What you need to register a car in Minnesota

Minnesota car registration happens at your county's deputy registrar office, not at a single state location. You will need your vehicle's title (the ownership document), proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and a completed registration form. If you are financing the car, the lender's name appears on the title. If you bought the car from a dealer, they usually handle the paperwork and send you to the registrar with the signed title and bill of sale. If you bought it privately, you handle the paperwork yourself.

The registration process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the office. You pay the registration fee (which varies by vehicle weight and type), receive your license plates and registration card, and can drive legally the same day. Minnesota does not require a vehicle inspection before registration, though you will need proof of insurance before you can legally drive.

Key Takeaways

  • Registration happens at your county's deputy registrar office, which you can find through the Minnesota Secretary of State website by entering your county name.
  • You must bring the vehicle title, a government-issued ID, proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of insurance before you register.
  • Registration fees depend on your vehicle's weight and type; a standard passenger car costs between $150 and $250, but this varies.
  • If you financed the car, the lender's name is on the title and you cannot register it without their signature releasing the lien.
  • You receive license plates and a registration card the same day you complete the process, and you can drive when ready.

Finding your county's deputy registrar office

Minnesota has 87 counties, and each one runs its own deputy registrar office. The Secretary of State website has a searchable list of all deputy registrar locations, hours, and phone numbers. Search by your county name and you will see every office in that county — most counties have multiple locations in different cities.

Call ahead before you go. Some offices take walk-ins, but others require an appointment, especially in larger counties. The office can also tell you whether they accept cash, card, or check for the registration fee. Hours vary widely; some offices close at 4:30 p.m. and some close at 5 p.m., and many close for lunch.

Documents you must bring

Bring the original vehicle title, signed by the previous owner. If you bought the car from a dealer, they sign it over to you. If you bought it privately, the seller signs the back of the title in the section marked "Seller's Signature." The title must be signed in blue or black ink — pencil does not work. If the title is damaged or the signature is illegible, the registrar will reject it and you will need to contact the previous owner or the Secretary of State for a corrected title.

Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). Bring proof that you live in Minnesota: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved to Minnesota, bring the out-of-state document plus a new Minnesota document if you have one; if you do not, call the registrar to ask what they will accept.

Bring proof of insurance. Minnesota law requires liability insurance before you can legally drive. Your insurance company gives you a proof-of-insurance card or document with your policy number, coverage dates, and the vehicle identification number (VIN). If you have not yet bought insurance, do that before you go to the registrar — you cannot register without it.

If someone else is on the title with you, both owners must sign the registration form. If only one owner can go to the registrar, the other owner must sign the form in advance, in front of a notary public. Bring the notarized form with you.

What happens if the car is financed

If you have a car loan, the lender holds a lien on the title. This means the lender's name appears on the title document, and you cannot register the car without their signature releasing the lien. Most lenders handle this automatically: they receive the title from the dealer or seller, sign off on it, and send it to you ready to register. Check your paperwork from the lender to see whether they have already released the lien.

If the lender has not signed the title, contact them directly and ask them to send you a lien release form or a signed title. This usually takes three to five business days. Do not go to the registrar until you have the lender's signature on the title or a separate lien release document.

Registration fees and what they cover

Minnesota registration fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not on its age or condition. A standard passenger car typically costs between $150 and $250 to register for two years. Trucks, SUVs, and vans cost more because they weigh more. The registrar's office can tell you the exact fee for your vehicle if you provide the VIN or the weight rating from your title.

The fee covers two years of registration. Your registration card and license plates are valid for 24 months from the date you register. You renew by mail or online before the expiration date on your registration card. The registrar accepts cash, check, and card at most offices, but call ahead to confirm what your specific office takes.

License plates and registration cards

When you complete registration, you receive two license plates (one for the front, one for the back) and a registration card that fits in your wallet. The plates have Minnesota's state name and a number unique to your vehicle. You must display both plates on your car before you drive away from the registrar's office. If a plate is damaged or missing, the registrar can issue a replacement at no extra cost.

Keep your registration card in your vehicle at all times. Minnesota law requires you to show it to a police officer if you are stopped. The card lists your name, address, vehicle description, VIN, and expiration date. If you lose the card, you can request a replacement from the registrar for a small fee, usually $5 to $10.

Renewing your registration

Minnesota registration lasts two years. About 30 days before your expiration date, the Secretary of State mails you a renewal notice. You can renew online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at the registrar's office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and you pay the fee by card. By mail, you send the renewal form and a check to the address on the notice. In person, you go to the registrar and pay the fee.

If you renew online or by mail, new license plates arrive by mail within two weeks. If you renew in person, you receive new plates when ready. You do not need to bring any documents to renew unless your address has changed or your vehicle information has changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a car if I do not have a Minnesota driver's license yet?

Yes. You need proof of identity (passport or state ID card) and proof of Minnesota residency, but you do not need a driver's license. Many people register a car before they take their driving test or before they move their license from another state.

What if the previous owner did not sign the title?

The registrar will not accept an unsigned title. Contact the previous owner and ask them to sign it. If you cannot reach them, contact the Secretary of State's office — they can issue a corrected title if you provide proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or receipt.

Do I need a vehicle inspection before I register?

No. Minnesota does not require a safety or emissions inspection before registration. You only need proof of insurance and the documents listed above.

What if I buy a car out of state and want to register it in Minnesota?

Bring the out-of-state title, signed over to you, along with all the documents listed above. The registrar will accept an out-of-state title and issue Minnesota plates. If the out-of-state title does not have a signature line for the new owner, ask the registrar what additional paperwork they need.

How long does registration take if I mail in the renewal form?

Processing takes about one week after the registrar receives your form. New plates arrive by mail within two weeks after that. Your old registration remains valid until the expiration date on your card, so you can drive while you wait for the new plates to arrive.