What do you do if you’ve lost or accidentally destroyed your Minnesota vehicle title? While the license and registration protocols are different from state to state, you can obtain a new title for your vehicle in Minnesota, which is helpful if you plan to sell it or have recently purchased a vehicle that did not come with a title.
If you need to get a new title for your vehicle in Minnesota, here is what you need to know.
Obtaining a Duplicate Minnesota Vehicle Title
If something has happened to your vehicle title, you will need to obtain a duplicate title in the state of Minnesota. Duplicate Minnesota vehicle titles are available in case your original vehicle title is lost, mutilated or stolen. These vehicle titles contain the legend “This Duplicate Certificate of Title may be subject to the rights of a person under the original certificate.” Reference: Minn. Stat. §168A.09.
How to Apply
You will need to apply for a duplicate Minnesota vehicle title with the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). You can do so either in person at your local office or by sending in an application by mail. There are taxes and fees that will apply. You can find out more about the process by going to the DVS website here. The same can also be done for duplicate registration stickers.
A Minnesota Vehicle Title Bond Will Be Required
The Minnesota DVS requires that duplicate Minnesota vehicle titles be insured with a special type of surety bond known as a Minnesota vehicle title bond. These bonds must be obtained before you are allowed to receive your duplicate title and must be filed before your new title is issued. They are required by the state of Minnesota and serve as a type of guarantee that you have no knowledge of the car being stolen and/or are not committing any type of fraud. These bonds must remain in place for at least three years on the vehicle’s duplicate title. After that, you will no longer be required to have the bond.
How Much are Minnesota Vehicle Title Bonds?
When you apply for a duplicate Minnesota vehicle title, DVS will instruct you to obtain a bond and tell you the amount that the bond needs to be. Keep in mind that this is not the price you will pay for the bond, just how much the bond will be “worth.” Like insurance, you will pay far less than the “coverage amount” for your bond.
How to Obtain a Minnesota Vehicle Title Bond
It can be a tricky process to obtain a bonded title for your vehicle, which is why it’s important to work with a Minnesota-based surety agency who understand the process. At The Patrick J. Thomas Agency, we work with Minnesota vehicle owners to help them obtain the necessary bonds they need to replace their lost vehicle titles. We help make the process easy, just get in touch with us and let us know that you need to get a bond title for your vehicle today.
Disclaimer: this is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. If you need legal counsel, please contact an attorney directly.