Motorists must replace a lost car registration in Minnesota as soon as the original credential sustains damages, becomes illegible or becomes lost, as this document serves as proof of their eligibility to operate the vehicle on public roadways. Without a copy of vehicle registration credentials on them when they operate a motor vehicle or without valid month and year tabs on their license plates, motorists may face penalty fees if a police officer pulls them over for any reason.

To replace car registration materials in Minnesota, vehicle owners may apply in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) Deputy Registrar Office under the State Department of Public Safety (DPS), or they may submit a request by mail. However, customers must also complete an application, depending on whether they wish to replace their registration card and/or tabs. To learn more about replacing registration materials such as these, review the information below.

When do you need to get a copy of your vehicle registration in Minnesota?

Motorists must replace Minnesota DMV lost registration materials as soon as possible after they go missing, as this information serves as proof of their eligibility to legally operate a registered motor vehicle in the state. For instance, drivers may need to present their registration card, driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance if a law enforcement official pulls them over for any reason. If motorists do not comply with these rules, a police officer may arrest them.

Furthermore, vehicle owners must also replace their registration materials at any time if they sustain damages, mutilations or become unreadable. If another individual steals their registration card or license plate tabs, they must also apply for duplicate credentials, and they may choose to file a police report as well.

How to Obtain a Replacement Vehicle Registration in Minnesota

To get a DMV copy of registration materials, motorists must complete an application for Duplicate Title, Registration, Cab or Lien Card (PS2067A-18), regardless of whether they wish to apply by mail or in person at a Deputy Registrar Office.

When completing the application for a duplicate card, customers must provide the following information:

  • The registered vehicle’s title number, license plate number, make and model year
  • The registered vehicle’s identification number (VIN)
  • The full name, date of birth, permanent address, signature and driver’s license number of the vehicle owner(s)
  • The application type
    • check the box for registration card
  • A reason for the request, such as stolen, lost, mutilated, not received or destroyed
  • A temporary address and a self-addressed, stamped envelope if customers wish to send the duplicate card to a temporary address

If replacing MN vehicle registration materials that are illegible or mutilated, applicants must attach the damaged credential to their application. Additional information about replacing a registration credential is available in the sections below.

How to Replace a Vehicle Registration by Mail

One popular Minnesota DMV registration replacement method is to submit a request by mail. To apply for a duplicate registration credential by mail, customers must send their application and payment for the applicable fee to the following address:

Driver and Vehicle Services – Central Office

445 Minnesota Street, Suite 187

Saint Paul, MN 55101-5187

How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Person

To complete the MN DMV duplicate registration process in person, customers must visit a local Deputy Registrar Office. To find an office that issues duplicate registration materials, customers may use the Location Search tool under the website of the DPS.

Minnesota Stolen Car Registration Requirements

Stolen or lost car registration papers in MN do not need to be reported to local law enforcement officials, but motorists will protect their identity if they do choose to file a police report after their registration materials go missing.

Minnesota DMV Sticker Replacement

To replace a DMV lost registration sticker in Minnesota, or to order replacement decals that have been damaged, stolen, or defaced, motorists may submit a request in person at any Deputy Registrar Office in the state, or they may apply by mail. However, customers must first complete an Application for Duplicate Plates and/or Stickers (PS2067B-16).

When completing the application, motorists must provide the following:

  • The vehicle’s current registration certificate, unless it has been lost or mutilated, or automobile owners never received this credential from the DVS
  • The vehicle’s identification number (VIN), license plate number, and current date of expiration
  • The vehicle’s model year, make and type
  • The full name, address, driver’s license number and signature of the vehicle owner(s)
  • A reason for the request (such as stolen, destroyed, lost, defective, or never received)
  • The type of credential they wish to replace (check the box for year sticker)
  • A mailing address, as DMV sticker replacements will be sent to this location
  • The date of the request

To find a local office that processes decal replacements, drivers may call 651-297-2005.

If replacing a lost car registration sticker by mail, customers must send their application and payment for the applicable fee to the following address:

Driver and Vehicle Services – Central Office

445 Minnesota Street, Suite 187

Saint Paul, MN 55101-5187

Note: If motorists plan to drive outside of the state of Minnesota, they may keep their current registration card on them as proof of their ability to operate the motor vehicle on public roads, rather than submitting this credential along with their application. However, they must make note of this on the Application for Duplicate Plates and/or Stickers.

Minnesota Vehicle Registration Replacement Fees

To get a copy of car registration cards, motorists must pay a nominal fee. While this fee varies throughout the state, customers may contact the DVS or their closest Deputy Registrar Office to obtain specific payment information.

Moreover, all customers must pay a set filing fee and an additional cost if they wish to replace their license plate stickers as well. These fees include:

  • A $10 filing fee for replacing license plate stickers or registration cards.
  • The DMV replacement sticker fee in MN is $1, but motorists may obtain duplicate decals at no charge if they renew their registration materials but do not receive their new stickers in the mail within 60 days.

If applying by mail, customers must make checks payable to the Driver and Vehicle Services Division.

To learn more about these fees, customers may contact the DVS’ Vehicle Title/Registration telephone number at 651-297-2126. Alternately, those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call 651-282-6555.

Last updated on Monday, March 9 2020.