Expired Registration in Minnesota
Motor vehicle registration in Minnesota is a requisite under state law for all vehicles operated on public streets and highways. Vehicle registration is administered by the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), a division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, while the Minnesota State Patrol implements registration laws throughout the state.
State Code Provisions in Minnesota
Chapter 168 of the Minnesota Statutes, titled "Vehicle Registration, Taxation, Sale," establishes Minnesota's vehicle registration framework. This comprehensive statutory chapter governs all aspects of motor vehicle registration, taxation procedures, enforcement mechanisms, and penalties for non-compliance.
Registration Terms and Expiration in Minnesota
Registration Renewal System
Minnesota operates an annual registration system for most motor vehicles. Vehicle registrations (tabs) expire each year on the last day of the month displayed on the vehicle's license plate, as specified in Minnesota Statutes Section 168.014. Unlike states that use birthday-based systems, Minnesota assigns expiration months that are indicated directly on the vehicle's registration tab.
Standard Vehicle Registration:
| Registration Period | Expiration Date | Renewal Period |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Registration | Last day of the month shown on plate | Up to 6 months before expiration |
Example: If a vehicle displays a registration tab showing "08" (August), the registration expires on August 31 at midnight. The owner may renew beginning February 1 (6 months before expiration).
Display Requirements and Grace Period
According to Minnesota Statutes Section 168.09, Subdivision 4, vehicles registered under the monthly series system must display newly issued plates and insignia within ten days of the first day of the month that commences the registration period.
Important Distinction: Minnesota provides a 10-day grace period for displaying newly issued plates or tabs after renewal payment has been completed. However, this grace period applies ONLY to the physical display of new registration materials after renewal—it does NOT extend the expiration date of registration.
Minnesota does not provide a grace period for expired registration. Once registration expires, vehicles may not be operated on public roads. Vehicle owners must renew registration before the expiration date to maintain legal operation privileges.
Special Vehicle Categories
Commercial Vehicles Under International Registration Plan (IRP):
Commercial vehicles registered under Section 168.187 operate on a different schedule, with registrations running from March 1 through the last day of February. Plates or insignia for these vehicles must be displayed no later than 12:01 a.m. on March 2 of the registration year.
Heavy Commercial Vehicles:
Self-propelled commercial vehicles registered for over 27,000 pounds follow specific display requirements under Section 168.09, Subdivision 3, with registration years running from March 1 to the last day of February.
Penalties for Expired Registration in Minnesota
Administrative Penalties
No Administrative Late Fee for Renewal:
Minnesota does not impose a separate administrative late fee when vehicle owners renew expired registrations at DVS offices. Vehicle owners may renew expired registrations without paying additional late penalties beyond the standard registration tax.
However, vehicle owners who operate vehicles with expired registration remain subject to criminal traffic violation penalties as described below.
Traffic Violations
Operating a motor vehicle with expired registration on Minnesota's public roads constitutes a violation under state law.
Criminal Classification:
Under Minnesota Statutes Section 168.36, Subdivision 1, any person who operates a motor vehicle in violation of Chapter 168 provisions—including operation with expired registration—is guilty of a misdemeanor.
According to Minnesota Statutes Section 609.02, Subdivision 3, a misdemeanor is defined as a crime for which a sentence of not more than 90 days imprisonment or a fine of not more than $1,000, or both, may be imposed.
Penalties for Operating with Expired Registration:
| Violation | Classification | Maximum Fine | Maximum Jail Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating with expired registration | Misdemeanor | $1,000 | 90 days |
Typical Fine Amounts:
While the statutory maximum fine is $1,000, courts typically impose fines in the range of $100 to $300 for expired registration violations, depending on jurisdiction and circumstances. However, judges retain discretion to impose penalties up to the statutory maximum.
Government Agencies
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS)
445 Minnesota St.
St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 297-2126
Official Website: Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
Minnesota State Patrol
445 Minnesota St.
St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 201-7100
Official Website: Minnesota State Patrol
