What Minnesota License Plates Look Like and What They Mean
Minnesota license plates are white with blue lettering and a blue strip on the left side that says "MINNESOTA" and displays the state seal. The format is three letters followed by three numbers (like ABC 123), though some specialty plates use different arrangements. Every plate includes a county identifier number in the bottom right corner — a two-digit code that shows which of Minnesota's 87 counties the vehicle is registered in.
The blue strip on the left is called the EU identifier, even though Minnesota is not in Europe. It's a design standard that many U.S. states adopted. The county number is useful if you need to contact the right county assessor's office about your registration, though most transactions now happen through the state.
Minnesota does not use vanity plate formats by default, but the state does offer specialty plates with different designs and messages. These are optional and cost more than standard plates.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Minnesota plates are white with blue lettering and show three letters, three numbers, and a county code in the bottom right.
- You must renew your plates every two years, and renewal notices arrive by mail about 30 days before your expiration date.
- Minnesota offers specialty plates for causes like wildlife conservation, military service, and college alumni — each with its own design and additional fee.
- You can order replacement plates if yours are damaged, lost, or stolen, and the process takes about one week through the Secretary of State's office.
- Personalized plates with custom letters and numbers are available but require a separate request and cost more than standard renewal.
How to Renew Your Minnesota License Plates
Minnesota sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before your plates expire. The notice includes your renewal fee, which varies based on your vehicle's weight and type. You can renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at any Deputy Registrar office (usually located in city halls or county offices).
Online renewal is the fastest option and takes a few minutes. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current plate number, and a payment method. The state will mail your new plates within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, send the completed notice with payment to the address printed on it. In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office is when ready — you can drive away with temporary plates and receive your permanent plates by mail.
If you miss your renewal date, your plates expire and you cannot legally drive the vehicle. You can still renew after expiration, but you may face a late fee. The state does not charge a penalty for renewing a few days late, but it's best to renew before the expiration date on your plates.
Specialty and Personalized Plates in Minnesota
Minnesota offers more than 50 specialty plate designs. These include plates supporting wildlife conservation (with a portion of the fee going to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources), military service plates for active duty and veterans, college alumni plates for University of Minnesota and other schools, and cause-based plates for organizations like the American Cancer Society. Each specialty plate costs more than a standard plate — typically an additional $25 to $50 per year.
Personalized plates let you choose your own letters and numbers instead of using the state's random assignment. You can request up to seven characters (letters, numbers, or a mix). Personalized plates cost more than standard plates and require a separate request. You can order them online, by mail, or at a Deputy Registrar office. The state checks your request against a list of prohibited words and phrases — offensive language, impersonation of government agencies, and some trademarked terms are not allowed.
If you want to switch from a standard plate to a specialty or personalized plate, you do not have to wait for your renewal date. You can request the new plate type at any time, though you'll pay a prorated fee for the remaining months on your current registration.
Replacing Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Plates
If your license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can order a replacement through the Minnesota Secretary of State website or at a Deputy Registrar office. You'll need your vehicle identification number and current registration information. Replacement plates cost less than a full renewal and are mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
If your plate was stolen, you can report it to local police and provide the police report number when you order the replacement. This creates a record in case the stolen plate is used on another vehicle. If your plate is damaged but still readable, you can continue using it until your next renewal, though the state recommends replacing it sooner if it's hard to read.
Temporary plates are issued at Deputy Registrar offices if you need to drive before your permanent replacement arrives. These are valid for 30 days and allow you to legally operate your vehicle while waiting for the new plate.
County Codes and What They Tell You
The two-digit number in the bottom right corner of your Minnesota plate is your county code. Hennepin County (which includes Minneapolis) is 27, Ramsey County (St. Paul) is 62, and Dakota County is 19. There are 87 counties in Minnesota, each with its own code from 01 to 87.
The county code is tied to where your vehicle is registered, not where you live or where you bought the vehicle. If you move to a different county, you do not have to change your plates — the county code stays the same until you renew. At renewal, your new plates will show your current county of registration.
The county code is useful if you need to contact the assessor's office about property tax or registration questions, since each county handles its own assessments. It's also useful for law enforcement and parking enforcement, who can quickly identify which county issued your registration.
Temporary Plates and Transit Permits
Minnesota issues temporary plates for vehicles that are newly purchased, recently imported, or waiting for permanent registration. These temporary plates are valid for 30 days and are printed on paper or cardstock. You display them in your rear window instead of a metal plate.
If you buy a vehicle from a dealer, the dealer provides the temporary plate. If you buy from a private seller, you can get a temporary plate from a Deputy Registrar office by showing proof of purchase and proof of insurance. Temporary plates allow you to legally drive to get your vehicle inspected, registered, and plated.
Transit permits are different from temporary plates. A transit permit allows you to move an unregistered vehicle (like one you just bought at auction or inherited) to a repair shop or inspection station. Transit permits are valid for a single trip and must be requested in advance through the Secretary of State's office.
Vanity and Commemorative Plates
Minnesota does not have a separate "vanity plate" category — personalized plates serve that purpose. However, the state does offer commemorative plates that celebrate specific groups or causes. These include plates honoring Pearl Harbor survivors, former prisoners of war, and recipients of the Medal of Honor. Some commemorative plates are issued for a limited time to mark anniversaries or events.
Commemorative plates follow the same rules as specialty plates: they cost more than standard plates and are ordered through the Secretary of State or a Deputy Registrar office. Once issued, they remain valid through renewals unless the commemorative program ends. If a program ends, you can keep your current plate until it expires, then choose a different plate type at renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my old plate number if I move to a different county?
No. When you renew your registration in a new county, your new plates will show your new county code. However, you can request a personalized plate with your preferred number combination, which will be issued with your new county code.
What happens if I don't renew my plates on time?
Your registration expires and you cannot legally drive the vehicle. You can still renew after the expiration date, but you should do so as soon as possible. There is no penalty for renewing a few days late, but driving with expired plates can result in a traffic citation.
How much does a specialty plate cost compared to a standard plate?
Specialty plates cost an additional $25 to $50 per year on top of your standard registration fee. The exact amount depends on the specific plate design. You can see the cost for each specialty plate option on the Secretary of State website before you order.
Can I order a personalized plate with any words I want?
No. The state prohibits plates with offensive language, impersonation of government agencies, and some trademarked terms. You can request up to seven characters, and the state will tell you if your request is denied. You can then submit a different request.
How long does it take to receive new plates after I order them?
Plates ordered online or by mail are mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office, you receive temporary plates when ready and your permanent plates arrive by mail within the same timeframe.