Buying and Selling a Motorcycle in Minnesota

From the scenic North Shore to the vibrant Twin Cities, Minnesota offers a diverse and beautiful setting for motorcycle fanatics. With over 200,000 registered motorcyclists, the Land of 10,000 Lakes provides plenty of opportunities for adventure on two wheels.

Buying or selling a motorcycle in Minnesota doesn’t have to be complicated. Knowing the rules and having the correct documents ready in advance helps make everything involved much easier.

Here’s our guide to navigating these steps in the North Star State.

Bill of Sale

While not legally required in Minnesota, drafting a Bill of Sale is highly recommended when buying and selling a motorcycle. This document serves as an important record for both the buyer and seller—it can provide evidence in the event of any future disputes. The seller typically fills out the paperwork and provides a copy to the buyer.

The Bill of Sale should include the following information:

• Motorcycle details (year, make, model, color, mileage, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN))
• Full names and addresses of both the buyer and seller
• Signatures of both parties
• The final sale price
• Date of sale

Disclosing the accurate mileage to the buyer is crucial for Minnesota sellers. This protects both parties and ensures the integrity of the sale. Providing false or incomplete information can lead to legal consequences.

Both parties should carefully review all of the information listed to ensure accuracy before signing and exchanging the Bill of Sale.

Title Transfer

The Certificate of Title establishes legal motorcycle ownership. Once the Bill of Sale has been filled out and payment has been exchanged, the seller transfers the title to the buyer.

The seller must complete the transfer section of the title. Both the buyer and seller should check to make sure that these details are correct before signing. The seller then hands the title over to the buyer. It’s advisable for the seller to keep a copy or photo of the title after transferring it to the buyer.

If the title is lost or has been damaged, the seller will need to order a duplicate title through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) before the sale can proceed.

The buyer will need to provide the completed title to the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). The title transfer may be completed by mail or in person at a deputy registrar office location.

Minnesota law requires sellers to disclose the true number of miles on the motorcycle if it is less than 10 years old. The buyer must submit the title transfer within 10 days of the sale date to avoid fines and penalties.

If the motorcycle presently has a lien against it, the seller must complete a notification of release of secured interest before the sale can proceed.

Registration

Once the title has been successfully transferred, the buyer needs to register the motorcycle with the state of Minnesota. The buyer must present the following to the DVS office in order to complete registration:

• The signed Certificate of Title
• Minnesota driver’s license
• Proof of valid motorcycle insurance
• Payment for title and registration fees

Minnesota requires all motorcyclists to carry auto liability insurance with the following minimum coverages: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage.

Fees

You will be required to pay certain fees when titling and registering your motorcycle. The amount may vary on a case-by-case basis. Minnesota residents can expect to pay at least the following:

• Title fee
• Transfer tax
• Public safety vehicle fee
• Filing fee
• Registration tax
• Sales tax based on the motorcycle’s purchase price

You may check the Minnesota DVS website for the most current fee structure.

Conclusion

Buying or selling a motorcycle in Minnesota can go very smoothly if you follow the rules and procedures listed above. We hope this guide helps you navigate the process simply. For additional assistance, it’s best to reach out to your local Minnesota DVS office.

Before committing to a purchase, always thoroughly research the motorcycle. Successful transactions often follow a careful inspection of the motorcycle, checking for recalls and using the VIN for a thorough history check from a reputable platform.

Sellers also bear responsibility in this process. It’s important to provide accurate information about the motorcycle’s condition and history to guarantee an honest sale.

Are you looking to buy or sell a motorcycle in Minnesota in the near future? Share your thoughts and opinions with us! For a more detailed dive into either process, read our comprehensive guides on buying and selling a motorcycle.