License Plates & Placards in Minnesota

Continue reading this page to learn more about license plates in Minnesota.

Thinking about a vanity plate? Learn more from our Specialty Plates and Specialty Plates Application pages.

Applying for a disability parking plate? Get complete details on our Disabled Plates and Placards page.

License Plate Requirements and Types

Most vehicles in Minnesota must have license plates, including passenger vehicles, motorcycles, trucks, and vans.

Most vehicles will be issued 2 license plates. Motorcycles, trailers, mopeds and dealer or dealer in transit vehicles only need 1 license plate. Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) will issue the required number of plates for your vehicle.

Your license plate will have stickers that show the month and year your vehicle registration expires.

Plates for passenger vehicles must be replaced every 7 years when you renew your registration.

Types of License Plates

The MN DVS offers a selection of special license plates, including personalized plates, military plates, and organizational plates. For information about personalized plates and other specialty tags, see our following pages:

• Types of Specialty Plates in Minnesota
• Applying for MN Specialty Plates

For specific details about disability parking plates, see our Disability Placards & Plates page.

Temporary Tags

When you buy a car, you can get a temporary tag from a Minnesota car dealer if you're a MN resident.

The temporary tag is valid for up to 21 days and is NOT renewable.

Apply for License Plates in Minnesota

To apply for your Minnesota license plates, you must register your vehicle.

MN registration is required with 60 days of moving to the state OR before your current registration expires, whichever is sooner.

When you buy a car, you have 10 days from the purchase date to transfer the title and registration. If you do not transfer the title within 10 days you will pay an additional $2 fee.

Visit our Vehicle Registration page for complete details, including how to register your vehicle.

Renew Your MN License Plates

To renew the expiration sticker on your license plate, you'll need to renew your vehicle registration each year with the MN DVS.

You can check your registration status with the Minnesota DVS to get your renewal date or other information.

Replace Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Tags

If your Minnesota license plates and stickers have been lost, stolen, or damaged, you need to apply for duplicates immediately.

To do so, you will need:

• A completed Application for Duplicate Plates And/Or Stickers (Form PS2067B).
• Your current registration card.
• Payment for fees:
  • Filling fee: $8.
    AND
    
  • Applicable replacement fee:
    • $15.50 for 2 license plates.
    • $13.50 for 1 license plate.
    • $1.50 for a decal.

You can submit the application:

• In person at a DPS office.
  OR
  
• By mail to:

Stickers will be issued in person while you wait. All other items will be mailed.

Transfer or Surrender MN Tags

If you sell your vehicle, the license plates stay with the car.

If you have personalized or special license plates, you may be able to transfer them. It's a good idea to check with the DVS at (651) 297-2126 before you attempt to transfer your special plates. 

If you can transfer your special or personalized plates you must:

• Own the vehicle you're transferring the plates to.
• Submit the Application for Special Plates (Form PS2010) with the transfer sections completed.
  AND
  
• Register the vehicle you're selling to get new plates for it.

If you move to another state, you DO NOT need to surrender your MN license plates. However, you may need to surrender your plates if you would like a new plate design or plate type, and you WILL need to surrender them if you wish to request a registration refund (see below).

Registration Refunds

In various circumstances—such as moving out of state, selling your vehicle, or inheriting a vehicle—you may be eligible for a refund on portions of the vehicle's registration fees. You will need to:

• Complete the Claim for Motor Vehicle Refund (Form PS2511).
• Gather your vehicle's registration card, license plates, and stickers.
• Mail or return the above to:
  
  • Driver and Vehicle Services
  • 445 Minnesota St.
  • Suite 162
  • St. Paul, MN 55101

Fees for Minnesota License Plates

The license plate fees below DO NOT include taxes, title fees, or other registration fees which may apply for certain transactions.

• New standard plates AND plate renewal:
  • 2 license plates: $15.50.
  • 1 license plate: $13.50.
  • Registration renewal filing fee: $8.
• Replacements:
  • Filing fee for all applications: $8.
  • 2 license plates: $15.50.
  • 1 license plate: $13.50.
  • Decal: $1.50.
• Transfer fee: Varies by plate type.

Lookup License Plates

In Minnesota, you CANNOT search for personalized license plate numbers or run the license plate of someone else's vehicle.

You CAN:

• Review the MN DVS guidelines for vanity plates to learn more about personalized plate combinations.
• Use the online registration search to check your own registration status using your license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN).

For more details about vanity plates, see our Special Plates and Special Plates Applications pages.