Minnesota Bill of Sale Forms (5)

A Minnesota bill of sale form records a sales transaction of personal property between two people. Although sellers primarily use a bill of sale for vehicle exchanges, they can also complete it for boats, firearms, and other valuable items.

Summary

Bill of sale forms do not require notarization.
Residents can only buy a gun through a private sale if they have a purchase permit.
Both the buyer and seller must authenticate the bill of sale via signature.

Types (5)

Boat Bill of Sale – Facilitates the transfer of a boat or other water vessel ownership from an owner to a buyer.

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Firearm Bill of Sale – Acts as a receipt when purchasing firearms from a seller.

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General Bill of Sale – Records the transfer of ownership of miscellaneous items between a seller and a buyer.

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Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale – Used by a seller to document the sale of a car to a buyer.

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Trailer Bill of Sale – For selling and buying a tow-behind trailer.

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Signing Requirements

Bill of Sale Type	Buyer Signature	Seller Signature	Notarization
Boat	Required	Required	Not required
Firearm	Required	Required	Not required
General (others)	Required	Required	Not required
Motor Vehicle	Required	Required	Not required
Trailer	Required	Required	Not required

What is a Minnesota Bill of Sale?

A Minnesota bill of sale recaps how and when a buyer paid for an item. As a result, they acquire rights and privileges for it. To finalize the form, the owner (the seller) and the buyer must include the following information: 1) a description of the item, 2) the payment type, 3) the purchase price, and 4) the names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails of both parties involved.

Using a bill of sale, a person can gift an item to someone else. Even though the “buyer” receives the item for free, the two individuals must complete the agreement to prove the transfer of ownership occurred. This step verifies the purchase, thus protecting both parties from wrongful accusations and liability. The state only requires notarization for motor vehicle and firearm transactions. However, other bill of sale documents benefit from a notary seal since it authorizes the deal.

Registration Forms: Boats

Find a Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) office to submit the required boat registration documents.

Bill of Sale – Provides evidence that a seller transferred ownership of a vessel by cash, trade, or gift.
Application (Form LB014-05) – Used to apply for a boat title and registration.
Payment – Varies according to boat type and length. The cost includes aquatic invasive species surcharges and issuing fees.
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Affirmation – Boat owners must obtain an AIS sticker upon registration and keep the document with their boat license. The state-approved program protects Minnesota waters from unwanted infestation.
Title – Official document proving ownership of the vessel. For lost, stolen, or damaged titles, complete an Application for Duplicate Watercraft Title.

Registration Forms: Firearms

Firearm registration for rifles and shotguns is not mandatory in Minnesota, nor do residents need a license to buy or own. However, individuals wanting to concealed carry rifles and shotguns must apply for a permit. On the other hand, handguns have more restrictions as the buyer must have a license to purchase and carry. They must submit their applications to their local sheriff’s office.

Uniform Firearm Application Permit to Carry a Pistol – The applicant must complete this form and send it to a sheriff’s office.
Uniform Firearm Application/Receipt/Permit to Purchase/Transfer – Used when a resident does not have a permit to carry and wishes to purchase a gun.
Proof of Handgun Training – Individuals must take a gun safety class through an official instructor before applying for a permit.

Registration Forms: Vehicles

Contact a DPS office to make a vehicle registration appointment.

Bill of Sale – Used when changing possession of a car, truck, or van from a seller to a buyer.
Application (Form PS2000A-47) – The owner must fill out this document to apply to receive a vehicle registration and title.
Odometer Disclosure Statement – This form is from the federal government and officially verifies the car’s odometer reading.
Liability Insurance Minimums (§ 65B.49(3)(1)) –
- $30,000 for bodily injury of one person per accident;
- $60,000 for bodily injury of two or more people per accident; and
- $10,000 for property damage.
Payment – Calculated using the vehicle’s base value and its model year.
Title – Proves the identity of the vehicle owner. Complete Form PS2067A-18 to apply for a new title.
Identification (ID) – The owner must present an official Minnesota driver’s license or photo identification.

Additional (Optional) Documents

Application for Corrected Title/Odometer (Form PS2025A-21) – Used to change invalid information on the title or odometer disclosure statement.
Claim for Motor Vehicle Refund (Form 2511-19) – Applicable for vehicle owners who qualify for a registration tax or fee refund.
Correct Ownership Record (Form PS2025-B1) – The DPS files this form to record the ownership changes over time.
Minnesota Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney – Used by the owner to appoint another person as their vehicle representative.

Registration Forms: Trailers

Individuals must register their trailers at a DPS location. It does not need a title unless it weighs more than 4,500 pounds and does not have a lien.

Bill of Sale – A document that makes it possible for buyers and sellers to record the details of a trailer transaction.
Application to Title / Registration a Vehicle (Form PS2000A-47) – Residents fill out this form to provide the DPS with information for registration (see sample).
Sales Tax – The trailer’s weight and its model year influence the amount that a trailer owner must pay.
Payment – Minnesota charges individuals for trailer registration and license plates.
Identification (ID) – A laminated photo card, such as a driver’s license or state ID, that confirms the individual is the person applying.

Additional (Optional) Documents

Homemade Trailer Construction – The person who built the trailer must complete and sign this form to verify its parts, weight, and value.