How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Minnesota From Out of State
Establishing vehicle registration in Minnesota from another jurisdiction requires adherence to procedures administered by the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services. Individuals establishing Minnesota residency must complete vehicle registration within 60 days of relocating to the state. The registration process encompasses payment of various fees, certificate of title charges, registration taxes, and applicable motor vehicle sales taxes processed through the Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services and county deputy registrar offices throughout Minnesota.
Base Registration and Title Fees
The financial obligations associated with registering an out-of-state vehicle in Minnesota include registration taxes calculated based on vehicle value and age, certificate of title processing charges, plate fees, and technology surcharges. The Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services fee schedule establishes comprehensive pricing for all motor vehicle transactions administered throughout the state.
Standard State Fees
Minnesota calculates registration taxes using the vehicle's base value as determined by the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and applying depreciation factors based on vehicle age. Registration taxes apply to passenger automobiles, pickup trucks, and vans, while other vehicle classifications utilize different fee structures. The registration tax calculation methodology applies statutory depreciation percentages to establish annual registration costs.
Passenger Vehicle Registration Tax Structure:
Minnesota assesses registration taxes based on the depreciated base value of passenger vehicles. The base value equals the manufacturer's suggested retail price, which decreases by 10% after the first year and an additional 10% of the original base value for each subsequent year until reaching the minimum taxation threshold.
Passenger Automobiles and Hearses
| Vehicle Age | Depreciation Applied to MSRP | Registration Tax Formula |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | 100% of MSRP | $10 + (MSRP × 1.575%* × 100%) |
| 2nd year | 95% of MSRP | $10 + (MSRP × 1.575%* × 95%) |
| 3rd year | 90% of MSRP | $10 + (MSRP × 1.575%* × 90%) |
| 4th year | 80% of MSRP | $10 + (MSRP × 1.575%* × 80%) |
| 5th year | 70% of MSRP | $10 + (MSRP × 1.575%* × 70%) |
| 6th year | 60% of MSRP | $10 + (MSRP × 1.575%* × 60%) |
| 7th year | 50% of MSRP | $10 + (MSRP × 1.575%* × 50%) |
| 8th year | 40% of MSRP | $10 + (MSRP × 1.575%* × 40%) |
| 9th year | 25% of MSRP | $10 + (MSRP × 1.575%* × 25%) |
| 10th year | 10% of MSRP | $10 + (MSRP × 1.575%* × 10%) |
| 11th+ year | Fixed amount | $20.00 flat fee |
*Note: 1.54% rate applies to vehicles initially registered before November 16, 2020
Commercial Trucks and Tractors (Minnesota Base Rate Schedule)
| Gross Weight Range (lbs) | Annual Tax | Age Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 1,500 | $15.00 | Years 1-8: 100% of base rate |
| 1,501 - 3,000 | $20.00 | Years 9+: 75% of base rate |
| 3,001 - 4,500 | $25.00 | Minimum tax: $120.00 |
| 4,501 - 6,000 | $35.00 | |
| 6,001 - 10,000 | $45.00 | |
| 10,001 - 12,000 | $70.00 | |
| 12,001 - 15,000 | $105.00 | |
| 15,001 - 18,000 | $145.00 | |
| 18,001 - 21,000 | $190.00 | |
| 21,001 - 26,000 | $270.00 | |
| 26,001 - 33,000 | $360.00 | |
| 33,001 - 39,000 | $475.00 | |
| 39,001 - 45,000 | $595.00 | |
| 45,001 - 51,000 | $715.00 | |
| 51,001 - 57,000 | $865.00 | |
| 57,001 - 63,000 | $1,015.00 | |
| 63,001 - 69,000 | $1,185.00 | |
| 69,001 - 73,280 | $1,325.00 | |
| 73,281 - 78,000 | $1,595.00** | |
| 78,001 - 80,000 | $1,760.00** | |
| Over 80,000 | Add $50.00 per ton or fraction above 80,000 lbs |
**For vehicles with 6 or more axles: $1,520.00 (73,281-78,000 lbs) and $1,620.00 (78,001-80,000 lbs)
Farm Trucks
| Gross Weight Range | Tax Calculation (Years 1-8) | Tax Calculation (Years 9+) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 57,000 lbs | 45% of Minnesota base rate (minimum $35.00) | 27% of Minnesota base rate (minimum $21.00) |
| Over 57,000 lbs | 60% of Minnesota base rate | 36% of Minnesota base rate |
Trailers
| Trailer Type | Gross Weight | Registration Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Standard trailers | 3,001 - 15,000 lbs | 30% of Minnesota base rate (annual) |
| Standard trailers | Over 15,000 lbs | 100% of base rate (years 1-8); 75% (years 9+) |
| Small trailers (optional 3-year) | 3,001 - 7,200 lbs | 90% of Minnesota base rate (triennial) |
| Lightweight trailers | 3,000 lbs or less | $55.00 (one-time, new registration) |
| Lightweight trailers (existing) | 3,000 lbs or less | $25.00 (permanent registration option) |
| Farm trailers | Over 10,000 lbs | Taxed as farm trucks per subdivision 1c |
Intercity Buses (First Two Years)
| Gross Weight Range (lbs) | Annual Tax |
|---|---|
| Under 6,000 | $125.00 |
| 6,000 - 8,000 | $125.00 |
| 8,001 - 10,000 | $125.00 |
| 10,001 - 12,000 | $150.00 |
| 12,001 - 14,000 | $190.00 |
| 14,001 - 16,000 | $210.00 |
| 16,001 - 18,000 | $225.00 |
| 18,001 - 20,000 | $260.00 |
| 20,001 - 22,000 | $300.00 |
| 22,001 - 24,000 | $350.00 |
| 24,001 - 26,000 | $400.00 |
| 26,001 - 28,000 | $450.00 |
| 28,001 - 30,000 | $500.00 |
| 30,001 and over | $550.00 |
Age Adjustments for Intercity Buses:
- Years 3-4: 75% of scheduled tax
- Year 5: 50% of scheduled tax
- Year 6: 37.5% of scheduled tax
- Years 7+: 25% of scheduled tax
- Minimum: $175.00 (over 25 passengers) or $125.00 (25 or fewer passengers)
Other Buses and Commuter Vans (Years 1-3)
| Gross Weight Range (lbs) | Annual Tax Calculation |
|---|---|
| 6,000 or less | $25.00 |
| 6,001 - 8,000 | $25.00 + $5.00 per ton over 6,000 lbs |
| 8,001 - 20,000 | $30.00 + $10.00 per ton over 8,000 lbs |
| 20,001 - 24,000 | $90.00 + $15.00 per ton over 20,000 lbs |
| 24,001 - 28,000 | $120.00 + $25.00 per ton over 24,000 lbs |
| Over 28,000 | $170.00 + $30.00 per ton over 28,000 lbs |
Years 4 and beyond: 80% of scheduled tax (minimum $20.00)
Intracity buses (common carriers within cities): $2.00 per year
Recreational Vehicles
| Vehicle Type | Registration Tax |
|---|---|
| Self-propelled RVs | Minnesota base rate schedule (minimum $20.00) |
| Self-propelled RVs (years 9+) | 75% of Minnesota base rate |
| Towed RVs (annual option) | 30% of Minnesota base rate (minimum $5.00) |
| Towed RVs (triennial option) | 90% of Minnesota base rate × 3 (minimum $15.00) |
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Surcharges
| Vehicle Type | Surcharge Calculation | Minimum Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Battery electric vehicles | Greater of: (MSRP × 0.5% × depreciation %) OR minimum | $150 (Jan 1, 2026 - Jun 30, 2027) $100 (Jul 1, 2027+) |
| Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles | Greater of: (MSRP × 0.25% × depreciation %) OR minimum | $75 (Jan 1, 2026 - Jun 30, 2027) $50 (Jul 1, 2027+) |
Depreciation percentages follow passenger automobile schedule (100% year 1 through 10% year 10+)
Other Vehicle Classifications
| Vehicle Type | Annual Tax |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | $10.00 (includes surtax) |
| Motorized bicycles | $6.00 (includes surtax) |
| Concrete pumps and street-sweeping vehicles | 15% of Minnesota base rate |
| School buses | $25.00 (vehicles used exclusively for student transportation) |
Additional Registration Components:
- Plate filing fee: $8.00
- Technology surcharge: $2.25
- Deputy registrar service fee: varies by office
- Filing fee: $8.00
- Passenger vehicle plate fees (double plate): $15.50
- Personalized plate fee: $100.00
- Motorcycle/moped plate fee: $13.50
- Trailer plate fee: $13.50
- Trailer lifetime adhesive sticker: $2.50
- Truck plate fees (double plate): $15.50
Title Fees
Minnesota requires certificates of title for all motor vehicles.
Certificate of Title Fee Schedule:
| Transaction Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing fee | $12.00 |
| Technology surcharge | $2.25 |
| Local office surcharge | $1.00 |
| Title fee | $8.25 |
| Wheelage tax | Varies by county |
| Expedited processing | $20.00 |
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
Minnesota assesses motor vehicle sales tax on vehicle purchases and transfers administered by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The tax obligation applies to vehicles purchased from dealers and private parties, with collection occurring at the time of registration application through Driver and Vehicle Services.
State Sales Tax
Minnesota imposes a motor vehicle sales tax at a rate of 6.875% of the purchase price for most vehicle transactions. Complete taxation requirements are detailed through the Vehicle Sales Tax information.
Vehicle purchasers who paid sales tax in another state may receive credit toward Minnesota's motor vehicle sales tax obligation. The credit equals the amount of sales tax paid to the previous state, reducing the Minnesota tax liability by the amount previously remitted.
Local Sales Taxes
Certain Minnesota counties and municipalities impose additional local sales taxes on motor vehicle purchases beyond the state-imposed 6.875% rate. Local option sales taxes vary by jurisdiction and may range from 0.375% to 1.50%.
Vehicle purchasers should verify applicable local tax rates through the county deputy registrar's office where registration will be completed, as local taxes apply based on the location where the vehicle will be primarily kept and garaged.
Salvage and Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection
Vehicles bearing salvage title designations or reconstructed from salvage classification require specialized inspection conducted by the Minnesota State Patrol Vehicle Inspections Unit before receiving rebuilt title status. The salvage inspection verifies proper vehicle identification, confirms legitimate component sources, and ensures compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards before registration authorization.
Salvage Vehicle Inspection Fee Structure:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Salvage vehicle inspection | $35.00 |
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 190, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 297-2126
Official Website: Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
The Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services operates as a division within the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and maintains regulatory authority over all vehicle titling, registration, and driver licensing operations throughout Minnesota. Driver and Vehicle Services processes certificate of title applications, maintains vehicle ownership records, administers registration tax collection, and coordinates with county deputy registrar offices for transaction processing and customer service delivery.
Minnesota Vehicle Licensing Offices
Minnesota delivers vehicle registration services through county deputy registrar offices and Driver and Vehicle Services exam stations distributed across all Minnesota counties. The deputy registrar office directory provides comprehensive location and service availability information. The following offices serve Minnesota's largest population centers:
Hennepin County Downtown Minneapolis Deputy Registrar
250 South 4th Street, Room G5, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: (612) 348-8240
Official Website: Hennepin County Deputy Registrar
Ramsey County Saint Paul Deputy Registrar
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 190, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 266-8500
Official Website: Ramsey County Deputy Registrar
Dakota County Burnsville Deputy Registrar
14955 Galaxie Avenue, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Phone: (952) 891-7850
Official Website: Dakota County Deputy Registrar
Anoka County Coon Rapids Deputy Registrar
2100 3rd Avenue, Anoka, MN 55303
Phone: (763) 324-4000
Official Website: Anoka County Deputy Registrar
Washington County Woodbury Deputy Registrar
14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-6175
Official Website: Washington County Deputy Registrar
Scott County Shakopee Deputy Registrar
200 4th Avenue West, Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone: (952) 496-8432
Official Website: Scott County Deputy Registrar
Saint Louis County Duluth Deputy Registrar
501 West 2nd Street, Suite 200, Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: (218) 279-2520
Official Website: Saint Louis County Deputy Registrar
Stearns County Saint Cloud Deputy Registrar
3025 2nd Street South, Saint Cloud, MN 56301
Phone: (320) 656-6540
Official Website: Stearns County Deputy Registrar
Olmsted County Rochester Deputy Registrar
151 4th Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Phone: (507) 328-6000
Official Website: Olmsted County Deputy Registrar
Wright County Buffalo Deputy Registrar
3650 Braddock Avenue NE, Suite 1400, Buffalo, MN 55313
Phone: (763) 682-7597
Official Website: Wright County Deputy Registrar
