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Free Minnesota Bill of Sale Template

A Minnesota bill of sale documents the legal transfer of ownership between a buyer and a seller. It protects both parties, provides proof of purchase, and may be required for registering or titling certain property in the state.

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1,109 Ratings
  • Duration 2 min
  • Download as PDF and Word
  • E-sign included

Written by Josh Sainsbury | Attorney-Reviewed by Harvey Barbee, J.D.

How It works?

1

Choose Your Minnesota Template

Pick the bill of sale you need: vehicle, boat, trailer, firearm, or motorcycle. Select the right form based on what you're selling.

2

Enter Your Details

Add buyer and seller info, item description, sale price, and date.
Make sure all details are accurate before moving on.

3

Sign & File if Needed

Both sign the document. Notarization isn’t required but helps for boats or vehicles. Keep copies and file with DVS or DNR if needed.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is a Minnesota Bill of Sale?
  2. When Do You Need a Bill of Sale in Minnesota?
  3. Does a Minnesota Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized?
  4. Minnesota-Specific Rules & Tips

What Is a Minnesota Bill of Sale?

This document generally includes:

  • Names and addresses of buyer and seller
  • Description of the item (vehicle, boat, firearm, trailer, or motorcycle)
  • Sale date and purchase price
  • Signatures of both parties (notarization optional, except for some boat sales)

It acts like a receipt and is often used if titles are missing, to verify ownership, or to satisfy tax and registration requirements.

When Do You Need a Bill of Sale in Minnesota?

  • Vehicles: Required to prove transfer of ownership, especially if title is unavailable. Must register within 60 days of purchase or becoming a resident, according to the  Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS).
  • Boats:  Required to register most vessels with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Notarization is typically required. Registration valid for 3 years; fees vary by boat length ($18–$90 plus invasive species surcharge).
  • Trailers: Needed if the trailer is not titled (trailers under 4,000 lbs. usually don’t require a title). All trailers must be registered, and sales tax or in-lieu tax may apply.
  • Firearms: Required for private sales. Handgun and assault weapon buyers must have a valid Permit to Purchase or Carry. Private sellers must verify the permit before completing the sale.
  • Motorcycles: Not required by law, but highly recommended. Titles are needed for transfers; a bill of sale helps obtain a replacement title or register motorcycles bought from states without titles.

Does a Minnesota Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized?

  • Vehicles: Not required.
  • Boats: Yes – bills of sale for boats must be notarized.
  • Trailers: Not required, but recommended for non-titled trailers.
  • Firearms: Not required, but seller must verify buyer’s permit.
  • Motorcycles: Not required.

Minnesota-Specific Rules & Tips

  • Vehicle Insurance Minimums: $30,000 injury (one person), $60,000 injury (two or more), $10,000 property damage, and $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
  • Registration Deadlines: Vehicles & motorcycles within 60 days; trailers upon transfer; boats within 90 days if out-of-state registered.
  • Firearms: Permit required for handguns & assault weapons; open and concealed carry require a Permit to Carry.
  • Boats: Exemptions apply to non-motorized boats under 10 feet or boats from states without registration (up to 90 days use).
  • Trailers: Large trailers (>4,000 lbs.) require titles; smaller ones can be registered with just a bill of sale.