Register a vehicle in Minnesota

Online or in person

Not for a first registration · In person or by mailDVS says registration renewal can be done online. Its pages do not say a first title and registration can be done online. In person at a deputy registrar office, or mail the completed application to title/register a vehicle to Driver and Vehicle Services with the vehicle fees.

Cost

Several fees, listed separatelyTitle fee $8.25; filing fee $12; technology surcharge $2.25; local office surcharge $1 at a deputy registrar; passenger plates $15.50 for double plates or $13.50 for a single plate. Registration tax and wheelage tax vary: see the DVS fee page.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Current vehicle title, Manufacturers Certificate of Origin or Manufacturers Statement of Origin
     For a vehicle from another U.S. state or jurisdiction. A Minnesota title is issued only when the most current out-of-state title is submitted. The list above is DVS's list for vehicles new to Minnesota. The DVS pages used here do not list the documents for a vehicle bought in Minnesota.
   • Other proof of ownership, if you do not have the title
     DVS says these can be used to register the vehicle. A registration card expired more than one year is not acceptable.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Most recent registration card from a U.S. state or jurisdiction
     • Copy of the out-of-state title, clearly marked "COPY"
     • "Confirmation of Ownership" issued when the bank is holding the physical title
     • Title Application Receipt issued by the titling state
     • Web Dealer Title issued by the titling state
     • Title Summary issued by the titling state
     • Electronic Title Copy
   • Valid identification
     A driver's license, ID card or permit that is current or not expired for more than one year.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Minnesota driver's license, ID card or permit
     • License, ID card or permit from another U.S. state or Washington, D.C.
     • License, ID card or permit from Guam, Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands
     • License, ID card or permit from a Canadian province or territory
     • Any primary document from the Required documents list
   • Insurance information · all that apply
     Name of insurance company, policy number and expiration date of the policy.
   • Current odometer reading · all that apply
   • Name and address of any current lien holders · all that apply
   • If you lease the vehicle
     DVS lists two alternatives. Either a registration card identifying you as lessee plus the application signed by the lessee, or the leasing company's registration card or title copy plus the lessee designation form and the application signed by the leasing company. Items below are part of those lists, not the whole of either.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Application to title/register a vehicle, completed and signed
     • Lessee designation form signed by an authorized agent of the leasing company
   • If the vehicle comes from another country · all that apply
     DVS may require supplementary documents depending on what the forms show.
     Show accepted documents

     • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 7501 or Form 3461
     • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Form 3520
     • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Form HS-7

2. Pick the one that fits you:

   1. Option 1: Register at a deputy registrar office

      You can register your vehicle in person at a deputy registrar office.

      Office search on onlineservices.dps.mn.gov ↗

   2. Option 2: Apply by mail

      You can mail a completed application to title/register a vehicle to Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) with the appropriate vehicle fees.

      Vehicle title and registration for those new to Minnesota ↗

3. Check the fees and estimate your registration tax

   DVS lists a title fee of $8.25, a filing fee of $12 and a technology surcharge of $2.25 with a title transaction, and a $1 local office surcharge at a deputy registrar. A $10 transfer tax applies unless an exception DVS lists covers you, such as a title application in the owner's name listed on the out-of-state title. Passenger plates are $15.50 for double plates; a single plate, $13.50, is only for certain older and collector vehicles. Electric vehicles pay a $150 surcharge and plug-in hybrids $75, or a greater amount based on the vehicle's age and suggested retail price. Wheelage tax varies by county. DVS's tool gives the approximate registration tax due; you can also ask a deputy registrar or email pic.dvs@cx.mn.gov.

   Estimate My Vehicle Registration Tax ↗