Selling a junk or long-parked car in Andover

When the title is missing

Statute 168A.1501 gives two ways around a lost title for a car headed to scrap or parts:

• The long-unregistered car. The car has to be at least ten model years old, and DVS printouts must show it went over seven years without registration. On top of that, the seller presents ID and states, "under penalty of perjury," that no lien is on the car and it is not stolen.
• The seven-day hold. An Andover seller with no ownership papers can still sell to a licensed used vehicle parts dealer who dismantles it. The seller signs off on a seven-day hold, presents ID and signs the same sworn statement. The dealer then keeps the car for seven consecutive days, leaving out weekends and holidays.

Either way, an untitled scrap car from Andover is paid for "only by check or electronic transfer," made out to whoever showed ID.

To get a title again instead, you can apply for a Minnesota bonded title if the vehicle is more than five years old. That calls for a surety bond equal to one and a half times what the vehicle is worth. The bonded title guide covers the steps.

Andover's rules, and the state's

We couldn't find Andover's code online, so this page relies on Minnesota statutes. The city may add requirements of its own.

Statute 168B.011 calls a car abandoned if it does not run or is missing vital parts, and it sat illegally on government land for two days (48 hours), or four hours where signs say so, or sits on private land the owner never okayed. Neither a garaged car nor a classic or pioneer car counts. The statute sets five tests, and an Andover car must pass every one to be junk. It is three or more years old and badly damaged. It looks undrivable, has no valid current plate, and is worth only scrap. Statute 168B.04 lets local police and units of government impound either kind.

If the tabs are only recently expired

Andover plates show a month, and the registration ends on the last day of it. If it lapsed under 10 months ago, you can still renew online. For a car you are selling, though, renewal is not needed, because the plates and registration pass to the buyer.

Signing it over

Anoka County sellers transfer ownership at one of Minnesota's deputy registrars, close to 200 in all. Andover sellers can locate one on drive.mn.gov or by calling 651-297-2005. With the title in hand, an Andover seller handprints and signs the assignment, enters the sale price and date, and completes the disclosures. The DVS steps list no notary. Finish the title assignment within ten days of the sale, and get the Notice of Sale to DVS in that window too, by tear-off form or online. After that, how the car gets used is not your problem.

Nearby

Coon Rapids is 5.4 miles away, Ramsey 5.6, Champlin 6.0 and Blaine 8.5. Statewide rules are on the Minnesota page.

Getting an offer

Call (877) 421-6008 or write to us online. Our offer form covers the details we need on your Andover car. The driver can load it from a long driveway, a pole barn or a back lot, which is where a lot of old project cars end up.