How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Minnesota in 2026
Minnesota provides an online system for reporting vehicle sales, donations, and removals from the state, which effectively cancels the seller's registration responsibility. Completing the online report releases the seller from further responsibility for the vehicle's registration; however, it does not constitute the buyer’s formal transfer of the title to the new owner.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division oversees vehicle registration transactions throughout the state. Additional cancellation methods are available through deputy registrar offices and mail-in procedures for other circumstances.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
Multiple situations require terminating your Minnesota vehicle registration:
- Completing a sale transaction to a private buyer or automotive dealer
- Donating your vehicle to charitable organizations or family members
- Moving your permanent residence to another state and removing the vehicle
- Finishing a vehicle lease and returning the unit to the lessor
- Disposing of your vehicle through salvage or scrap facilities
- The insurance carrier determines your vehicle as a total loss
- Filing a theft report for your vehicle without subsequent recovery
- Placing your vehicle in extended storage without maintaining the required insurance
- Transferring vehicle ownership through estate proceedings
- Removing your vehicle from operational service permanently
- Driver's license revoked or suspended for medical reasons
- Death of the registered vehicle owner
Cancellation Process
Minnesota handles vehicle registration cancellation through multiple methods, depending on the reason for cancellation. Online reporting is available for vehicles sold, donated, or removed from the state. Other cancellation circumstances require processing through deputy registrar offices or mail-in procedures.
Online Sale Reporting
The DVS provides an online system specifically for reporting vehicles that have been sold, donated, or permanently removed from Minnesota. This is the recommended method for sellers to protect themselves from liability after transferring ownership.
Access the DVS Online Services portal. The service is available 24 hours a day.
Required Information:
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- License plate number
- Date of sale, donation, or removal from state
- Buyer's name and address (for sales and donations)
- Valid email address for confirmation receipt
Processing Steps:
Complete the online vehicle sale report through the DVS portal. The system generates a confirmation receipt upon successful submission. Save this confirmation for your records as proof that you reported the transfer of ownership.
Reporting the sale online protects you from liability for parking tickets, traffic violations, or other issues that may occur after you transfer the vehicle. While this does not formally cancel your registration, it notifies DVS that you are no longer the responsible party for the vehicle.
License Plate Handling:
Minnesota law does not mandate the physical return of license plates to DVS when selling your vehicle. You may retain plates, transfer them to another vehicle you own, destroy them to prevent misuse, or recycle them if your local recycling facility accepts metal plates. If you choose to destroy plates, cut them or bend them substantially before discarding.
For refund claims involving destroyed or total loss vehicles, plates and registration stickers must be surrendered to establish eligibility for unused registration tax refunds.
In-Person Cancellation at Deputy Registrar Offices
Visit any Deputy Registrar office throughout Minnesota to request registration cancellation for circumstances not covered by online sale reporting. Deputy Registrars are independently operated offices authorized to perform DVS transactions.
Required Documentation:
- Current vehicle registration certificate
- Valid Minnesota driver's license or identification card
- Vehicle title or title application paperwork
- Proof supporting cancellation reason (out-of-state registration, lease return paperwork, insurance total loss letter, etc.)
Processing Steps:
Present the required documentation to the Deputy Registrar's office staff. They will verify your identity and review supporting documents for the cancellation request. The office processes the cancellation and may provide written confirmation of the transaction.
For registrations being canceled to claim a registration tax refund, inform the staff at the time of your visit. Refund applications require additional documentation as described in the Refund section below.
Mail-In Cancellation
Submit written cancellation requests by mail to Driver and Vehicle Services with appropriate documentation supporting the cancellation basis.
Mailing Address:
Driver and Vehicle Services
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 190
Saint Paul, MN 55101-5190
Required Documentation:
- Written statement requesting registration cancellation
- Copy of current registration certificate
- Copy of valid identification
- Supporting documentation explaining the cancellation reason
- Completed Claim for Motor Vehicle Refund form (Form PS2511) if seeking registration tax refund
DVS processes mail-in cancellations and refund claims within approximately 4-6 weeks of receipt. Approved refunds are issued by check to the address on file with DVS.
Refund of Registration Fees
Minnesota regulations under Minnesota Statutes Section 168.16 authorize refunds of vehicle registration tax under specific circumstances. Refund eligibility depends on the reason for cancellation and timing relative to the registration period.
Refund Eligibility
DVS evaluates refund claims based on statutory requirements and documentation submitted:
Error-Based Refunds: Refunds are issued for errors in computing registration tax or fees, or when an owner mistakenly registered a vehicle not subject to Minnesota registration tax during that period. Claims for error-based refunds must be filed within 3 1/2 years from the payment date.
Vehicle Destroyed or Sold to Government: Owners are entitled to refunds of unused registration tax when their vehicle is:
- Declared by an insurance company as permanently destroyed due to accident, fire, or natural disaster
- Sold to the federal government, state government, or a political subdivision
The refund equals the remaining registration tax for the months remaining in the registration period after the month when the plates and the registration certificate were returned to DVS. Plates, stickers, and titles must accompany the refund claim.
Non-Refundable Fees: The following are not refundable: duplicate plate fees, registration on worn-out vehicles, and filing fees authorized by Minnesota Statutes for each deputy registrar transaction.
Refund Application Process
Step 1: Gather Required Documentation
Collect all documentation supporting your refund claim before submitting the application. Requirements vary based on refund type:
- For destroyed vehicles: Insurance company determination letter, plates, stickers, registration certificate
- For government sales: Bill of sale to government entity, plates, stickers, registration certificate
- For registration errors: Original registration documents, proof of error, and any overpayment receipts
Step 2: Complete Refund Form
Obtain and complete the Claim for Motor Vehicle Refund (Form PS2511). This form is available from the DVS or Deputy Registrar offices. Provide:
- Vehicle identification number and license plate number
- Registration dates and fees paid
- Detailed explanation of the refund basis
- Current mailing address for refund check
Step 3: Submit Application
Mail your completed Claim for Motor Vehicle Refund form with all supporting documentation to:
Driver and Vehicle Services
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 190
Saint Paul, MN 55101-5190
Alternatively, submit the refund application in person at any deputy registrar's office.
Step 4: DVS Processing
DVS reviews submitted refund claims for eligibility under Minnesota Statutes. Processing typically requires 4-6 weeks from the receipt date. Approved refunds are issued by check and mailed to the address provided on your application. The appropriation for refunds comes from the fund or account in the state treasury where the original registration tax was deposited.
Governing Laws and Regulations
Minnesota vehicle registration cancellation procedures are established through state statutes:
- Minnesota Statutes Chapter 168 establishes comprehensive vehicle registration, taxation, and licensing requirements administered by the Department of Public Safety
- Minnesota Statutes Section 168.16 authorizes registration tax refunds for errors, destroyed vehicles, government sales, and establishes refund procedures and appropriations
Government Agencies
Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Driver and Vehicle Services
Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Driver and Vehicle Services Division
445 Minnesota Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 297-3298
Official Website: Minnesota Department of Public Safety - DVS
Online Services Portal:
Minnesota DVS Online Services
Deputy Registrar Offices in Major Cities
Deputy Registrar offices operate independently throughout Minnesota to provide vehicle registration and driver's license services. The following locations serve major metropolitan areas:
Minneapolis Deputy Registrar Office
300 S 6th St Ste A025, Minneapolis MN 55407
Phone: (612) 348-8240
Official Website: Minnesota DVS Locations
St. Paul Deputy Registrar Office
800 Transfer Road Ste 30, Saint Paul, MN 55114
Phone: (651) 292-9791
Official Website: Minnesota DVS Locations
Rochester II Deputy Registrar Office
1706 37th Street Northwest, Rochester, MN 55901
Phone: (507) 281-4746
Official Website: Minnesota DVS Locations
Duluth Deputy Registrar Office
6630 Grand Ave Ste 101, Duluth, MN 55807
Phone: (218) 624-0736
Official Website: Minnesota DVS Locations
Richfield Deputy Registrar Office
6700 Portland Ave, Richfield, MN 55423
Phone: (612) 861-9730
Official Website: Minnesota DVS Locations
Brooklyn Park Deputy Registrar Office
5200 85th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Phone: (763) 488-6366
Official Website: Minnesota DVS Locations
Plymouth - West Metro Exam Station Deputy Registrar Office
2455 Fernbrook Lane North, Plymouth, MN 55447
Phone: (651) 201-7900
Official Website: Minnesota DVS Locations
Woodbury Deputy Registrar Office
1261 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125
Phone: (651) 275-8600
Official Website: Minnesota DVS Locations
St. Cloud Deputy Registrar Office
705 Courthouse Sq., Saint Cloud, MN 56303
Phone: (320) 656-6540
Official Website: Minnesota DVS Locations
Mankato Deputy Registrar Office
410 South Front Street, Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: (507) 304-4340
Official Website: Minnesota DVS Locations
