Minnesota Bill of Sale Bill of Sale Form – Download Free Template

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.

What is 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.

Why Do You 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 or buyer in Minnesota, ensure you always get the bill of sale for the following reasons:

For Seller

Protection from Liability: The bill of sale confirms the legal transfer of property ownership, which releases the seller from liability if the buyer has an accident or breaks the law.
Accurate Tax Records: The recorded sale price helps the seller calculate taxes correctly, avoiding problems with authorities and ensuring the appropriate amount is paid.
Preventing Ownership Disputes: In case 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.

For Buyers

Establishes Valid Ownership: The bill of sale officially marks the buyer as the vehicle’s new, rightful owner, meaning the seller is no longer responsible for it.
Prevents Fraud: Since the bill of sale records the agreed price and odometer reading, it can be used as solid proof in a dispute that everything was initially agreed upon correctly.
Required for Registration or Tax Purposes: A bill of sale may be required for some registration processes, or a notarized one may be needed, making it essential for title transfers and taxes.

Types of Minnesota Bill of Sale

When engaging in a private sale or transfer in Minnesota, it’s important to use the correct documentation. A bill of sale is crucial for legally recording the transaction and establishing new ownership.

To ensure your transfer is recognized by the state and to protect both parties, you should select the form that matches the item being sold.

Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale: Used to record the sale and ownership transfer of cars, trucks, motorcycles, or other motor vehicles.
Boat or Watercraft Bill of Sale: Documents the sale or transfer of boats, jet skis, and other personal watercraft between parties.
Firearm Bill of Sale: Outlines the details of a firearm transaction, often available in printable formats like PDF or Word for legal documentation.
Trailer Bill of Sale: Specifically used to record the sale and transfer of trailers, ensuring proper registration and ownership proof.
Animal Bill of Sale: Used when transferring ownership of livestock, pets, or other animals.
General Bill of Sale: A flexible form for documenting the sale of any valuable item not covered by specialized bill of sale types.

What Should Be Written on the Minnesota Bill of Sale?

A Minnesota bill of sale should have been written down with all the details about the vehicle or vessel on the transaction, along with the details of both the seller and the buyer.

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 model, 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.

How to Register a Vehicle in Minnesota

To register your vehicle in Minnesota (MN), you can apply in person at a deputy registrar’s office or by mail. Initial registration often requires a visit in person.

Required Documents and Information

Collect all of the following items before applying:

Proof of Ownership: This is typically the vehicle’s title. If the title is held by a lienholder (due to a loan), you may be able to use a recent registration card from the previous state.
- Lienholder Information: You must provide the name and address of the lienholder.
Proof of Insurance: You must provide the name of your insurance company, the policy number, and the expiration date.
Identification: A valid driver’s license or state-issued ID card.
Completed Application: The official Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle (Form PS2000) must be completed and signed.
Odometer Reading: The current mileage from the vehicle’s odometer.

Other Considerations

Leased Vehicles: If the vehicle is leased, you must provide a signed Lessee Designation Form along with a copy of the title or registration card from the leasing company.
Where to Apply: You can visit a deputy registrar’s office in person to complete the transaction immediately, or you can submit your paperwork by mail.
Fees: Be prepared to pay the necessary fees, including the registration fee and a documentation fee.
Online Services: Some services, like renewals, may be completed online, but initial registration for a new vehicle often requires an in-person or mail transaction.

Minnesota VIN Check – Verify Vehicle History Before You Buy

Plan to buy a used vehicle? Be sure to check the VIN and get the report before you decide to purchase the vehicle. Check the specifications and the records, like auction, recalls, past usage, and more.

Mileage History

Title Brand

Ownership History

Warranty Status

Sales History

Salvage Title

Usage History

Repair Cost

Auction History

Hail Damage

Ownership Duration

Recalls History

Accident History

Flood Damage

Lien & Loans

Maintenance Schedule

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!

Minnesota Bill of Sale FAQs

How to generate a bill of sale?

You can generate a bill of sale by using our bill of sale template, which is based on the state you are living in.

Will a notarized bill of sale hold up in court?

A notarized bill of sale is key to ownership disputes. It offers a strong, impartial record of the sale, protecting you from future disagreements.

What voids a bill of sale?

A bill of sale can be voided if the seller provides false information or omits crucial details about the item’s value.

Does the Minnesota bill of sale need to be notarized?

A Minnesota bill of sale does not usually require notarization for a typical vehicle sale. But, you may indeed need a notarized document in other situations, such as when you transfer the vehicle out of the state or when the asset has a very high value.

What is required on a bill of sale in Minnesota?

A Minnesota bill of sale must include key details about the transaction. This includes the vehicle’s year, make, and model, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the date of sale, and the purchase price.

It should also show the odometer reading, the full legal names and addresses of both the buyer and seller, and the signatures of both parties to make the document legally valid.