Where to register your car in Minnesota
You register a car in Minnesota through your county's deputy registrar office, not through a single state office. Each county runs its own registration system, so you'll go to the office that serves your address. Most counties have multiple locations — often at the courthouse, a DMV branch, or an authorized third-party office — so you have options for where to go.
The state's Department of Public Safety oversees registration rules, but they don't process applications directly. You can find your county's deputy registrar office by searching "[your county name] deputy registrar" online, or by calling your county auditor's office. Many counties now let you renew online or by mail, but new registrations and title transfers typically require an in-person visit.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota registration happens at your county's deputy registrar office, which varies by location within the county.
- You need the vehicle's title, proof of ownership, proof of Minnesota residency, and a completed MV-14 form to register a new car.
- Registration fees depend on the vehicle's age, weight, and type, and vary slightly by county.
- Your registration is valid for one or two years depending on your vehicle type, and renewal notices arrive by mail about a month before expiration.
Documents you need to bring
Bring the vehicle's title — the document that proves ownership. If you're buying from a dealer, they usually handle the title transfer, but if you're buying from a private seller, you need the title signed over to you. If the title is held by a lender, bring proof that the loan is paid off, or the lender's written consent to transfer.
You also need proof of Minnesota residency. A driver's license, utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement all work. Bring your current Minnesota driver's license or state ID if you have one. If you don't, bring a passport or other government-issued ID plus a second form of residency proof.
Complete the MV-14 form (process for Minnesota Certificate of Title and Registration) before you go, or fill it out at the office. You'll need the vehicle identification number (VIN), which is on the title and on a metal plate on the driver's side of the dashboard. If the car is new, you may also need the manufacturer's statement of origin instead of a title.
Bring proof of insurance. Minnesota requires all registered vehicles to carry liability insurance, and the deputy registrar will ask to see your policy or declaration page. If you haven't bought insurance yet, do that before you register.
Registration fees and how long they last
Minnesota registration fees are based on the vehicle's age, weight, and type. A new car costs more to register than a ten-year-old car. Trucks and vans cost more than sedans of the same age because they weigh more. The state publishes a fee schedule, but the exact amount varies slightly by county because each county adds a small administrative fee on top of the state fee.
Most passenger cars register for one or two years. Trucks and commercial vehicles may have different renewal cycles. When you register, the deputy registrar will tell you your renewal date and issue a registration card and license plate (or tabs if you're keeping an existing plate). You'll also receive a registration certificate to keep in your vehicle.
Your registration expires on the last day of the month shown on your certificate. If you register in March, your registration might expire in March of the following year or the year after, depending on the vehicle type. The deputy registrar will explain the exact date when you complete the registration.
What happens if you buy a car out of state
If you buy a car in another state and bring it to Minnesota, you still register it through your county's deputy registrar. Bring the out-of-state title and follow the same process as a private sale. The deputy registrar will handle the title transfer from the other state to Minnesota.
If the car is financed through an out-of-state lender, bring proof that the lender has released the title or consents to the transfer. Some lenders hold titles electronically, so you may need to contact them for a release letter. The deputy registrar can guide you through this if you're unsure.
Renewing your registration
About a month before your registration expires, you'll receive a renewal notice in the mail. The notice shows your renewal date and the fee. Many counties let you renew by mail or online — the notice will tell you which methods are available in your county.
To renew by mail, send the completed renewal form, your check or money order, and any required documents back to the deputy registrar. To renew online, visit your county's website and follow the registration renewal portal. You'll need your registration number and driver's license number to log in.
If you renew in person, bring your registration certificate, proof of insurance, and payment. The process is faster than a new registration because the deputy registrar already has your information on file. You'll receive new tabs for your license plate or a new registration card, depending on your county's system.
Special situations: Salvage titles and rebuilt cars
If you're registering a car that was previously declared a total loss by an insurance company, it will have a salvage title. Minnesota allows you to register a salvage vehicle, but it requires an inspection by a state-certified inspector to confirm the car is safe to drive. Bring the salvage title and the inspection report to the deputy registrar.
A car that has been repaired after a salvage declaration can be re-titled as a rebuilt vehicle. This also requires an inspection and a rebuilt title process. The process takes longer than a standard registration because the state must review the inspection results. Ask the deputy registrar for the rebuilt title process and inspection requirements when you arrive.
What to do if you lose your title or registration
If you've lost the vehicle's title, go to the deputy registrar and request a duplicate title. Bring your driver's license, proof of ownership (such as a bill of sale or insurance policy), and payment for the duplicate fee. The deputy registrar will issue a new title in a few days or weeks, depending on the county's processing time.
If you lose your registration certificate or tabs, contact the deputy registrar for a replacement. This is usually faster than replacing a title. Bring your driver's license and proof of residency. You may be able to get a temporary registration while you wait for the replacement to arrive by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a car online in Minnesota?
New registrations must be done in person at your county's deputy registrar office. Renewals can often be done online or by mail, depending on your county. Check your county's website to see which services are available online.
How long does it take to register a car in Minnesota?
If you have all the required documents, registration takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the deputy registrar's office. The registration certificate and license plate are usually issued the same day. Processing times vary by county and how busy the office is.
What if I move to a different county in Minnesota?
You don't need to re-register your car when you move within Minnesota. Your registration remains valid until the expiration date. When you renew, you can renew through your new county's deputy registrar office.
Do I need to register a car if I'm only keeping it for a few months?
Yes, any car you drive on Minnesota roads must be registered and insured. If you're buying a car temporarily, you still need to complete the full registration process. Some counties offer short-term registration options — ask the deputy registrar about this when you visit.
What if the title has a lien on it?
If a lender holds the title, you can still register the car. Bring proof that you own the car (such as a loan agreement) and written consent from the lender to register it in your name. Once the loan is paid off, you can request a clear title from the lender and update your registration if needed.