Minnesota Vehicle Registration

Registering a Vehicle in Minnesota

You must register your vehicle with the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).
Here is a quick checklist of items to bring when visiting your local Minnesota DVS office.

What to bring to the MN DVS:

• Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, ID, or passport).
• Vehicle odometer reading.
• A completed Application to Title/Reg. A Vehicle (Form PS 2000).
• Proof of vehicle ownership (vehicle title).
• Proof of car insurance.
• Acceptable form of payment for MN car registration fees and taxes.

Continue reading for specific details about registering a vehicle in Minnesota.

Registering Vehicles Purchased from a Minnesota Dealer

When you purchase either a new or used vehicle from a licensed Minnesota car dealer, they will submit the necessary documents to the MN DVS to transfer ownership into your name.

Vehicles Purchased from a Private Party

In Minnesota, you can register your new or used vehicle either by mail or in person at your local Minnesota DVS office. You must register and transfer the title of your vehicle within 10 days of the purchase date to avoid a penalty.

To register your vehicle in person, visit your local Minnesota DVS office and present:

• Proof of identification.
• A Notification of Assignment, Release or Grant of Secured Interest (Form PS 2017), if you
  satisfied the lien on the vehicle.
• An Application to Title/Reg. A Vehicle (Form PS 2000).
  • All buyers must sign the application.
• The original title, signed by both the buyer and the seller.
• A copy of your lease agreement or power of attorney, if applicable.
• A vehicle odometer reading.
• Proof of car insurance.
• Payment for MN car registration and title fees.

Register By Mail (Private Party Sales)

To register your vehicle by mail, send all of the above documents and fees to:

MN Vehicle Registration for New Residents

New to Minnesota?

The Minnesota DVS requires you to apply for a Minnesota title and vehicle registration within 60 days of establishing residency. You can register your vehicle either by mail or in person at your local DMV office.

To register in person, visit your local Minnesota DVS office and present:

• The current certificate of title or the registration card, if the title is not available.
  • If your title has a lien, you must surrender your current registration card. The Minnesota DVS will NOT issue a title until you surrender the out-of-state title.
• A Notification of Assignment, Release or Grant of Secured Interest (Form PS 2017), if the title reflects a lien and it has been paid.
• An Application to Title/Reg. A Vehicle (Form PS 2000).
• A bill of sale or dealer purchase agreement, if you have owned the vehicle for less than 90 days.
• A current vehicle odometer reading.
• A copy of your leasing agreement or a power of attorney agreement between the leasing company and you. Also, provide the leasing company’s Minnesota Tax ID number.
• Proof of “no fault” car insurance.
• Payment for MN car registration, fees, and taxes.

To register by mail, please send all of the above to:

MN Registration for Military Drivers

Minnesota military residents currently residing in the state can register their vehicles as normal.

See Registering a Vehicle in Minnesota to learn more.

Registration for MN Residents Stationed Outside Minnesota

Registration Exemption for Active Duty Military Personnel

For Minnesota residents currently on active duty and deployed outside the state, the MN DVS
exempts such individuals from registration tax while in active service. This exemption extends for 90 days after the completion of active service. All other related fees still apply.

Current eligibility requirements to qualify for the vehicle registration exemption include:

• You must own or co-own the vehicle.
• The vehicle is currently out-of-state or overseas.
• You cannot operate your vehicle on a Minnesota public highway unless on furlough or leave.
• Provide a copy of your military orders or letterhead from your base commander, specifying the dates of your active duty.

Registration for Non-Residents

The MN DVS does NOT require non-resident military service members stationed in Minnesota to
register their vehicles.

However, you would need to maintain current registration and car insurance from your home state during deployment.

When you become a resident of Minnesota, you must apply for MN car registration.

See Vehicle Registration for New Residents to learn more.

Renewing Your Registration in Minnesota

You can renew your MN vehicle registration online, by mail, or in person at a nearby DVS office.

The Minnesota DVS imposes certain eligibility requirements for online and mail applications, including:

• You must renew your Minnesota vehicle registration annually.
• You must have valid car insurance to renew your registration.
• You will receive a renewal notice prior to the expiration. This notice will contain the following information:
  • The due date for your renewal.
  • Your renewal fee.
• Your name and current address on file.

See Minnesota Renewals to learn more.

Replace a Lost or Damaged Registration

If your MN registration document or tabs are lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a replacement online, by mail or in person at your local Minnesota DVS office.

Online Replacement

To replace your MN registration card online, use the MN DVS vehicle services online portal. Eligibility requirements for online replacements are as follows:

• Your vehicle registration must be valid/current.
• You must not lease your vehicle.
• Your registration expiration cannot be within 14 days.

If you meet all of the above requirements, you may proceed with your online registration replacement.

Be prepared to submit the following:

• Your Minnesota driver’s license or ID number.
• Your vehicle plate number.
• The vehicle identification number (VIN).
• Appropriate payment for the $13.25 duplicate registration fee.

NOTE: You will receive your duplicate registration by mail within 10 days.

Replace Registration By Mail or In Person

To replace your MN registration card or decals in person or by mail, you’ll need to provide:

• A completed Application for Duplicate Title, Registration, Cab or Lien Card (Form PS
  2067A-18).
• Acceptable payment for the duplicate registration card fee.

Bring your application and payment to your local MN DVS office.

To submit by mail, mail all of the above to: