What Minnesota license plates are and who issues them

Minnesota license plates are issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services division. Every vehicle registered in Minnesota must display a valid plate on the front and back. The state uses a combination of letters and numbers — typically three letters followed by three numbers, though some specialty plates follow different formats.

When you register a vehicle in Minnesota, you receive plates as part of that registration. The plates stay with the vehicle, not the owner, so if you sell your car, the new owner can keep the existing plates or request new ones. If you move to Minnesota from another state, you must get Minnesota plates within 30 days of establishing residency.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota plates are issued by the Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, and you get them when you register your vehicle.
  • Standard plates use three letters and three numbers, but specialty plates like environmental or military plates have different designs and may cost more.
  • You can renew your registration and plates by mail, online, or in person at a deputy registrar office, and renewal notices arrive about a month before expiration.
  • If your plate is damaged, lost, or stolen, you can request a replacement from any deputy registrar office or online through the state website.
  • Personalized plates (vanity plates) are available but require a separate request and cost more than standard plates.

Types of Minnesota license plates available

Minnesota offers several plate types beyond the standard design. Standard plates are the most common and cost the least. Specialty plates support specific causes or groups — examples include environmental plates (showing a loon), military veteran plates, conservation plates, and plates supporting specific organizations. Each specialty plate type has its own design and typically costs more than a standard plate.

Personalized plates, sometimes called vanity plates, let you choose a custom combination of letters and numbers (within certain limits). You can request a personalized plate when you first register or renew. The state rejects combinations that are offensive, already in use, or too similar to existing plates. Personalized plates cost more than standard plates — the exact amount varies depending on the plate type you choose.

You can also get temporary plates if you buy a vehicle and need to drive it before your permanent registration arrives. Temporary plates are valid for a limited time and are issued at the point of sale by the dealer.

How to register a vehicle and get plates in Minnesota

To register a new vehicle in Minnesota, you need the vehicle's title, proof of ownership, proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid ID. If you are financing the vehicle, bring the loan paperwork. You can register at any deputy registrar office — these are located throughout the state in county offices, city halls, and private businesses.

When you complete registration, you pay the registration fee and receive your plates when ready or within a few days, depending on the office. If you are transferring plates from another vehicle you own, you can do that at the same time. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in person.

You can also register online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website if you are renewing an existing registration or transferring plates between vehicles you already own. Online registration is faster and you can do it from home, but you still need to pick up your plates at a deputy registrar office or have them mailed to you.

Renewing your registration and plates

Minnesota vehicle registrations expire on your birthday each year. About 30 days before expiration, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail with instructions. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a deputy registrar office.

Renewing by mail: Complete the renewal notice, include payment, and mail it to the address shown on the form. Processing takes about two weeks, and your new plates will arrive by mail.

Renewing online: Visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You pay by credit or debit card. Your new plates will arrive by mail within two weeks.

Renewing in person: Bring your renewal notice, proof of insurance, and payment to any deputy registrar office. You receive your new plates when ready. This is the fastest option if you need plates right away.

What to do if your plate is damaged, lost, or stolen

If your plate is damaged or illegible, you can request a replacement at any deputy registrar office. Bring your vehicle registration and ID. The replacement plate will have the same number as your original plate, so you do not need to update your registration.

If your plate is lost or stolen, report it to the police and get a report number. Then go to a deputy registrar office with your registration, ID, and the police report number. You will receive a replacement plate with the same number. There is usually a small fee for a replacement plate.

You can also request a replacement plate online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website if you have your registration number and driver's license information. The replacement plate will be mailed to you.

Understanding plate expiration and what the sticker means

Your Minnesota plate expires on your birthday each year, and the expiration date is shown on the small sticker in the upper right corner of the plate. The sticker displays the month and year your registration expires. When you renew, you receive a new sticker to place over the old one.

Driving with an expired plate is illegal in Minnesota. If you are pulled over, you can be cited. If your renewal notice arrives and you have not yet renewed, you should renew when ready — do not wait until your birthday. If you miss your renewal date, you can still renew, but you may owe a late fee in addition to the regular registration cost.

If you are unsure when your registration expires, check the sticker on your current plate or contact a deputy registrar office with your vehicle identification number (VIN).

Transferring plates between vehicles you own

If you own multiple vehicles and want to move a plate from one to another, you can do this at a deputy registrar office. Bring the registration for both vehicles, your ID, and proof of ownership for both. The office will transfer the plate and update your registration. The plate keeps its original expiration date — you do not get a new registration period.

You cannot transfer a plate to a vehicle you do not own. If you sell a vehicle, the new owner can keep the existing plate or request a new one. If you want to keep the plate for a future vehicle, you can request a temporary hold, though this varies by county — ask at your deputy registrar office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my Minnesota plate if I move out of state?

No. If you move out of Minnesota, you must surrender your Minnesota plates and register your vehicle in your new state. You have 30 days after establishing residency in the new state to complete the transfer. If you move back to Minnesota later, you can register again and receive new plates.

What happens if I get a new plate number instead of keeping my old one?

If you request a new plate (rather than renewing the same number), you receive a different combination of letters and numbers. This is optional — most people keep their existing plate number when they renew. If you want a new number, ask at the deputy registrar office.

Do I need to update my plate if I change my address?

No. Your plate number does not change when you move within Minnesota. However, you should update your address with the Department of Public Safety so your renewal notices reach you. You can update your address online or at a deputy registrar office.

How much does a Minnesota license plate cost?

Standard plate registration fees vary based on vehicle weight and type. Specialty plates and personalized plates cost more than standard plates. Exact fees change annually and depend on your vehicle class. Contact a deputy registrar office or check the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website for current pricing.

Can I get a plate with a specific number or message?

Yes, through a personalized plate request. You can choose up to seven characters (letters, numbers, or a combination). The state rejects requests that are offensive, already taken, or too similar to existing plates. Personalized plates cost more than standard plates and take longer to receive.