Minnesota registration basics

Minnesota requires you to register any vehicle you own or operate on public roads. You register through your county's deputy registrar office, not through a state office — each county handles its own registrations. The process involves submitting proof of ownership, proof of identity, and paying a registration fee that varies based on your vehicle's weight and type.

You can register in person at your county deputy registrar, by mail, or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website if you meet certain conditions. Most people register when they buy a vehicle or renew an existing registration annually. Minnesota plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle, so if you sell your car you keep your plates.

Key Takeaways

  • Register your vehicle at your county deputy registrar office, which handles all registrations for that county — not at a state office.
  • You need proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of identity, and proof of Minnesota residency to complete registration.
  • Registration fees depend on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating and type, and you pay them at the time of registration.
  • Minnesota plates belong to you as the owner, so you keep them if you sell the vehicle and transfer the title to the buyer.
  • You can renew your registration online, by mail, or in person, but new registrations typically require an in-person visit or notarized documents.

What documents you need to register

Bring your vehicle's title or a bill of sale if you recently bought the car. The title shows you own the vehicle; a bill of sale from a private sale works if the title hasn't been transferred yet. If you're registering a vehicle you've owned for years, you'll need the existing registration or title.

You also need proof of Minnesota residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address typically works. Bring a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license or passport. If someone else will pick up your registration or plates, you may need to sign a power of attorney form, which your deputy registrar can provide.

If your vehicle is financed, the lender's name appears on the title. You can still register it, but the lender holds a lien on the vehicle until the loan is paid off. Bring proof of the loan if the title doesn't clearly show the lender's information.

Registration fees and weight-based pricing

Minnesota registration fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is the maximum weight the vehicle can safely carry including passengers and cargo. This is not what your car weighs empty — it's a manufacturer specification found on a sticker inside the driver's door or in your owner's manual. Heavier vehicles pay higher registration fees.

Passenger cars typically fall into lower weight categories and cost less to register than trucks or SUVs. Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles may may have access to for lower fees in some cases. The exact fee amount changes annually, so contact your county deputy registrar or check the Minnesota Secretary of State website for current rates.

You pay the registration fee when you register. If you register by mail, include a check or money order. Online registration requires a credit or debit card. In-person registration accepts cash, check, or card depending on the office.

How to register in person at your county office

Find your county deputy registrar by searching "deputy registrar" plus your county name on the Minnesota Secretary of State website, or call your county auditor's office for the address and hours. Most counties have multiple deputy registrar locations, often in city halls or government buildings.

Bring all required documents: title or bill of sale, proof of residency, photo ID, and your vehicle. Some offices require you to bring the vehicle so they can verify the vehicle identification number (VIN) matches your paperwork. Call ahead to confirm whether your specific office requires this.

Walk in during business hours, submit your documents, pay the fee, and receive your registration and plates. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. If the office is busy, you may wait longer. Some counties offer appointment scheduling — ask when you call.

Registering by mail or online

You can renew an existing Minnesota registration by mail or online without visiting an office. To renew by mail, the Minnesota Secretary of State sends you a renewal notice before your registration expires. Fill it out, include payment, and mail it back. Processing takes about two weeks after the office receives it.

Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website works if your vehicle has a current Minnesota registration and you have your registration number and PIN. You'll need a credit or debit card to pay. Your new registration arrives by mail within two weeks.

New registrations — when you buy a vehicle or register out-of-state plates for the first time — typically require an in-person visit or notarized documents mailed in. Some deputy registrars accept notarized applications by mail for new registrations, but this varies by county. Call your county office to ask whether they accept notarized applications.

Plates, decals, and what happens after registration

When you register, you receive a registration card and license plates (unless you already have Minnesota plates from a previous vehicle). The registration card shows your vehicle information, registration number, and expiration date. Keep it in your vehicle — you need it if you're stopped by police or involved in an accident.

Minnesota registration expires on the last day of the month shown on your registration card, usually one year from the registration date. A month or two before expiration, you'll receive a renewal notice by mail if you're still at the address on file. Renew before the expiration date to avoid a lapsed registration, which can result in a traffic citation.

If you move to a different address in Minnesota, you don't need to re-register your vehicle, but you should update your address with the Minnesota Secretary of State. You can do this online or by mail. If you move out of Minnesota, you'll need to register in your new state.

Special situations: transfers, duplicates, and out-of-state vehicles

If you sell your vehicle, the buyer needs to register it in their name. You keep your plates — they don't transfer to the new owner. The buyer brings the signed title to their county deputy registrar along with their own documents. You should notify the Secretary of State that you've sold the vehicle so you're not liable for anything the new owner does with it.

If your registration card or plates are lost or damaged, contact your county deputy registrar for a duplicate. Bring your ID and proof of residency. There is usually a small fee for duplicates.

If you're moving to Minnesota from another state, you have 60 days to register your vehicle in Minnesota. Bring your out-of-state title, proof of Minnesota residency, ID, and proof that you've passed a Minnesota safety inspection if your vehicle is older than a certain age (requirements vary). Your county deputy registrar can tell you whether your vehicle needs an inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my vehicle online if I just bought it?

No, new registrations require an in-person visit or notarized documents mailed to your county deputy registrar. Online registration only works for renewing an existing Minnesota registration. Call your county office to ask whether they accept notarized applications by mail for new registrations.

What if my vehicle title is from another state?

Bring your out-of-state title to your county deputy registrar along with proof of Minnesota residency and ID. The registrar will help you transfer the title to Minnesota and register the vehicle. Some older vehicles may require a safety inspection before registration.

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

No, registration is only required for vehicles driven on public roads. If you only use your vehicle on private land, you don't need to register it. However, if you ever drive it on a public road, you must register it first.

What happens if my registration expires?

Driving with an expired registration is a traffic violation. You can be cited and fined. Renew before the expiration date shown on your registration card. If you miss the important date, renew as soon as possible and be prepared to explain the lapse if stopped.

Can someone else pick up my registration and plates for me?

Yes, if you sign a power of attorney form authorizing them to do so. Your county deputy registrar can provide the form. The person picking up your registration needs to bring the signed form and their ID.