Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Minnesota in 2025
Minnesota law mandates motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 65B, the Minnesota No-Fault Automobile Insurance Act, financial responsibility must be established before a vehicle may be registered or operated in the state. The requirement applies to both initial registration and annual registration renewal.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
Minnesota Statute 65B.48 establishes that every owner of a motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in Minnesota must maintain a plan of reparation security during the period in which operation or use is contemplated. This security must ensure against loss resulting from liability imposed by law for injury and property damage sustained by any person arising out of the ownership, maintenance, operation, or use of the vehicle. Motor vehicle liability insurance represents the most common method of establishing financial responsibility.
The Driver and Vehicle Services division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety administers vehicle registration throughout the state. The division maintains offices in communities across Minnesota and processes registration applications, renewals, and transfers. Insurance verification occurs as part of the registration process to ensure compliance with financial responsibility requirements.
Minnesota Statute 169.791 requires every driver to have proof of insurance in possession at all times when operating a vehicle and to produce it on demand of a peace officer. Operating a vehicle without established financial responsibility constitutes a misdemeanor violation of Minnesota law and may result in suspension of driving privileges and vehicle registration.
Driver and Vehicle Services
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 195, Town Square Building, Saint Paul, MN 55101-5190
Phone: (651) 297-2126
Official Website: Driver and Vehicle Services
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
Minnesota Statute 65B.49 establishes minimum coverage amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance. The Minnesota Department of Commerce regulates insurance companies and guides coverage requirements. Minnesota requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury or death of one person | $30,000 |
| Bodily injury or death of two or more persons | $60,000 total |
| Property damage | $10,000 |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) per person | $40,000 |
Minnesota is a no-fault insurance state, meaning all motor vehicle insurance policies must include Personal Injury Protection coverage in addition to liability coverage. The minimum PIP coverage of $40,000 consists of $20,000 for medical expenses and $20,000 for non-medical expenses such as wage loss and replacement services. Minnesota law also requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Minnesota Department of Commerce
85 7th Place East, Suite 280, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 539-1500
Official Website: Minnesota Department of Commerce
Proof of Insurance Documents
In Minnesota, you must carry proof of motor vehicle liability insurance at all times while operating a motor vehicle. The following formats are accepted:
- Insurance ID Card (Paper): The traditional printed insurance card provided by your insurance company shows your policy information and coverage details.
- Digital Insurance Card (Electronic): Minnesota accepts electronic proof of insurance on your smartphone or mobile device. You can display your insurance information from your insurance company's mobile app or as a stored digital document. Using an electronic device to display proof of insurance does not constitute consent for a peace officer to access other contents of the device.
- Full Insurance Policy: The complete insurance policy document.
- Declaration Page: The declaration page from your policy that summarizes your coverage.
- Written Statement: A written statement by a licensed insurance agent stating the name and address of the insured, vehicle identification number, that the required security has been provided, and the dates of coverage.
Exceptions to Insurance Requirements
Limited exceptions to the financial responsibility requirement exist under Minnesota law:
- Commercial Vehicles: Commercial vehicles required to file proof of insurance pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 221 are exempt from certain provisions.
- School Buses: School buses, as defined in Minnesota law, have specific exemption provisions.
- Metropolitan Council Buses: Buses or other commercial vehicles operated by the Metropolitan Council are exempt.
- Self-Insured Entities: The state of Minnesota, state agencies, and political subdivisions may provide security through self-insurance or through purchase of a plan of reparation security.
- Military Vehicles: Active-duty service members may be eligible for certain registration exemptions during periods of active service.
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The Division of Motor Vehicles verifies insurance coverage before processing vehicle registration applications and renewals.
New Minnesota residents registering vehicles from other states must establish Minnesota insurance coverage before registration. New residents have 60 days to register their passenger vehicle, motorcycle, utility trailer, or house trailer. Out-of-state insurance policies do not satisfy Minnesota registration requirements.
Vehicles registered with a gross weight of less than 55,000 pounds are eligible for online renewal, including passenger vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, trailers, and commercial vehicles. To renew online, you must provide your current insurance information, including the company name, policy number, and expiration date.
