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 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.
- 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.
IdentificationYou must provide acceptable forms of identification, below you can find examples:
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
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