Minnesota registration is handled by your county, not the state, and you renew it every two years by mail or online

Minnesota does not have a single statewide registration office. Instead, each of Minnesota's 87 counties runs its own vehicle registration system through the county recorder's office or tax assessor's office. When you register a car in Minnesota, you are registering it with your county—the one where you live or where you keep the vehicle. You renew your registration every two years, and the state sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before your current registration expires.

You can renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if your vehicle has not changed ownership, you have not moved to a different county, and your vehicle passes inspection (if required). If any of those things have changed, or if you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Minnesota, you must go to your county recorder's office in person or mail in the required documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota registration is county-based, so you register with your county recorder's office, not a state agency.
  • You need proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of Minnesota residency, and proof of insurance before you can register.
  • Registration renewal happens every two years and can be done online if nothing about your vehicle or ownership has changed.
  • The cost of registration varies by county and by vehicle weight, so call your county recorder's office for the exact fee.
  • If you move to a different county in Minnesota, you must re-register your vehicle with the new county within 30 days.

What you need to bring or mail to your county recorder's office

For a new registration in Minnesota, you will need the vehicle's title or a bill of sale if you bought it from a private seller. The title must be signed by the previous owner and by you. If you bought the car from a dealer, the dealer usually handles the paperwork and sends it to the county for you, but confirm this before you leave the lot.

You also need proof that you live in Minnesota. A driver's license, state ID, utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement all work. Bring the original or a certified copy. You will also need proof of insurance—your insurance company can provide a declarations page or a certificate of insurance. Minnesota law requires all registered vehicles to carry liability insurance, and the county will not register your car without proof.

Bring the vehicle itself for inspection if it is a commercial vehicle, a vehicle with an altered VIN, or a vehicle you imported from out of state. Most passenger cars do not need an inspection at registration time. Your county recorder's office can tell you whether your vehicle needs one when you call.

How to renew your registration by mail or online

The Minnesota Secretary of State sends renewal notices about 30 days before your registration expires. The notice includes a form you can mail back with your payment, or it includes instructions for renewing online. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and you can pay by credit card or debit card.

You can renew online only if your vehicle has not changed hands, you have not moved to a different county, and your vehicle does not require a new inspection. If you have moved within Minnesota to a different county, you cannot renew online—you must contact your new county's recorder's office and re-register the vehicle there. If you have moved out of state, you will need to contact your old Minnesota county to cancel the registration.

If you lose your renewal notice or want to renew before it arrives, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website and use the online renewal system. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or tax ID.

Registration fees and what affects the cost

Minnesota registration fees are set by each county and vary. The base fee depends on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)—the maximum weight the vehicle is designed to carry, including passengers and cargo. Heavier vehicles cost more to register. Some counties also charge additional fees for specific vehicle types, such as commercial vehicles or vehicles with special plates.

Call your county recorder's office or visit their website to find out the exact fee for your vehicle. You can usually find the GVWR in your vehicle's owner's manual or on a label inside the driver's door jamb. When you call, have your VIN and GVWR ready so the staff can give you an accurate quote.

If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Minnesota, you may also need to pay a title fee, which is separate from the registration fee. The title fee also varies by county.

Finding your county recorder's office and hours

The Minnesota Secretary of State website has a directory of all 87 county recorder's offices, including their phone numbers, addresses, and hours. Search for your county by name. Most offices are open during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, though some offer limited Saturday hours. Many counties now allow you to mail in registration documents or submit them online, so call ahead to ask what options are available for your situation.

If you are not sure which county to contact, use the county where you currently live or where you keep your vehicle most of the time. If you live in one county but keep your vehicle in another, contact the county where the vehicle is kept.

What happens if your registration expires

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Minnesota. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited and fined. The fine amount varies but typically starts at $50 and can be higher if your registration has been expired for a long time. You may also be required to appear in court.

If your registration has expired, renew it as soon as possible. If you are past the renewal date, you can still renew online if nothing about your vehicle or ownership has changed. If you are more than a year past the expiration date, contact your county recorder's office directly—they may require you to come in person or provide additional documentation.

Transferring registration when you sell your vehicle

When you sell your car in Minnesota, you do not cancel the registration yourself. Instead, the buyer registers the vehicle in their name with their county recorder's office. You should notify your insurance company that you no longer own the vehicle so they can cancel your policy.

If you are buying a used car from a private seller, the seller should give you the title signed over to you. Take that title and your proof of insurance to your county recorder's office to register the vehicle in your name. If the seller does not have the title, ask them to contact their county recorder's office—the office can issue a duplicate title for a fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my car online if I just moved to Minnesota?

No. If you are registering a vehicle in Minnesota for the first time, you must go to your county recorder's office in person or mail in the required documents. Online renewal is only for vehicles that are already registered in Minnesota and have not changed ownership or location.

What if I buy a car from a dealer—do I have to register it myself?

Most dealers in Minnesota handle the registration paperwork and submit it to the county on your behalf. Before you leave the lot, ask the dealer whether they will file the registration or whether you need to do it. If they are filing it, ask for a timeline so you know when to expect your plates and registration card in the mail.

Do I need an inspection to register my car in Minnesota?

Most passenger vehicles do not need an inspection at registration time. Commercial vehicles, vehicles with altered VINs, and vehicles imported from out of state may require one. Call your county recorder's office with your vehicle type and VIN to find out whether an inspection is required.

What if I move to a different county within Minnesota?

You must re-register your vehicle with your new county within 30 days of moving. Contact the new county's recorder's office and bring your current registration, proof of residency in the new county, and proof of insurance. You will pay a new registration fee to the new county.

How long does it take to get my registration after I explore?

If you renew online or by mail, your new registration card and plates usually arrive within two to three weeks. If you register in person at the county office, you may receive temporary plates when ready and permanent plates by mail later. Ask the staff at your county office what to expect for your specific situation.