Minnesota DMV Vehicle Transfer | Vehicle Donations

Minnesota Transfer Notification Support Page

A Vehicle Transfer of Ownership - Report of Sale is REQUIRED for the Donor to Complete Within 10 days After the Pick-up Date of the Vehicle Donation to Release Liability. The Transfer of Ownership Must Take Place the Certificate of Title.


When Minnesota or another state has issued a certificate of title on a vehicle, the transfer of ownership must be recorded on the certificate of title and the title submitted with transfer fees by mail to DVS.


HOW TO HANDLE THE LICENSE PLATES WHEN YOU DONATE A CAR, TRUCK, SUV OR OTHER STANDARD VEHICLE IN MINNESOTA


Please leave the license plates on the vehicle after it is sold. Only special car registration tags or personalized plates can be transferred to a new vehicle.

Please See the Steps Below for How to Complete a Transfer of Ownership

There are three ways in Minnesota to notify the DVS (Driver and Vehicle Services) that you have donated your car: online in person, or by mail. You can find more information and forms for each notification method below:

1. TO COMPLETE THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP - REPORT OF SALE FORM ONLINE:

*PREFERRED METHOD* If possible, we highly recommend completing forms online instead of by mail, so you may easily save and print out a copy for your records that includes a date/timestamp.

  • Click the blue button below to access dps.mn.gov/dvs/online-self-services.

    • CLICK HERE


2. TO COMPLETE THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP - REPORT OF SALE FORM IN PERSON:

  • You may transfer the ownership of a motor vehicle at any of the nearly 200 Deputy Registar Offices located throughout the state.
  • Click HERE to find your field office or call 651.297.2005


3. TO COMPLETE THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP - REPORT OF SALE FORM BY MAIL:

  • When Minnesota or another state has issued a certificate of title on a vehicle, the transfer of ownership must be recorded on the certificate of title and the title submitted with transfer fees by mail to DVS. For more information, click here.
  • Mail to:

Driver and Vehicle Services - Central Office
Town Square Building
Record Inquiry
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 187
Saint Paul, MN 55101-5187



Haven't donated yet? We can help you find a fantastic Minnesota nonprofit to donate to.

Frequently Asked Questions


Q: When do I cancel my insurance? A. Only cancel your vehicle's insurance AFTER your vehicle has been picked up and you have notified the state that you’ve donated your vehicle. If your state requires notification, please be aware that you should never cancel your insurance prior to reporting to the state you are no longer in possession of the vehicle. This is a general rule for States/Motor Vehicle Departments that require Notification be submitted or license plates returned.

Q: Who is considerd the purchaser of my vehicle donation? Is it the nonprofit or charity? A. The purchaser of your donated vehicle is NOT the nonprofit or charity. It will either be the vendor or Charitable Adult Rides & Services, the vehicle donation program provider and partner of your nonprofit of choice.

Q. What is State Notification? A. State notification releases the vehicle donor from liability over the vehicle, including registration fees and from having to keep the vehicle insured, after the vehicle is picked up. State notification is a way for the state to create a record that the owner is no longer in possession of the vehicle. The steps needed to release your liability of a donated vehicle vary by state.

Q. Who is supposed to take care of the state notification process? A. If state notification is required, only the donor and/or owner of the vehicle can complete this process. Please do not rely on the pick-up driver or vendor to report to the State/Motor Vehicle Department that you are no longer in possession of the vehicle. If you need support, please contact the vehicle donation support team at donorsupport@careasy.org or call 855-500-7433. We would be happy to assist you.

If you have additional questions, please visit our vehicle donation FAQS.

If you would like assistance with your vehicle donation, please contact us here.

For more information on vehicle transfers, please contact your local Motor Vehicle Division:


Driver and Vehicle Services – Central Office
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 190 Town Square Building
Saint Paul, MN 55101-5168

Phone for ownership transfers, titles, & vehicle registration: 651.297.2126
Assistane For Hearing Impaired Callers (TDD/TTY): 651.282.6555
Email: DVS.motor.vehicles@state.mn.us
DVS Website Office Locations