Titles, Tabs and Plates

To transfer the Minnesota title of a motor vehicle:

• The buyer must present the completed title, proof of insurance, a driver’s license or state ID card, and lien holder information (if applicable).
• The seller must complete the “Seller’s” portion of the title including owner’s signature, date of sale, and odometer reading.
• Duplicate titles are available if the original title cannot be located.
• Fees vary according to the classification and year of the vehicle.
• Title transfers are processed 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on regular business days – no appointment required.

Did You Know?

You have 10 days to transfer a motor vehicle.

To register a new vehicle or a motor vehicle in Minnesota from out-of state:

• Submit the foreign state title, or a current registration (if the title is held by a lien holder)
• Provide current odometer reading
• Provide insurance company name & policy number
• Provide driver’s license or state ID
• Name, address, & date of loan for lien holder (if applicable)
• Registration fees vary according to classification and year of the vehicle.
• Title transfers are processed 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on regular business days – no appointment required.

Did You Know?

You have 60 days to register your motor vehicle if you have moved to Minnesota from out-of-state.

To renew your motor vehicle registration in person, please submit a completed renewal notice or provide the license plate number and your driver’s license.

Tabs will be issued at the time you apply.

Fees vary according to the classification and year of the vehicle.

Did You Know?

License tabs expire each year and License tabs need to be purchased by the last day of the expiration month shown on the lower left corner of the plate and must be displayed in the lower right corner of the plate by or on the last day of the expiration month.

Insurance information for motor vehicles must be provided at the time of registration. Please include the following:

• Insurance Company Name
• Policy Number
• Policy Expiration Date

Standard Plates

You will receive these plates at the time you apply.

Standard passenger plates are replaced every 7 years while all other license plates are issued for the life of the vehicle.

Personalized Plates

Personalized plates are available with the standard plate background for passenger automobiles and pickup trucks with up to 7 characters, including spaces.

Motorcycles, mopeds, one-ton pickups and self-propelled recreational vehicles are limited to 6 characters.

These plates are processed by the state of Minnesota. You will receive a temporary permit and plate when you apply in person. The state will mail your permanent plates to you.

Specialty Plates

Specialized plates are available in a wide variety including: amateur (HAM) radio and citizen band radio; collector; collegiate; critical habitat; military or veteran; MN golf: remembering victims of impaired drivers; support our troops; volunteer ambulance attendant; and volunteer firefighter.

Specialty plates that are not kept on hand in the office will be processed by the state of Minnesota. You will receive a temporary permit and plate when you apply in person. The state will mail your permanent plates to you.

Disability Plates

To apply for disability plates, the applicant must be permanently disabled and the owner or primary operator of the vehicle the plates will be on. OR the custodial parent or guardian applying on behalf or a permanently disabled minor. OR the owner of a commercial rental motor vehicle specially modified for and used exclusively by permanently physically disabled people.

Disability Parking Permits are also available. These are issued to individuals and to institutions that transport persons who have disabilities. Permits may be used in any vehicle transporting a person with a disability. Two parking permits will be issued unless the disabled person already has disability license plates.

These plates are processed by the state of Minnesota. You will receive a temporary permit when you apply in person. The state will mail your permanent plates to you.