Minnesota law requires that motor vehicle owners must register their vehicle with the Minnesota Division of Driver and Vehicle Services before taking it on the road. Both new and second-hand vehicles must be registered, regardless of whether they are purchased from a dealer or an individual. In addition, new Minnesota residents who have registered their vehicle in another state must register their vehicle in Minnesota. The initial vehicle registration must be done in person, and registration renewals must be done annually, either in person, online or by mail.

You must register a vehicle within 10 days of purchasing it. New residents must register within 60 days.

INITIAL REGISTRATION

If you are registering a motor vehicle in Minnesota for the first time, you must complete the following steps:

1. Complete an Application for Title/Registration.
2. Visit your DVS office, and bring the completed title/registration form with you. In addition, you will need to provide proof of insurance, and the odometer reading, if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
3. For vehicles that have been registered in another state, you must also bring the original, out-of-state title. If the title is unavailable, bring the registration document, along with proof of sales tax payment.
4. Emission testing is not carried out in Minnesota so you will not need to have your vehicle tested.

REGISTRATION FEES

When registering your vehicle at the DVS office, you will be required to pay certain fees, typically as follows:

1. The registration fee, which varies depending on the manufacturer's model year or the vehicle's total weight. Check the correct amount with the DVS office.
2. Title application fee, which can be found out from the DVS office.

There may be additional fees when you register, depending on your county. Contact the DVS office for the specific requirements.

RENEWING YOUR VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Owners of motor vehicles in Minnesota are required to renew their vehicle registration annually, and can do so in person, online or by mail. See our Registration Renewal section for complete details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• If you are a non-resident active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces or a non-resident full-time student attending a Minnesota college or university, you are not exempted from titling or registering your vehicle.
• The process for registering a motorcycle is generally the same as a car registration; however, there are different procedures for boat registration and custom car registration.
• Auto Insurance is needed to legally operate all vehicles in Minnesota.
• See also Renewing Your Vehicle Registration.
• See also Title Transfers and Car Insurance.