Minnesota requires registration every year, and you renew it through the state Department of Public Safety

Minnesota vehicle registration is a yearly requirement. You must renew your registration before your current registration expires, or you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads. The state Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all registration matters, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.

Your registration renewal notice arrives by mail about 30 days before your current registration expires. The notice shows your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration expiration date, and the renewal fee. You do not have to wait for the notice to renew — you can renew up to 90 days before expiration.

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type. A passenger car typically costs between $170 and $200, but trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicle classes have different rates. If your vehicle is more than 10 years old, the fee may be lower. You can find the exact fee for your vehicle on the DPS website or by calling a Driver and Vehicle Services office.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota registration must be renewed every year, and you can renew online, by mail, or at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
  • Your renewal notice arrives about 30 days before expiration, but you can renew up to 90 days early if you prefer.
  • The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type, ranging from about $170 to $200 for most passenger cars.
  • You will need your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid payment method to renew.

Renewing online through the DPS website

The fastest way to renew is online at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. You will need your current registration card and a valid payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The online system takes about 10 minutes, and your new registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your vehicle has a lien (meaning a lender holds the title), if you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Minnesota, or if your registration has been suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

When you renew online, you will receive a temporary registration number by email when ready. You can print this and carry it in your vehicle until your physical registration card arrives. This temporary registration is valid for 30 days and protects you if you are stopped by police before the new card reaches you.

Renewing by mail or at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

If you cannot renew online, you can mail your renewal notice with a check or money order to the address shown on the notice. Processing takes about two weeks after the DPS receives your payment. You can also visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person with your renewal notice, current registration card, proof of insurance, and payment.

Driver and Vehicle Services offices are located in most Minnesota counties. Wait times vary by location and time of day — offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the DPS website.

If you renew in person, you receive your new registration card when ready. This is the fastest way to get a physical card if you cannot wait for mail delivery.

What happens if your registration expires

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Minnesota. If you are stopped by police, you face a fine starting at $50 for a first offense. Repeated violations carry higher fines. More importantly, your vehicle cannot pass a safety inspection, and you cannot legally park it on public streets.

If your registration has already expired and you did not renew before the expiration date, you can still renew it. However, you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The late fee is typically $25 to $50, depending on how long the registration has been expired. You can renew a lapsed registration online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a regular renewal.

If your registration has been expired for more than one year, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof that the vehicle has passed a safety inspection. Contact a Driver and Vehicle Services office to find out what you need to bring.

Proof of insurance and title requirements

Minnesota requires you to carry proof of auto insurance at all times while driving. When you renew your registration, the DPS checks your insurance status through the state's insurance verification system. If your insurance has lapsed or been cancelled, your registration renewal will be denied.

If you have a lien on your vehicle (meaning a bank or lender holds the title), you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and proof of the lien (usually a letter from your lender). The DPS will send your new registration card to you, and the title will remain with your lender until the loan is paid off.

If you own your vehicle outright, you do not need to bring your title to renew registration. The title and registration are separate documents. Your title stays with you or in a safe place; you only need it if you sell the vehicle or transfer ownership.

Special registration types and situations

Minnesota offers several registration options beyond standard yearly renewal. Temporary registration is available if you recently bought a vehicle and have not yet received your title from the seller or lender. Temporary registration lasts 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for permanent registration.

Disabled person registration provides a special license plate and parking privileges for people with may have access to disabilities. You must obtain a disability certification from your doctor and submit it to the DPS along with your registration renewal. The registration fee is the same as standard registration, but you receive a special plate and a parking permit.

Antique vehicle registration is available for vehicles at least 25 years old that are maintained in original or restored condition. Antique registration costs less than standard registration and does not require a safety inspection. However, antique-registered vehicles cannot be used for daily transportation — they are meant for shows, parades, and occasional pleasure driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my license is suspended or expired?

Your driver's license status does not prevent you from renewing vehicle registration. However, if your registration has been suspended by the state (for unpaid tickets, unpaid child support, or other reasons), you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DPS to find out why your registration was suspended and what you need to do to restore it.

What if I move to a different state but still own a Minnesota vehicle?

You must register your vehicle in the state where you live, not where you own property. If you move out of Minnesota, you should register your vehicle in your new state within 30 days. You can let your Minnesota registration expire without renewing it. If you move back to Minnesota later, you will need to register the vehicle again.

How do I renew if I lost my registration card?

You can renew online or by mail without your physical registration card if you have your VIN and know your registration expiration date. If you do not have this information, visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office with your driver's license and proof of insurance. They can look up your registration and help you renew.

Can I renew my registration if I owe back taxes or child support?

The state can suspend your registration if you owe back taxes or unpaid child support. You must resolve the debt before you can renew. Contact the Minnesota Department of Revenue or the child support enforcement office to find out the amount owed and how to pay it. Once the debt is paid, you can renew your registration normally.

What if my vehicle's weight or type changed since my last registration?

If you modified your vehicle significantly (for example, adding a commercial truck bed or changing it from personal to commercial use), you may need to re-register it in a different class. Contact a Driver and Vehicle Services office before renewing to confirm whether your vehicle still fits in its current registration class. Registering a vehicle in the wrong class can result in fines.