What You Need to Register a Car in Minnesota

To register a car in Minnesota, you need to visit your county's deputy registrar office or the Minnesota Department of Public Safety in person. You cannot register by mail or online. Bring your title (or proof you own the vehicle), proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and payment for registration fees.

If you are registering a used car you just bought, you have 10 days from the purchase date to register it. If you are registering a new car, you have 30 days. After that period, you may face late fees.

The registration fee depends on the vehicle's age, weight, and type. A passenger car typically costs between $150 and $200 for the first registration, but the exact amount varies. You can find the fee for your specific vehicle on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or by calling your county registrar before you go in.

Key Takeaways

  • You must register in person at a county deputy registrar office or the Minnesota Department of Public Safety; online and mail registration are not available.
  • You have 10 days from purchase to register a used car and 30 days for a new car, or you will owe late fees.
  • Bring your title or proof of ownership, a valid ID, proof of Minnesota residency, and payment for the registration fee.
  • Registration fees vary by vehicle type and age; call your county registrar to learn the exact cost before you visit.
  • Your registration is valid for one or two years depending on your vehicle type; passenger cars are typically registered for two years.

Documents You Must Bring

Your title is the primary document. If you bought the car from a dealer, the dealer usually handles the title transfer and gives you a temporary registration. If you bought from a private seller, the seller must sign the back of the title and give it to you. If the title is not available, you can request a duplicate from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, though this adds time to your registration.

Proof of identity means a valid driver's license, passport, or state ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the residency document.

If someone else owns the vehicle but you are registering it, bring a notarized power of attorney or written permission from the owner. If the vehicle has a lien (the bank or lender still owns it), bring proof of the lien from your loan documents.

Where to Register and How Long It Takes

Minnesota has 87 county deputy registrar offices spread across the state. You can register at any office in any county, not just your home county. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety website has a locator tool to find the office nearest you, along with their hours and phone numbers.

Registration usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all documents ready. Bring the documents in the order listed above to speed up the process. If documents are missing or incomplete, the registrar will tell you what you need and you will have to return another time.

After you register, you will receive your registration certificate and license plates (or a sticker for your existing plates if you are renewing). Keep the registration certificate in your vehicle at all times.

Registration Fees and Payment

Minnesota registration fees are based on the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not its actual weight. A passenger car under 4,000 pounds typically costs $150 to $200 for a two-year registration. Trucks, vans, and heavier vehicles cost more. Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles may may have access to for a lower fee.

You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most deputy registrar offices. Some offices accept online payment before you visit, which can speed up the process. Call ahead to ask if your local office offers this option.

If you register late (after the 10- or 30-day window), you will owe a late fee on top of the regular registration fee. The late fee is typically $25 to $50, depending on how late you are.

Special Cases: Salvage Titles, Out-of-State Vehicles, and Transfers

If you are registering a salvage vehicle (one that was declared a total loss by an insurance company), you need a salvage title instead of a regular title. Salvage vehicles require an inspection before registration. Contact your county registrar for the inspection requirements in your area.

If you are moving to Minnesota from another state, you have 60 days to register your vehicle. You will need to surrender your out-of-state title and registration. Some states do not issue paper titles; if yours is one of them, bring a copy of your registration and proof of ownership from your previous state.

If you are transferring a vehicle to someone else, the new owner must register it within 10 days. You do not need to be present. The new owner brings the signed title, their ID, and proof of residency to any deputy registrar office.

Renewing Your Registration

Minnesota sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before your registration expires. You can renew in person at a deputy registrar office, by mail, or online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. Renewing online is the fastest option if your vehicle has not changed and you have no outstanding violations.

Renewal fees are lower than first-time registration fees. A passenger car renewal typically costs $100 to $150 for two years. If you renew online, you can pay by credit or debit card and receive your new registration certificate by mail within a week.

If you miss the renewal important date, you cannot drive the vehicle legally. You will owe a late fee to renew. If your registration has been expired for more than one year, you may need to re-register as if it were a new registration, which costs more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a car if I do not have a title?

No, you need either the original title or a duplicate title from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. If the title is lost, contact the department to request a duplicate. This takes about two weeks by mail. If you cannot locate the seller or the title is missing because you bought the car privately, contact the registrar's office for guidance on your options.

What if I buy a car out of state and move to Minnesota?

You have 60 days to register the vehicle in Minnesota. Bring your out-of-state title, your Minnesota ID and proof of residency, and payment for the Minnesota registration fee. You will surrender your out-of-state registration and receive Minnesota plates.

Do I need insurance before I register?

Minnesota law requires you to have liability insurance before you drive, but you do not need proof of insurance to register. However, you must carry proof of insurance in the vehicle at all times while driving. Some registrars ask about insurance during registration, but it is not a requirement to complete the registration itself.

How much does it cost to register a motorcycle or RV?

Motorcycles and RVs have different fee structures than passenger cars. Motorcycles are typically cheaper, while RVs and commercial vehicles cost more. Call your county registrar with your vehicle's weight and type to learn the exact fee before you visit.

What happens if I register late?

You will owe a late fee in addition to the regular registration fee. The late fee is typically $25 to $50. If you register more than one year late, you may lose the option to renew and have to re-register as a new vehicle, which costs significantly more.