Car enthusiasts from across Minnesota have been asking our Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division for more options to express their individuality through special license plates. This year we answered with a record number of special plates, some of which you can begin to purchase after Jan. 1.
We will add nine new special plates in 2024. A number of charitable foundations will benefit from the new plates, which include professional sports teams' charitable foundations and two nonprofits. DVS will also offer Minnesota's version of a blackout plate.
“Special plates are a great way to personalize your vehicle and display your interests or support for different organizations and causes," said DVS Director Pong Xiong. “The addition of these plates gives Minnesotans more ways than ever to show what they're passionate about, whether it's their favorite sports team, community service organization or bringing attention to missing and murdered Indigenous people."
Our
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office plate will feature a
red handprint, which symbolizes the voices that were not heard for generations, as well as a ribbon skirt representing resilience, survival, identity and connection to the earth. Funds collected from that plate will go to the
Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Account to assist in bringing attention to cases of missing and murdered Indigenous relatives.
Six of the new plates will highlight several of Minnesota's professional sports teams: The Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, Lynx, Wild and United. Each plate was designed by its respective team, and fees from the plates will benefit charitable foundations set up by each organization. The Lion's Club, a nonprofit service organization, will also get its own plate benefiting its charitable foundation.
The blackout plate, featuring a black background and white lettering, has gained popularity in other states for its clean, simple aesthetic and was brought to Minnesota at the request of residents. Fees from each purchase will contribute to supporting operations at DVS.
Plates that will be available to purchase as of Jan. 1 include the Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, Lynx, Lions Club and blackout. The Wild, United and MMIR plates will be available sometime after January, but no official dates have been set.
The new special plates will cost $15.50 and require a minimum annual contribution of $30. The Vikings and blackout plates will be stocked and available for same-day purchase at deputy registrar offices as inventory allows. All plates will be available to order online or in person at a deputy registrar office and mailed out to the recipient.
DVS offers 123 different special plates and issued about 143,000 special plates so far this year. A full catalog of available special plates is available in this
online brochure. To order license plates online or find an office to purchase them in-person, visit
drive.mn.gov.
