Minnesota License Plate Lookup /License Plate Cost

How Much Does It Cost to Get a License Plate in Minnesota in 2025?

Factors That Influence the Total License Plate Cost in Minnesota

The cost of obtaining a license plate in Minnesota is influenced by several factors. These factors include the type of vehicle, the type of license plate, and additional fees that may apply. Below are the primary considerations:

Vehicle Type: The cost varies depending on whether the vehicle is a passenger car, truck, motorcycle, or other types of vehicles.
License Plate Type: Standard plates, specialty plates, and personalized plates each have different fee structures.
Registration Fees: These are based on the vehicle's age, weight, and base value.
County Wheelage Tax: Some counties in Minnesota impose a wheelage tax, which can affect the total cost.
Filing Fees: A standard filing fee is applied to all transactions.
Sales Tax: Applicable on the purchase of a new or used vehicle, which indirectly affects the total cost of obtaining a license plate.

Specialty License Plates in Minnesota

Minnesota offers a variety of specialty license plates that cater to different interests and causes. These plates often come with additional fees that support specific programs or organizations. The following are some examples of specialty plates available:

Support Our Troops: An additional $30 contribution is required, which supports military families.
Critical Habitat: Requires a $30 annual contribution to the Reinvest in Minnesota program.
Collegiate Plates: Fees vary depending on the institution, with a portion going to the respective college or university.
Proud to Be a Veteran: Available to veterans, with a one-time $10 fee.

The cost for specialty plates typically includes the standard registration fee plus any additional contributions or fees specific to the plate.

Personalized License Plates in Minnesota

Personalized license plates allow vehicle owners to create custom messages or combinations of letters and numbers. The process and costs associated with obtaining personalized plates are as follows:

Application Fee: A one-time fee of $100 is required for the initial application.
Annual Fee: An additional $15 is charged annually on top of the standard registration fees.
Character Limit: Personalized plates can have up to 7 characters for standard plates and 6 for motorcycle plates.
Approval Process: The requested combination must be approved by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to ensure it is not offensive or already in use.

Minnesota License Plate Renewal Fee

Renewing a license plate in Minnesota involves several fees, which are determined by the type of vehicle and plate. The renewal process includes:

Base Registration Fee: Varies based on the vehicle's age and weight.
Technology Surcharge: A $2.25 fee applied to all renewals.
Filing Fee: A $7 filing fee is required for processing.
Additional Fees: Specialty and personalized plates may incur additional renewal fees.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to renew their plates before the expiration date to avoid late fees and penalties.

Minnesota License Plate Replacements Fee

In the event that a license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement can be obtained. The fees associated with replacing a license plate in Minnesota are as follows:

Replacement Fee: A standard fee of $10 is charged for each plate replaced.
Filing Fee: A $7 filing fee is also required.
Duplicate Registration Card: If needed, a duplicate registration card can be obtained for an additional $1.

Vehicle owners must report lost or stolen plates to local law enforcement before applying for replacements.

How Much Is the Tag Transfer Fee in Minnesota

When transferring a license plate from one vehicle to another, certain fees apply. The tag transfer process includes:

Transfer Fee: A $5 fee is charged for transferring plates between vehicles.
Filing Fee: A $7 filing fee is required for processing the transfer.
Sales Tax: If applicable, sales tax may be charged on the difference in vehicle value.

The transfer of plates is only allowed between vehicles owned by the same individual or entity.

Exemptions and Discounts

Certain exemptions and discounts are available for specific groups and situations in Minnesota. These include:

Disabled Veterans: Eligible veterans may receive free license plates.
Active Military Personnel: Exemptions from certain fees may apply for active-duty military members.
Senior Citizens: Some counties offer reduced wheelage taxes for senior citizens.
Low-Income Individuals: Assistance programs may be available to help cover registration costs for qualifying individuals.

Eligibility for exemptions and discounts is determined by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and may require documentation or proof of status.