Out of state dealers
Dealerships in Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin may apply to issue Minnesota license plates and temporary permits to Minnesota residents who purchase vehicles from their dealership (Minn. Stat. section 168.002, subd. 6).
If your application is approved, you will be granted access to Electronic Vehicle Title and Registration (EVTR) through an approved vendor and Vehicle Title Application and Permit (VTAP) transactions, which are done through Minnesota's online services for business.
The license is valid for up to 14 months. Renew online up to 60 days before the expiration date through your online services for business account.
Applicable states
Only dealers in Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin are eligible to apply.
How to apply
Apply for a Minnesota dealer license
Submit the out of state dealer license application. Along with the form, you will need to provide a copy of your dealer license from Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota or Wisconsin.
Send these documents to the dealer unit by:
- Email: DVS.DealerQuestion@state.mn.us
- Mail: Driver and Vehicle Services, 445 Minnesota St., Suite 186, St. Paul, MN 55101
Note: There is no fee to apply.
Wait for an approval letter
We will send an approval letter by U.S. mail with your Minnesota dealer license number.
Submit the dealership records access agreement
Complete the dealership records access agreement. Along with the form, you will need to provide a copy of your driver's license or ID card.
Send these documents to the dealer unit by:
- Email: DVS.DealerQuestion@state.mn.us
- Fax: 651-297-1480
Setup your online services for business account
You will receive a letter ID by U.S. mail. The letter ID allows you to set up an online services for business account to search vehicle records, submit vehicle transfers and print permits.
Selling vehicles titled in Minnesota to Minnesota residents
There are two ways you can sell vehicles to Minnesota residents and get the vehicles titled in Minnesota.
- Complete VTAPs, which are done through online services for business.
- Your dealership will need to partner with a deputy registrar that will process title and registration paperwork on your behalf.
- Find an office that's convenient.
- Your dealership is granted access to VTAP when your application is approved.
- Participate in EVTR through an approved vendor.
- This allows you to hold Minnesota license plate inventory intended for customer use.
- EVTR systems are run by third-party vendors and require additional steps to sign up.
Note: Out of state dealers are not eligible for dealer plates (in-transit or demonstration).