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How to Register a Custom or Antique Vehicle in Minnesota

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

Like most other motor vehicles, custom-built and antique vehicles must be properly registered and titled in the state of Minnesota. However, the process of registering an antique or custom-built vehicle is different from registering a regular vehicle. If you have brought an antique or custom-built vehicle into Minnesota for a first time registration, or if you have custom-assembled a vehicle in the State, you will be referred to a Deputy Registrar's Office near you.

WHAT ARE ANTIQUE AND CUSTOM BUILT VEHICLES?

  • In Minnesota, an antique vehicle is defined as any motor vehicle that was manufactured at least thirty years ago and is used as a collector's item. Some other examples include the Classic Vehicles (manufactured on or between 1925 and 1958), the Pioneer vehicles (manufactured before 1936) and Street Rods (manufactured before 1949 or made to look like a model from that period).
  • The State defines a custom-built vehicle as any motor vehicle that has been assembled or completely reconstructed using new or used parts. They are also called reconstructed or rebuilt vehicles. Reconstructed vehicles are registered with the make as "RECONST." The model year will be the year in which the vehicle was built.

HOW TO REGISTER AN ANTIQUE OR CUSTOM BUILT VEHICLE

You can visit a local deputy registrar office near you to register to register your antique or custom-built vehicle. When registering a custom-built or antique vehicle, you must bring the following materials to the office:
  1. A completed Application for Title/and or Register a Motor Vehicle.
  2. The Certificate of Title or manufacturer's certificate of origin, for antique or custom vehicles that have already been titled. If these are not available, you can use a Salvage title.
  3. A completed Affidavit of Construction along with details of alterations and reconstruction conducted on the vehicle.
  4. Bills of Sale for all the parts that were used.
Once all the documents have been verified, the DDVS will send you instructions on how to get the vehicle inspected and what documents to bring along. Note: You can also register your antique or custom-built vehicle by mail. You need to gather all the required paperwork mentioned above and along with the appropriate frame.htm fees, mail it to: 
Driver and Vehicle Services
445 Minnesota St. Suite 168
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101

FEES

When registering an antique or custom-built vehicle, you will be required to pay the appropriate registration and titling fees. Payment can be made in cash, money orders or checks.

RENEWING A CUSTOM-BUILT OR ANTIQUE VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Your custom-built or antique vehicle's registration will clearly indicate when it will expire. The process for renewing the registration on a custom or antique vehicle is the same as renewing the registration on a regular motor vehicle.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION