What you need to register a car in Minnesota

Minnesota car registration happens through your county's deputy registrar office, not a state office. You will need your vehicle's title (the document proving ownership), proof of identity, and proof of Minnesota residency. If you are financing the car, bring the loan documents or the lender's name and address. If you bought the car from a dealer, bring the bill of sale or the paperwork they gave you at purchase.

Registration costs vary by vehicle weight and type. A standard passenger car typically costs between $150 and $200 for the first registration, though this changes based on the vehicle's dry weight in pounds. Renewal costs are lower. You can find your county's deputy registrar by searching "Minnesota deputy registrar" plus your county name, or by calling your county auditor's office.

The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes in person. You cannot register a car online in Minnesota, though you can renew an existing registration online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if your vehicle has passed inspection and you have no outstanding violations.

Key Takeaways

  • Registration happens at your county's deputy registrar office, which you can find by calling your county auditor or searching online for your county name.
  • You must bring the vehicle title, proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and the bill of sale or dealer paperwork.
  • First-time registration costs between $150 and $200 for most passenger cars, depending on vehicle weight.
  • You can renew an existing registration online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, but new registrations require an in-person visit.
  • Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection before you can register it for the first time in Minnesota.

Getting your vehicle inspected before registration

Minnesota requires a safety inspection before you can register any vehicle for the first time. This is separate from the registration process itself. You can take your car to any inspection station licensed by the state — these include many independent mechanics, tire shops, and some dealerships. Search "Minnesota vehicle inspection station" online or call your county auditor to find one near you.

The inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, steering, and emissions (for vehicles newer than 1996). It costs around $15 to $20. The inspection takes 15 to 30 minutes. Once passed, you receive an inspection certificate that you bring to the deputy registrar when you register.

If your vehicle fails inspection, the station will tell you what needs to be fixed. You can have the repairs done anywhere and return to any inspection station for a re-inspection. There is no fee for a re-inspection at the same station within a set timeframe, though policies vary by station.

Documents to bring to the deputy registrar

Bring the original vehicle title or a certified copy. If you are buying from a private seller, the title should be signed over to you by the seller. If you bought from a dealer, they usually handle the title transfer, but confirm this before you go — some dealers give you the paperwork to take yourself.

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 current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If the vehicle is financed, bring the loan documents showing the lender's name and address, or write down this information before you go. If you are registering a vehicle you inherited or received as a gift, bring the title plus documentation of the transfer (the will, gift letter, or court order). Bring the safety inspection certificate.

What happens after you register

The deputy registrar will issue you a registration certificate and license plates (or a registration sticker if you are keeping existing plates). You must display the plates on the front and back of your vehicle. The registration certificate goes in your vehicle — keep it with your insurance card and driver's license.

Your registration is valid for one year from the date issued. Minnesota sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before expiration. You can renew online through the Secretary of State website if your vehicle has passed inspection and you have no violations. If you renew online, your new registration certificate will be mailed to you.

If you move to a different county within Minnesota, you do not need to re-register. If you move out of state, you will need to register in your new state. If you sell the vehicle, notify the deputy registrar in writing or online so your name is removed from the registration.

Registering a vehicle you bought from a private seller

When you buy from a private seller, the seller must sign the back of the title and give it to you. Make sure the seller's signature matches their name on the front of the title. If the title is damaged or the signature does not match, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State's office before going to the deputy registrar — they can issue a corrected title.

Get a bill of sale from the seller, even though it is not required. Write down the sale price, date, vehicle identification number (VIN), and both names and addresses. Both you and the seller should sign it. This protects you if questions arise later about the sale.

Take the signed title, bill of sale, inspection certificate, and your identification to the deputy registrar. The process is the same as registering a dealer-purchased vehicle. The deputy registrar will submit the title transfer to the state and issue your registration.

Registering a vehicle you bought from a dealer

When you buy from a dealer, ask them before you leave the lot whether they are handling the title transfer or giving it to you to handle. Most dealers submit the title transfer electronically and mail you the registration certificate. Some require you to take the paperwork to the deputy registrar yourself.

If the dealer is handling it, they will tell you when to expect your registration in the mail — usually 2 to 4 weeks. Do not drive the vehicle on public roads until you have the registration certificate, even if the dealer gave you temporary plates. Temporary plates are only valid for a limited time and only for driving to get the vehicle registered.

If you are handling the transfer, the dealer will give you the title and bill of sale. Bring these documents, your inspection certificate, and your identification to the deputy registrar. The process is the same as registering a private-sale vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my car before I register it?

No. You cannot legally drive an unregistered vehicle on Minnesota public roads. If you buy a car from a dealer, they may give you temporary plates valid for a short period. Once those expire, you must have a registration certificate. Driving without registration can result in a fine.

What if I lost my vehicle title?

Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State's office and request a duplicate title. You will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), proof of ownership, and proof of identity. There is a fee of around $10 to $15. The duplicate title takes 1 to 2 weeks to arrive by mail.

Do I need to register a vehicle I am only keeping in Minnesota temporarily?

If you are keeping it longer than 30 days, yes. If you have an out-of-state registration and are visiting Minnesota, you can drive on that registration for up to 30 days. After that, you must register in Minnesota or leave the state.

What if my vehicle fails the safety inspection?

The inspection station will tell you what failed and what needs to be fixed. You can have repairs done anywhere. Once repaired, take the vehicle back to any inspection station for a re-inspection. There is usually no fee for a re-inspection at the same station within a certain timeframe.

Can I register a vehicle with a lien on it?

Yes. Bring the loan documents or the lender's name and address to the deputy registrar. The lender's name will appear on the registration certificate. You can still drive the vehicle legally. Once you pay off the loan, contact the lender to have them release the lien, then notify the deputy registrar.