Minnesota License PlatesMinnesota license plates are metal plates affixed to vehicles that display an alphanumeric code, known as a license plate number. This license plate number is unique to each vehicle, and its primary purpose is to identify these vehicles for registration; it is also crucial in ensuring compliance with Minnesota's transportation regulations. Minnesota license plates are issued by the state's Department of Public Safety through its Driver and Vehicle Services Division (DVS).
Section 169.79 of the Minnesota Statutes makes it mandatory for every vehicle owner in the state to register their vehicles with the DVS and obtain license plates for display. The DVS typically issues two license plates per vehicle, which must be attached to the front and rear of these vehicles. However, motorcycles, trailers, and collector's vehicles are typically issued only one license plate to be attached to the rear, while trucks and tractors are issued a front-display license plate.
The DVS offers several categories of license plates to vehicle owners. These include:
The DVS includes plate registration stickers (tabs) when issuing license plates. These tabs indicate the vehicle's registration expiration date (and, by extension, the license plate's validity period). The tabs that indicate the registration expiration month must be affixed to the lower left corner of your license plates, while the ones indicating the registration expiration year must be affixed to the lower right corner. Driving without valid DVS-issued license plates or not having current stickers on your plates can lead to fines and other penalties.
Minnesota License Plate Design and FormatsMinnesota license plates are rectangular shaped with a combination of letters and numbers (collectively called the license plate number) prominently displayed in the center. This alphanumeric combination usually has six characters for standard plates and typically follows an ABC-123 serial format but may vary between 2 – 7 characters for other plate types. The specific arrangement of the letters and numbers may also differ depending on the plate type and vehicle it is assigned to.
The license plate number is screened in black with a dark blue state-shaped separator for standard plates. The plate's background is a reflective graphic design featuring a lake scene with pale blue and white water, a pale blue sky, a green island, trees, and a small green canoe. "EXPLORE Minnesota.com" and "10,000 lakes" are screened in blue above and below the plate number. Be aware that specialized plates may feature additional designs and logos unique to the specific organization, cause, or institution being represented on the plate.
Here are examples of standard and specialized license plates in Minnesota:
* Source: Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services Division
Minnesota Vanity License PlateVanity license plates allow vehicle owners to express their individuality, interests, or sentiments by letting them customize their plate numbers. In Minnesota, these personalized plates are typically available for passenger vehicles (including pick-up trucks), motorcycles, and self-propelled recreation vehicles.
You can order a personalized Minnesota license plate in person at any DVS office location across the state or by mailing a completed Application for Special Plates (PS2010) form to:
Driver and Vehicle ServicesThe DVS does not offer any methods for checking plate availability before ordering. Nevertheless, your desired combination should comply with certain guidelines. These include:
The DVS charges a $100 personalization fee for vanity plates – you may also be required to pay additional costs, depending on your vehicle's registration status. Be aware that the DVS also reserves the right to deny a requested personalized plate number combination for any reason. You can contact the division at (651) 297-2126 or (651) 297-3166 for more information on Minnesota personalized plates, including expected fees and an estimated timeline for receiving ordered plates.
Most Popular Minnesota Special Plate NumbersThe most requested specialized plate themes and designs in Minnesota are:
Minnesota License Plate LookupA license plate lookup is a process for researching details about a specific vehicle using its license plate number. This lookup typically provides information like the vehicle's make and model, mileage, accident history, maintenance record, and repossession incidents (license plate lookups may also provide information on a vehicle's owner, but this is usually only accessible to law enforcement officials). Reasons for conducting license plate lookups typically include evaluating used cars before buying them and getting information on other parties involved in a traffic incident or accident.
Even though license plate lookups are typically performed by law enforcement and government agencies, you may still access motor vehicle records available with the Minnesota DVS by submitting a Record Request Form (PS2502) to the division and paying the stipulated fees. The scope of your request will determine these fees. Be aware that the DVS will not release the personal information of another vehicle owner, like their name, phone number, and address, unless you have the person's written authorization or are legally permitted to access this information under the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).
You can also perform reverse license plate searches online via websites like RecordsFinder that offer basic vehicle information at no cost and charge a nominal fee for a more comprehensive report. Note that, as with the DVS, search requests must comply with DDPA regulations.
What Do I Need to Get a License Plate in Minnesota?License plate issuance in Minnesota is handled by the state's Department of Public Safety through its Driver and Vehicle Services Division (DVS). To obtain these plates, you must first register your vehicle with the division - new Minnesota residents must do this within 60 days of moving to the state or until their current out-of-state registration expires, whichever comes first.
You can apply for vehicle registration by visiting any DVS office locations across the state and submitting the following documents:
Be aware that the DVS may request additional documentation depending on your specific circumstance. Registration fees vary by vehicle and are determined by factors like the vehicle type and age. Nevertheless, the DVS has staff available to review your submitted documents and provide an accurate price estimate when you apply for your vehicle registration. The DVS will issue you your Minnesota license plates and registration stickers once it reviews and approves your application. Contact the division at (651) 297-2126 or via email for additional information on its license plate issuance process.
Differences Between a Passenger License Plate and a Commercial License Plate in Minnesota?In Minnesota, commercial vehicles are vehicles or a combination of vehicles used for transporting people and goods that meet any of the following criteria:
On the other hand, the term "passenger vehicles" generally refers to automobiles designed and used to carry less than 15 people, including the driver. Vans and pickup trucks with a nominal rated carrying capacity not exceeding three-fourths of a ton or weighing less than 10,000 pounds and self-propelled RVs are also considered passenger vehicles in Minnesota.
Here are the key differences between the plate types assigned to passenger and commercial vehicles in Minnesota:
| Features | Passenger License Plate | Commercial License Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Use |
|
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| Plate number arrangement |
* specialized and personalized plates may have 2-7 characters |
|
| Design & Color |
Standard plates have the plate number screened in black over reflective graphic design featuring a lake scene with pale blue and white water, a pale blue sky, a green island, trees, and a small green canoe. "EXPLORE Minnesota.com" and "10,000 lakes" are also screened in blue above and below the plate number, respectively. * specialized plates may feature different background designs or include additional logos and features |
Same as passenger plates. May have the vehicle classification screened at the bottom of the license plate instead of "10,000 lakes". |
| Use Limitations | Non-commercial purposes | Business and commercial purposes |
| Requirements for obtaining |
|
Same as passenger license plates. May require additional documentation like IRP registration. |
| Plate type options |
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How to Renew License Plate in MinnesotaMinnesota license plate tabs must be renewed annually – your registration expiration month and year are indicated on these tabs. The DVS typically sends registrants a renewal notice about a month before their registration's expiration date. However, you are responsible for renewing your plates before they expire, regardless of whether or not you receive this renewal notice. You must do this before the last day of the registration expiration month and affix your new and current stickers to your license plate no later than 10 days after this month.
The DVS offers three plate renewal options:
This form should be sent using the envelope enclosed with the renewal notice and should also include a check or money order for your stipulated fees made payable to DVS
Renewal fees vary by vehicle and are typically determined by the plate type and vehicle class. You will receive your new tabs on the same day for in-person renewals, while mail-in and online renewals are typically processed within 10 days. However, if you do not receive your new tabs after two weeks, contact the DVS online to report this. You will be emailed a verification letter that can be used as proof of registration renewal until the issue is sorted and your tabs are delivered.
How to Transfer a License Plate in MinnesotaIn Minnesota, license plates are typically linked to a particular vehicle and cannot be transferred from one vehicle to the other. Notwithstanding this, the DVS makes exemptions for specialized and personalized plates - you may transfer these types of plates between vehicles you own or to another individual. However, you must duly inform the DVS before doing this and also meet the following requirements:
Be aware that you will need to get regular plates for the vehicle that had the specialized or personalized plates unless it's no longer registered in Minnesota. Transfer fees are determined by the circumstances surrounding your situation. For example, if you wish to transfer personalized plates to a vehicle with a different weight class, you must get new plates made and pay associated costs.
Call the DVS at (651) 297-3166 for situation-specific information on the costs and requirements for transferring specialized and personalized Minnesota license plates.
Minnesota License Plate Lookup Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Minnesota strictly adheres to the provisions of the Driver's Privacy Protection Act, which stipulates specific instances where a motor vehicle registrant's personal information may be disclosed. Per this act, a vehicle owner's name, birth date, address, contact information, and driver's license number can only be shared with law enforcement, courts, and specific authorized individuals or organizations, like towing companies, insurance companies, and licensed private investigators or security service agencies.
Therefore, you can only find a Minnesota vehicle owner using a license plate lookup if you have a DDPA-exempted reason for doing so. However, you can access public records on over 269 million registered vehicles nationwide through websites like RecordsFinder using a license plate number or VIN.
You can replace your lost or damaged Minnesota license plates by visiting a DVS office near you. You will be required to complete an Application for Duplicate Plates and/or Stickers and provide some basic information on your vehicle, like its VIN and license plate number. You will also need to provide a valid state-issued ID and pay a replacement fee – it is advisable to contact the DVS at (651) 297-2126 to determine this fee before heading to their office.
Minnesota State Patrol troopers and other law enforcement officials can view the following information when they run a vehicle's license plates:
License plate searches are handy for evaluating a vehicle's history. Many people use free license plate searches when purchasing used cars to confirm that they aren't being sold with a cloned VIN and check details like the car's make and model, year, engine type, tank size, body style, and price.
You can utilize websites like RecordsFinder to conduct license plate searches on Minnesota vehicles. Note that search results will not include the vehicle owner's personal details or any other information that violates the Driver's Privacy Protection Act.
You have to renew your Minnesota vehicle registration and tabs annually to maintain the validity of your license plates. Your tabs (the stickers attached to the left and right lower corners of your license plates) indicate your registration expiration month and year. You must renew this registration by the last day of the month indicated on these tabs and attach your new tabs (issued after the renewal) to your license plate within 10 days from the end of your registration month.
Driving a vehicle with expired registration or without displaying current tabs on your license plates is considered a petty misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $300. The DVS may also charge you a separate administrative penalty when you renew your registration after its expiration date.
Minnesota does not require vehicle owners to return their license plates. However, it is advisable to return these plates to a DVS office near you or destroy and recycle them if you no longer intend to use them.
Be aware that there are certain situations where you may have to surrender your license plates to law enforcement authorities. These situations, known as license plate impoundments, typically involve offenses related to driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving with a revoked or suspended license.
The Minnesota DVS does not mandate vehicle owners to return their plates when they relocate out of state. Nonetheless, you can submit them at a DVS office before your move, or you can either keep or dispose of them yourself. If you decide to dispose of the plates, ensure you properly destroy them before doing so.
Minnesota utilizes the standardized 12-inch by 6-inch dimension adopted for passenger plates across the US. However, it is currently the only state that uses 7 3/16 inches by 4 3â„16 inches plates for motorcycles (other states use 7 inches by 4 inches measurements for these vehicles).
The Minnesota DVS issues temporary permits to vehicle owners for specific situations with varying validity periods. These include:
Be aware that driving with expired temporary tags is against the law. You must either renew these tags (where applicable) or get your permanent registration and license plates.
You can renew your Minnesota license plates by taking these steps:
You must request duplicate plates from the Minnesota DVS if your license plates or tabs get lost or stolen. You can make this request in person at any DVS office location, where you will be required to complete an Application for Duplicate Plates and/or Stickers. Be aware that you will need to provide information like the license plate number and VIN; you will also have to provide a valid state-issued ID and pay a stipulated fee. This fee is usually determined by the plate type and specific circumstances surrounding the replacement request. However, you can call (651) 297-2126 beforehand to determine your expected fees and get assistance completing the application form.