Minnesota Car Taxes & Fees (2026)
| Motor Vehicle Sales Tax | 6.875%Minnesota's 6.875% Motor Vehicle Sales Tax replaces general sales tax, and local sales taxes do not apply to vehicles; private-party buyers pay it at title transfer. |
| Trade-in tax credit | YesA $10,000 trade-in on a $35,000 car saves $687.50 in tax. |
| Doc fee | Capped at $350Capped at $350 as of July 2025 (or 10% of sale price if under $3,500) |
| Title fee | $8.25 |
| Registration fee | $10 + registration tax based on value |
| Inspection & emissions | No safety inspection · no emissions testingMinnesota requires no safety inspection, no emissions testing, and no VIN inspection to register a vehicle. |
Full fee reference with negotiation tips: Minnesota car buying costs
Minnesota OTD Price Questions
What is the sales tax on a car in Minnesota?
Vehicle purchases in Minnesota are subject to a 6.875% Motor Vehicle Sales Tax. Minnesota's 6.875% Motor Vehicle Sales Tax replaces general sales tax, and local sales taxes do not apply to vehicles; private-party buyers pay it at title transfer. On a $35,000 purchase that works out to $2,406.25 at the statewide rate.
Does Minnesota give a trade-in tax credit?
Yes. Minnesota taxes the selling price minus your trade-in value. Trading in a $10,000 vehicle on a $35,000 purchase cuts the taxable amount to $25,000 and saves $687.50 in Motor Vehicle Sales Tax.
What is the doc fee cap in Minnesota?
Minnesota caps dealer documentation fees at $350. Capped at $350 as of July 2025 (or 10% of sale price if under $3,500)
How much are taxes and fees on a $35,000 car in Minnesota?
Using 2026 statewide figures — $2,406.25 in Motor Vehicle Sales Tax, a $8.25 title fee, about $10 in registration, and a typical $350 doc fee — taxes and fees add about $2,774.50 (7.9%), for an out-the-door total of roughly $37,774.50. Local taxes can move that number.
Do I need a vehicle inspection or emissions test in Minnesota?
Minnesota requires no safety inspection, no emissions testing, and no VIN inspection to register a vehicle.
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Sources & Data
Minnesota tax, title, registration, and doc fee data compiled from state DMV and Department of Revenue publications; last reviewed . Estimates use the statewide rate — local taxes and value-based fees vary by address and vehicle. Always confirm against your dealer's written, itemized quote.
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