Driver and Vehicle Services

A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

PLEASE NOTE: Your browser is unable to render the navigation correctly. Please verify that JavaScript is enabled and that cookies are turned on. Each category (like About the DPS), has multiple sub-categories. To browse these categories, please click on the links in the global navigation bar, and you will be presented with these links. If you have any questions, please see the Help Section or contact us. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Back to Search Steps

Tabs-Vehicle Registration - General - New Resident

Located in Tabs/Vehicle Registration > General > New Resident

Expand All | Collapse All

Information

Welcome to Minnesota! As a new resident to Minnesota, you must apply for Minnesota vehicle registration in person at any motor vehicle Deputy Registrar Office statewide, or you can mail your Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle (PS2000) to DVS. You will need to provide proof of ownership for the vehicle, such as the vehicle's current certificate of title or registration card.

Policies and Procedures

How soon do I need to obtain Minnesota registration for my vehicle?

New residents have a 60-day grace period in which to register their cars, passenger vans, 3/4 ton or less pickups, motorcycles, utility trailers or house trailers as long as the displayed license plates are current.

If your registration expires before the 60-day grace period is up, you must obtain Minnesota registration at the time of expiration. If the registration currently displayed on the vehicle is expired, or if you had to surrender your license plates in your previous state of residency, you must apply for Minnesota registration immediately.

Reference: Minnesota Statutes 168.012

Where do I apply for Minnesota license plates and title?

We recommend that you visit one of the 174 Deputy Registrar Offices located throughout the state. They will assist you with your application for Minnesota registration and title. Many offices can also accept your application for a Minnesota driver's license.

If you are unable to apply in person, apply by mail. You may complete an Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle (PS2000) and submit it with proof of vehicle ownership and appropriate fees to DVS, 445 Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55101-5160.

What do I need to apply for registration?

You will need the following:

Proof of vehicle ownership, which is the current vehicle title (or, when the title is not available, the current registration card):

If the title reflects a lien and it has been paid, you may submit a lien release at this time (Notification of Assignment – Release or Grant of Secured Interest (PS2017).

If your title is held by a lending institution, surrender your current registration card. A Minnesota title will not be issued until you surrender the foreign state title.

Completed Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle (PS2000). This form is also available at all motor vehicle Deputy Registrar Offices statewide.

If the vehicle is under joint ownership, only one owner is required to sign the Minnesota application.

You must record the current odometer reading on your vehicle.

Identification

You must provide acceptable forms of identification, below you can find examples:

Identification Requirements

Requisitos de Identificacion

Are you leasing your vehicle?

If so, provide a copy of your leasing agreement or a power of attorney agreement between the leasing company and you. Also furnish the leasing company's Minnesota Tax ID number.

Insurance Requirements

The Minnesota No-Fault Act (Minnesota Statutes 65B.48) requires motor vehicle owners to maintain "no fault insurance." The law means that it's a crime for an owner to operate (or permit operation) of uninsured motorcycles or motor vehicles on public roads and highways. Violations may result in fines, imprisonment and/or revocation of driving privileges and license plates. Minnesota Statutes 169.791 requires that proof of insurance be in the vehicle at all times and shown to a peace officer upon demand.

Registration Exemption for Active Duty Military Personnel

Reference: Minnesota Statutes, section 168.031

All motor vehicles, as defined in Minn. Stat. 168.002, registered in Minnesota to any person in active military service, located/based outside Minnesota, is exempt from registration tax while in active service and for 90 days after completion of active service. All other associated fees still apply (replacement plate fee, contributions, tech surcharge, filing fee).

Active Duty Military Personnel must follow the steps listed below in order to claim vehicle registration exemption:

Active Duty personnel must be vehicle owner or co-owner
Vehicle must be located or based out-of-state or overseas
Cannot be operated on a public highway within the state unless on furlough or leave
Provide a copy of military orders or letterhead from base commander, identifying dates of active duty

Fees