Free tool · Fees reviewed September 2026
Minnesota used car tax and fees calculator
Enter the vehicle year and price to see the sales tax, registration, and every state fee a Minnesota dealer adds to a used car sale.
Estimated out-the-door price
- Vehicle price
- $8,000.00
- Trade-in allowance
- -$0.00
- Sales tax (6.875%)
- $550.00
- Documentation fee
- $350.00
- Registration
- $30.00
- County wheelage tax
- $20.00
- Lien fee
- $0.00
- License plate fee
- $15.50
- Technology surcharge
- $2.25
- Title fee
- $8.25
- Transfer tax
- $10.00
- Public safety fee
- $3.50
- Filing fee
- $13.00
An estimate, not tax advice. Driver and Vehicle Services sets the final amounts, which can differ, for example when plates transfer.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Minnesota?
Minnesota charges a 6.875% motor vehicle sales tax on the purchase price, less any trade-in allowance. A $10,000 car with a $2,000 trade-in is taxed on $8,000, which comes to $550.
What is the $10 in-lieu tax?
Older, inexpensive cars pay a flat $10 instead of the percentage tax. It applies once a vehicle is in its 10th year of life (the model year counts as year 1, so a 2017 qualifies in 2026) and sells for under $3,000. The state also expects the vehicle's average book value to be under $3,000.
How much is registration on a used car in Minnesota?
From its 11th year of life, a car pays a flat $30 registration. Newer cars pay registration tax based on their original value and age, so the amount differs by vehicle. Use the DVS registration estimate for the exact figure.
What is the maximum dealer doc fee in Minnesota?
A Minnesota dealer's documentation fee cannot exceed $350 or 10% of the sale price, whichever is less. On a $2,500 car, the cap is $250. Private-party sales have no doc fee.
What other fees are added when you buy a used car in Minnesota?
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| License plate fee | $15.50 |
| Technology surcharge | $2.25 |
| Title fee | $8.25 |
| Transfer tax | $10.00 |
| Public safety fee | $3.50 |
| Filing fee | $13.00 |
| Lien fee (financed cars) | $2.00 |
| County wheelage tax | $0–$20 |
What is the out-the-door price of a $8,000 used car in Minnesota?
A 2016 sold by a dealer for $8,000 to a Hennepin County buyer comes to about $9,002.50: $550.00 sales tax, a $350.00 doc fee, $30.00 registration, $20.00 wheelage tax, and $52.50 in state title and plate fees.