What Minnesota license plates are and who needs one

A Minnesota vehicle license plate is a metal or reflective plate issued by the state that displays a registration number unique to your vehicle. Every car, truck, motorcycle, or trailer registered in Minnesota must display a valid plate on the front and rear. The plate proves your vehicle is registered with the state and that you have paid the required registration fee.

You need a plate if you own or lease a vehicle and plan to drive it on Minnesota roads. The plate stays with your vehicle for as long as you own it in Minnesota, though the registration sticker (which shows the expiration date) must be renewed annually or biennially depending on your vehicle type.

Minnesota plates are issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services division. You obtain them through your county's deputy registrar office, which handles registration and plate issuance for the state.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota requires both a front and rear license plate on all vehicles, and your plate number is tied to your vehicle's registration record.
  • You get plates through your county deputy registrar office, not directly from the state, and the process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on plate type.
  • Standard plates cost between $35 and $50 depending on vehicle type, but specialty plates (personalized, environmental, organizational) cost more and have longer wait times.
  • Your registration sticker must be renewed every year or every two years; if it expires, your plate is no longer valid even if the physical plate itself is undamaged.
  • If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement through your deputy registrar, and you may be charged a replacement fee.

Standard plate types and what they look like

Minnesota issues several standard plate designs. The most common is the regular passenger vehicle plate, which displays a white background with blue text showing the registration number, a small Minnesota state seal on the left, and the state name across the top. Motorcycle plates are smaller and narrower. Commercial and truck plates are similar in layout but designated for vehicles over a certain weight or used for business purposes.

Each plate type has a different fee structure. A standard passenger plate costs around $35 to $50 for the initial registration, though the exact amount depends on your vehicle's weight and type. Motorcycle plates cost less. Commercial plates cost more and may require additional documentation proving the vehicle's commercial use.

Minnesota also offers specialty plates tied to causes, organizations, or personal preference. These include environmental plates (showing a loon or other wildlife), organizational plates (supporting universities, military branches, or nonprofits), and personalized plates where you choose the characters. Specialty plates cost $25 to $50 more than standard plates and often have a waiting period of several weeks because they are produced in smaller batches.

How to get your first plate: the registration process

To register a new vehicle and receive plates, visit your county's deputy registrar office with proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and proof of identity. Proof of ownership is typically the vehicle's title or a bill of sale if you just purchased it. Proof of insurance must show your vehicle is covered by a valid Minnesota auto insurance policy. Proof of identity can be a driver's license, passport, or state ID.

The deputy registrar will verify your information, calculate the registration fee based on your vehicle's type and weight, and collect payment. You will then choose your plate type (standard or specialty) and pay any additional fees. If you choose a standard plate, you may receive it the same day or within a few business days. If you choose a specialty plate, expect to wait two to four weeks for production and delivery.

Some deputy registrar offices allow you to complete the registration process online or by mail, though you will still need to provide original documents or certified copies. Check your county's website to see which services are available in your area. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a registration certificate and your plate or plates.

Renewal, expiration, and registration stickers

Your vehicle registration expires on a date set by the state, typically one or two years after issuance depending on vehicle type. Passenger vehicles are usually registered for two years; commercial vehicles may be registered annually. The expiration date is shown on a sticker affixed to your plate, usually in the lower right corner.

Minnesota sends renewal notices by mail 30 to 60 days before expiration. You can renew online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website, by mail, or in person at your deputy registrar office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes a few minutes. You will pay the renewal fee (similar to the initial registration fee), and a new sticker will be mailed to you or printed when ready if you renew in person.

If your registration expires, your plate is no longer valid even if the physical plate is undamaged. Driving with an expired registration is a violation and can result in a traffic citation. If you miss the renewal important date, you can still renew, but you may face a late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost.

Personalized and specialty plates

Minnesota allows personalized plates where you choose the characters (letters and numbers) within certain limits. Personalized plates must be between two and seven characters, cannot contain offensive language, and cannot duplicate an existing plate. The state reviews personalized plate requests and may deny them if they violate these rules. Personalized plates cost $50 to $75 depending on the number of characters and take four to six weeks to produce.

Specialty plates support specific causes or organizations. Examples include the Loon plate (supporting environmental conservation), military plates (honoring service members), university plates (supporting Minnesota colleges), and organizational plates (supporting nonprofits or professional groups). Each specialty plate has its own fee, usually $25 to $50 more than a standard plate, and a portion of the fee goes to the supported organization or cause.

To order a personalized or specialty plate, visit your deputy registrar office or order online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. You will need to provide the same documentation as a standard registration, choose your plate design and characters, and pay the applicable fee. The plate will be mailed to you once production is complete.

Replacement plates and damaged or lost plates

If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement through your county deputy registrar office. Bring your vehicle registration certificate and proof of identity. The deputy registrar will issue a new plate with the same registration number as your original plate. You will pay a replacement fee, typically $10 to $20, depending on your county.

If your plate was stolen, some counties ask you to file a police report first, though this is not always required. If your plate was damaged (bent, faded, or illegible), you can straightforward request a replacement without additional documentation. The replacement plate is usually issued the same day or within a few business days.

If you lose your registration sticker, you can request a replacement sticker from your deputy registrar office for a small fee. You do not need a new plate; the sticker alone is sufficient to show your registration is current.

Transferring plates when you sell or trade your vehicle

When you sell or trade your vehicle, your plate does not automatically transfer to the new owner. Instead, the plate remains registered to you until you formally release it. To release your plate, notify your deputy registrar office that you have sold the vehicle and provide the buyer's information if you have it. The registration will be cancelled, and the plate becomes inactive.

The new owner must register the vehicle in their name and receive new plates. They cannot use your old plate. If you want to keep your plate for a future vehicle, you can request to have it held for a limited time (usually 60 days) while you purchase another vehicle. Contact your deputy registrar office to arrange this.

If you are transferring ownership to a family member or friend, the process is the same: the new owner must register the vehicle and receive new plates in their name. The old plate is released and becomes inactive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both a front and rear plate in Minnesota?

Yes. Minnesota law requires all vehicles to display a valid license plate on both the front and rear. If you are missing either plate, your registration is considered incomplete, and you can receive a citation. When you register your vehicle, you will receive two plates unless you have a motorcycle, which requires only one rear plate.

What happens if my registration sticker falls off or becomes illegible?

Contact your deputy registrar office and request a replacement sticker. You will pay a small fee (usually under $10) and receive a new sticker by mail or in person. You do not need a new plate; the sticker alone proves your registration is current. Do not drive with a missing or illegible sticker, as it can result in a traffic citation.

Can I keep my old plate number if I buy a new vehicle?

Yes, you can request to transfer your plate number to a new vehicle. Visit your deputy registrar office with your registration certificate for the old vehicle and documentation for the new vehicle. The office will transfer the registration and plate number to your new vehicle. You will pay a transfer fee (typically $10 to $20) and receive new plates with your original number.

How long does it take to get a personalized plate?

Personalized plates usually take four to six weeks from the time you order them. The state reviews your requested characters to may support they do not duplicate an existing plate or violate content rules, then the plate is produced and mailed to you. Standard plates are faster, usually available within a few business days.

What if I move out of Minnesota but still own a vehicle registered here?

If you move out of Minnesota, you must register your vehicle in your new state within a certain timeframe (usually 30 to 60 days). Your Minnesota registration and plates will no longer be valid once you establish residency elsewhere. Contact your new state's vehicle registration office to register your vehicle there and receive new plates.