What You Need to Register a Vehicle in Minnesota

Minnesota requires you to register any vehicle you own or operate on public roads. You'll register through your county's deputy registrar office, not a state office — each county handles its own registrations. The process is the same whether you're registering a new vehicle, transferring ownership, or renewing an existing registration.

You'll need your vehicle's title (or proof of ownership if the title hasn't arrived yet), proof of Minnesota residency, a completed MV-14 form (process for Minnesota Certificate of Title and Registration), and payment for registration fees. If someone else is on the title with you, both owners typically need to sign the process. Bring a valid ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport all work.

The registration fee depends on your vehicle's age, weight, and type. A passenger car costs less than a truck or SUV of the same age. Fees also include a $10 title fee if you're getting a new title. You can find the exact fee for your vehicle by entering its details on the Minnesota Secretary of State website before you go in.

Key Takeaways

  • Register at your county's deputy registrar office, not a state location — each county runs its own registration system.
  • You need your vehicle's title, proof of Minnesota residency, a signed MV-14 form, and payment; registration fees vary by vehicle weight and age.
  • Registration plates arrive by mail within two to three weeks; you can drive with your registration receipt until they arrive.
  • Renewal happens every two years and can be done by mail, online, or in person at the same deputy registrar office.
  • If you move to Minnesota from another state, you have 60 days to register your vehicle before you're required to do so.

Where to Register and What to Bring

Find your county's deputy registrar by searching the Minnesota Secretary of State website for your county name. Most counties have multiple locations — often in city halls, courthouse buildings, or dedicated registration offices. Hours vary by location, so call ahead or check online before you go. Some offices take walk-ins; others require appointments.

Bring originals or certified copies of documents, not photocopies. If your title is from another state, bring that title. If you're buying from a dealer, they usually handle the paperwork and you just sign; if you're buying from a private seller, you'll handle it yourself. The seller must sign the title in the space marked for the previous owner's signature before you go to register.

If your vehicle is financed, the lender's name appears on the title. You can still register it, but the lender holds the title until the loan is paid off. Bring proof of insurance — Minnesota requires liability coverage before registration, and the deputy registrar will ask to see it.

Registration Fees and Payment Methods

Minnesota calculates registration fees using a formula based on your vehicle's age and weight. A new passenger car typically costs between $150 and $200 for the first two years. Trucks and SUVs cost more because they're heavier. The fee decreases as the vehicle ages — a 10-year-old car costs less than a 5-year-old car.

You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most deputy registrar offices. Some locations accept online payment if you're renewing by mail or online. There's no additional fee for paying by card. If you're registering a vehicle you just bought, ask the seller or dealer whether they've already paid sales tax; if not, you'll owe that at registration too.

If you're registering a vehicle from out of state, you may owe use tax instead of sales tax. The deputy registrar will calculate this and tell you what you owe. Bring enough to cover both registration and any tax due.

How Long Registration Takes and When You Get Your Plates

The registration process itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the deputy registrar's office. You'll receive a registration receipt and a temporary permit to display while you wait for your plates. Minnesota sends registration plates by mail, which typically takes two to three weeks. You can legally drive with your receipt and temporary permit during this time.

Your registration plates arrive as a set — one for the front and one for the back of your vehicle. Install them before the temporary permit expires. If your plates don't arrive within four weeks, contact your county's deputy registrar office to check the status.

Your registration is valid for two years from the date you register. You'll receive a renewal notice by mail about 30 days before expiration. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at the same deputy registrar office.

Renewing Your Registration

Minnesota registration renews every two years. You'll get a renewal notice in the mail about a month before your current registration expires. The notice includes your renewal fee and instructions for renewing online or by mail. Online renewal is the fastest option — you can renew in minutes from home.

To renew online, go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website, enter your vehicle information and registration number, and pay the renewal fee by card. Your new plates arrive by mail within two to three weeks. You can continue driving with your old plates until the new ones arrive.

If you prefer to renew by mail, fill out the renewal notice, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. You can also renew in person at your county's deputy registrar office. Bring your renewal notice and payment.

Registering a Vehicle From Out of State

If you're moving to Minnesota or buying a vehicle registered in another state, you have 60 days to register it in Minnesota. After 60 days, you're required to register it or you may face penalties. Start the process as soon as you can — you'll need the out-of-state title, proof of Minnesota residency, and your completed MV-14 form.

Minnesota will issue you a new title and new registration plates. Bring the out-of-state title to the deputy registrar; they'll handle sending it to the other state. You may owe use tax on the vehicle's value if you didn't pay sales tax when you bought it. The deputy registrar calculates this and tells you what you owe.

If your out-of-state title is a lien title (the lender's name is on it), bring proof that the loan is paid off or that the lender has released the lien. If the lender still holds the title, you'll need their written permission to register in Minnesota, which is rare — contact your lender first.

Special Situations: Salvage, Rebuilt, and Antique Vehicles

If you're registering a salvage or rebuilt vehicle — one that was declared a total loss and then repaired — Minnesota requires a salvage or rebuilt title. You can't register a salvage vehicle for regular road use; you can only register it for parts or scrap. A rebuilt vehicle can be registered for road use, but you'll need an inspection certificate from an authorized Minnesota inspector showing the vehicle is safe to drive.

Antique vehicles (at least 25 years old) can register with antique plates, which cost less than regular registration. Antique registration is limited to vehicles used for parades, exhibitions, and occasional pleasure driving — not daily commuting. You'll need to show that the vehicle is in good condition and meets safety standards.

If you're unsure whether your vehicle qualifies for a special registration type, ask at your county's deputy registrar office. They can tell you what documents you need and what the process looks like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a vehicle if I don't have a Minnesota driver's license yet?

Yes. You need proof of Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and address), but you don't need a driver's license. A state ID or passport works as your photo ID. If you're new to Minnesota, register your vehicle before or at the same time you get your driver's license.

What if the seller didn't sign the title before I got it?

Go back to the seller and have them sign the title in the space marked for the previous owner. The deputy registrar won't process registration without the seller's signature. If the seller won't sign or is unreachable, contact your county's deputy registrar office — they can tell you what options exist, though they're limited.

Do I need to register a vehicle if I only drive it on private property?

No. Registration is required only for vehicles driven on public roads. If you use a vehicle only on your own property or on private land with the owner's permission, you don't need to register it. Once you drive it on any public road, registration becomes required.

What happens if my registration expires?

Driving with expired registration is illegal in Minnesota. You can be stopped and cited. Renew before the expiration date on your plates. If you miss the important date, renew as soon as possible — there's no grace period, but renewing late is still better than continuing to drive without current registration.

Can I transfer my plates to a different vehicle?

No. Minnesota plates are tied to the vehicle they're issued for. When you buy a new vehicle, you get new plates. When you sell or trade in a vehicle, the plates stay with it or are surrendered to the county. You can't move plates from one vehicle to another.