Selling a dead or junk car in Burnsville

Lapsed tabs versus a dead car

The city's own wording makes the difference plain. Lapsed registration alone lets a car stay on the driveway, as long as it stays off public roads. Once the car "cannot be repaired or safely driven," the driveway is no longer an option: it goes into the garage or off the lot. A car with a seized engine and current tabs is in the second group. A running car with old tabs is in the first.

That city page also titles the section with the rule that parked vehicles "must be licensed, operable and parked on approved surface or in garage." What we read gives no notice period or tow deadline, so Burnsville could set more rules for enforcement and street parking.

What state law adds

Minnesota fills in the enforcement side. Under state law, a Burnsville car is a "junk vehicle" if it is three or more years old, heavily damaged (for example missing wheels, motor, drive train or transmission), apparently unable to run, without a valid current plate, and worth only scrap. It is "abandoned" if it won't run or lacks vital parts and has sat illegally on government land 48 hours or more (4 where posted), or on land whose controller never consented. Keeping it in an enclosed garage means it is not abandoned.

Cities and peace officers may impound either kind. Written notice reaches the Burnsville owner and lienholders inside five days, weekends and holidays excluded. A junk vehicle may be sold or disposed of 15 days after that notice, even with a valid plate.

Replacing a lost title

A missing title slows a sale but rarely stops it. For a Burnsville duplicate, use form PS2067A. Only two people can file for a Burnsville car. One is the owner named on the original title. The other is a legal representative holding power of attorney. By mail to DVS it's $21.50; a deputy registrar office tacks on $1. Other routes are in junk car with no title.

Signing and plates

A deputy registrar handles the transfer, and the state line, 651-297-2005, can name one for you. Sign the seller's assignment, fill in what the buyer paid and when, and disclose any damage. Odometer disclosure is needed only for model year 2011 and up. DVS needs no notary from a Burnsville seller. Plates stay on a Burnsville car, so they go to the buyer. A Burnsville seller who files the Notice of Sale within ten days, online or by mail, is off the hook for later driving. If yours won't start, read car doesn't run.

Close to Burnsville

Apple Valley and Savage are each about 4 miles away as the crow flies, Bloomington about 5 and Eagan about 7. Statewide rules are on the Minnesota page.

Getting an offer

Burnsville sellers can phone (877) 421-6008 or send our offer form. A driver can take it from your garage, an apartment stall, or a repair shop.