be Written on the Minnesota Bill of Sale?
Names and contact information of the buyer and seller
The first thing you must disclose is the seller’s and buyer’s full name and address. In addition to that, do not forget to include the contact information of both parties.
Vehicle, trailer, or boat description (make, model, year, VIN/HIN)
Include the full information on the vehicle, including the year, make, and mode, as well as the VIN.
Sale date and purchase price
The sale date and purchase price must be included in the document to ensure the sales date and the agreed price of the unit.
Odometer reading (for vehicles)
Some states require you to write down the odometer reading information per transaction date.
Signatures of both parties
The buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale to ensure that all the written information is true and that the agreed-upon price matches their expectations.
Why You Need a Bill of Sale?
Why Do Sellers Need a Minnesota Bill of Sale
A bill of sale benefits the seller in many ways aside from the primary function, which is to record the transaction. If you are a seller in Minnesota, ensure you always get the bill of sale for the following reasons:
Protection from Liability
The seller is released from liability if the buyer has an accident or violates the law, as the bill of sale confirms the legal transfer of property ownership.
Accurate Tax Records
The sale price recorded in the document helps calculate taxes correctly, avoiding problems with the authorities and ensuring that the appropriate amount is paid.
Preventing Ownership Disputes
In the event of legal issues, a bill of sale serves as official proof that the vehicle or vessel was sold legitimately and with the consent of both parties.
Why Do Buyers Need a Minnesota Bill of Sale?
A bill of sale benefits the buyers as well as the seller. It records everything that happened during the transaction. Here are some reasons why buyers should also own a bill of sale.
Established a Valid Ownership
The bill of sale marks the vehicle has been sold to the rightful new owner, meaning that the dealer or seller is no longer responsible for whatever happens to the vehicle. Thus, it marks that the buyer is the vehicle’s new owner.
Prevent Fraud
The bill of sale has the agreed price and the odometer readings. If a dispute arises, the bill of sale can be used as solid proof that everything initially aligned correctly.
May Be Required for Registration or Tax Purposes
Some registration processes require a notarized bill of sale, making it an essential document for title transfers and taxes.
What to Check Before Buying a Car!
Aside from getting the bill of sale, you may check the background of the vehicle you are about to buy by utilizing these tools.
Check the vehicle history
Avoid costly mistakes by verifying past accidents, title issues, and undisclosed damages.
Look for flood damage
Some areas have a high risk of water-damaged vehicles. A flood damage check helps identify unsafe cars.
Verify the odometer reading
Odometer fraud is common, with sellers rolling back mileage to increase value.
Be informed about the title
Checking the title is important before you decide to buy the car, as nobody wants to buy a car with a bad title.
Check for theft records
You don’t want to be stuck with a stolen vehicle. Check for theft records and avoid legal issues.
Get the service record
Buying a used car means you need to check the service record to ensure that past owners regularly serviced the car.
How to Register a Vehicle in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, all motor vehicles must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) before being legally driven. Follow these steps to complete the process:
Gather the Required Documents
The Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) requires the vehicle title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and a completed application for registration. If the vehicle is used, ensure the title is properly signed over.
Complete the Application
Obtain the necessary title and registration forms from the Minnesota DVS website or visit a local office. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid processing delays.
Submit Documents and Fees
Bring all required documents to a DVS office in person. You must pay any applicable taxes, title fees, and registration costs. Once approved, you’ll receive your registration documents and license plates.
How to Register a Vessel in Minnesota
All motorized boats must be registered with Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services before being operated on the water. Here’s what you need to know to successfully register your vessel:
Prepare Ownership Documents
Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires a signed title (if applicable) or a bill of sale for new boat registration.
Complete the Registration Form
Obtain and complete a watercraft registration form from the DNR website or a local licensing office.
Pay Fees and Receive Registration
Submit the completed form along with the required fees to the DNR. Once processed, you’ll receive registration decals and documentation.
Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State
Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can generate a bill of sale by using our bill of sale template, which is based on the state you are living in.
A notarized bill of sale is key for ownership disputes. It offers a strong, impartial record of the sale, protecting you from future disagreements.
A bill of sale can be voided if the seller provides false information or omits crucial details about the item’s value.