Minnesota Car Dealer Fees & Taxes: Complete 2026 Guide
Everything you need to know about buying a car in Minnesota — sales tax, registration, title, doc fees, and more.
Minnesota Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 6.875% |
| Registration Fee | $35 |
| Title Fee | $8 |
| Plate Fee | Included in registration |
| Inspection Fee | Not required |
| EV Surcharge | $75/yr |
| Dealer Doc Fee Cap | $125 cap |
| Total Base Govt Fees | $43 |
Note: Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) of 6.5% applies instead of general sales tax. Registration tax based on vehicle value. Title fee $8.25.
Understanding Minnesota Car Fees
Sales Tax
Minnesota charges a 6.875% state sales tax on vehicle purchases. Local cities and counties may add additional taxes on top of this rate, so your total tax rate could be higher depending on where you buy.
Registration & Title
You will pay $35 for vehicle registration and $8 for a title transfer. Plate fees are included in the registration cost. These fees are paid to the Minnesota DMV or motor vehicle division and are non-negotiable.
Dealer Documentation Fee
Minnesota caps dealer documentation fees at $125 by law. While dealers may charge up to this amount, you can still negotiate it lower.
EV Surcharge
Electric vehicle owners in Minnesota pay an annual surcharge of $75 to offset lost gas tax revenue. This is charged at registration renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sales tax on a car in Minnesota?
The state sales tax rate in Minnesota is 6.875%. Local jurisdictions may add additional taxes. Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) of 6.5% applies instead of general sales tax. Registration tax based on vehicle value. Title fee $8.25.
How much are registration and title fees in Minnesota?
Minnesota charges $35 for vehicle registration and $8 for a title transfer. Total base government fees (registration + title + plates + inspection) come to $43.
Is there a dealer doc fee cap in Minnesota?
Minnesota caps dealer documentation fees at $125. Dealers cannot charge more than this by law, but the fee is still negotiable downward.
Does Minnesota charge an EV surcharge?
Yes, Minnesota charges an EV registration surcharge of $75 per year. This fee offsets lost fuel tax revenue from electric vehicles.
What is the total out-the-door cost on a $30,000 car in Minnesota?
On a $30,000 vehicle in Minnesota, expect approximately $2,063 in state sales tax (6.875%), plus $43 in base government fees (registration, title, plates, inspection). Add up to $125 in dealer doc fees. Use our OTD calculator for a precise estimate including local taxes.
Other State Fee Guides
Fee data sourced from Minnesota DMV and state revenue department. Updated for 2026.