Minnesota License Plate Renewal

What Is License Plate Renewal in Minnesota?

License plate renewal in Minnesota refers to the process of renewing the registration of a vehicle with the state's Driver and Vehicle Services Division (DVS) before the current registration expires. This ensures the vehicle remains legally registered to operate on public roads in Minnesota. The renewal process typically involves paying the required registration fees and providing proof of insurance to keep the vehicle's registration current and valid.

Do I Need To Renew My Minnesota License Plate?

Yes, you need to renew your Minnesota license plate.). The renewal of license plates, which means renewing your vehicle registration, is a requirement in Minnesota. You can renew your registration online for most vehicle classes, but some may need to be renewed in person at a deputy registrar's office or through the mail. If you are changing your name, for example, due to marriage or divorce, you must renew your registration in person and provide the appropriate certified documents.

When Do You Need To Renew Your Minnesota License Plate?

Minnesotans need to renew their license plate on an annual basis. The expiration date is printed on the registration card, and renewal notices are mailed out by DVS a few weeks before the expiration date as a reminder.

How To Renew Your License Plate in Minnesota

To renew your Minnesota license plate, you can follow these steps:

• Receive your renewal notice in the mail from DVS with instructions
• Have the following documents ready:
  • Current vehicle registration card
  • Proof of insurance
  • Payment for renewal fees
• Choose one of the following renewal methods:
  • Online at Minnesota DVS Renewal Portal
  • By mail to the address on the renewal notice
  • In-person at a deputy registrar's office

Where To Renew a License Plate in Minnesota?

You can renew your Minnesota license plate:

• Online at the Minnesota DVS Renewal Portal
• By mail to the Driver and Vehicle Services Division address listed on your renewal notice
• In-person at any deputy registrar office - find the nearest location on the state's website or by calling (651) 297-2126

Can I Renew a Minnesota License Plate Online?

Yes, you can renew a Minnesota license plate online. The online renewal service is available for standard passenger class vehicles, including cars and pick-ups under 1 ton. While the process is straightforward, allowing you to renew your vehicle registration through the internet, be aware that all associated fees, such as the replacement plate fee, contributions, tech surcharge, and filing fee, still apply when renewing online. Some services may charge an additional agency fee for processing your online transaction.

What Do You Need To Renew Your License Plate in Minnesota?

To complete your Minnesota license plate renewal, you will need:

• Your current vehicle registration card
• Proof of insurance as required by Minnesota Statutes Section 169.791
• Payment method for the renewal fees

Do You Need Insurance To Renew Plates in Minnesota?

Yes, in Minnesota, you are typically required to have insurance to renew your vehicle's registration and license plates. Here are some key points about insurance requirements for renewing plates in Minnesota:

Proof of insurance must be provided when renewing plates, either by showing an insurance card or by having your insurance company transmit proof of coverage electronically to the state.

Minnesota requires at least basic liability insurance coverage - bodily injury liability of $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident and property damage liability of $10,000.

The insurance policy must be in effect when renewing and continuously while the vehicle is registered in Minnesota.

How Much Is License Plate Renewal in Minnesota?

The cost to renew a license plate/vehicle registration in Minnesota can vary based on several factors:

• Vehicle type (passenger vehicle, truck, motorcycle, etc.)
• Vehicle weight
• Vehicle age
• County where the vehicle is registered

For a typical passenger vehicle/automobile, the current renewal fees in Minnesota are:

• Base registration tax: $35
• Filing fee: $8.25
• Wheelage tax (charged by some counties): $10-$20
• For a standard passenger vehicle-renewal in a county without a wheel tax, the total cost would be around $43.25.

For heavier trucks, trailers, etc., the registration tax is higher based on weight. Older vehicles over ten years old get a reduced registration tax.

Some counties like Hennepin and Ramsey also charge an additional $10 or $20 wheelage tax per year on top of the state fees.

So, in summary, for a regular passenger vehicle, you can expect to pay somewhere between $43-$63 to renew your Minnesota plates each year, depending on your county's fees. The exact amount will be printed on your renewal notice.

Is There a Senior Discount for Minnesota License Plate Renewal?

Yes, Minnesota offers a discounted vehicle registration tax for qualifying seniors age 65 or older. The discounted rate is $10 per year instead of the standard $32.50 annual registration fee. to conduct a free Minnesota license plate lookup. These platforms offer access to past ownership, title information, liens, odometer readings, salvage records, and vehicle history by typing in a plate number.