MN trailer registration transfer — how long?

Bought a used boat in July. I was fortunate in that the seller had all the necessary paperwork, even the “lifetime” trailer registration card, the reverse side of which is used to transfer the ownership. So I waited in line for 3 hours with a mask on and filed all the proper paperwork July 16. Last week I finally got my boat title from the DNR, but I still haven’t received anything from the DMV/DVS for my trailer. I’m under the impression I should be receiving a fresh “lifetime” sticker and a registration card in my name. Maybe they’re just slllllow?

Anyone else buy a boat over this summer and get their trailer paperwork already?

Bumping to see if anyone can share their experience. Currently on hold with DMV. 53 minutes and counting. Oh, 54…

You only get a new sticker if you pay a few dollars fee to get one. Otherwise it remains the old sticker.

It is only worth doing the new sticker if the old one is damaged – the fee at the time of owner transfer is less than the fee for a “replacement” sticker.

Not sure about the card – I think they gave me a new one at the DMV but I can’t remember.

dirtywater wrote:

Last week I finally got my boat title from the DNR, but I still haven’t received anything from the DMV/DVS for my trailer.

I’m glad you posted this. I applied on 9/23/2020. My trailer is big enough that I don’t have a lifetime license (got the plates same day), but I received the trailer title last week, so it took about 2 months.

I am still waiting on the boat title, though.

I made a stupid mistake of neglecting to put the bank as a lien-holder on the trailer (only have them on the boat), so I have to go back and have the trailer title re-issued.

dirtywater wrote:

So I waited in line for 3 hours with a mask on and filed all the proper paperwork July 16.

Where are you located? In the metro, you just make an appointment (granted, they’re booked at least 1-2 months out), walk in, and get it taken care of.

tindall wrote:

You only get a new sticker if you pay a few dollars fee to get one. Otherwise it remains the old sticker.

It is only worth doing the new sticker if the old one is damaged – the fee at the time of owner transfer is less than the fee for a “replacement” sticker.

Not sure about the card – I think they gave me a new one at the DMV but I can’t remember.

Yeah, an hour and 52 minutes on hold and that’s essentially what they told me as well. Sticker stays the same. If you do the transaction in person, the only thing you get is a Xerox of their print-out with trailer VIN and sticker number. If I want the official registration card with the transfer of ownership on the back, I have to actually apply for a duplicate registration card. The DMV agent said that wasn’t necessary though, as all I would need to sell the trailer in the future is a bill of sale. He said even the Xerox wasn’t necessary, although it’s nice proof to show to the buyer that you own the trailer.

Kind of a hassle to wait on hold all that time, but at least I can put this to rest and not worry about it.

Ralph — that sounds like a hassle. Good luck!

For anyone else that might be in this situation, I have talked with the DNR title dept, and they said boat titles are taking about 12 weeks right now.