Car Registration Requirements for New Minnesota Residents
Individuals relocating to Minnesota with a vehicle previously registered in another state must complete the transfer process to obtain Minnesota registration. State law imposes specific obligations on new residents that begin when residency is established through activities such as employment, enrollment in educational institutions, or permanent relocation.
Timeline for New Minnesota Residents
New residents are required to register their passenger vehicle, motorcycle, utility trailer, or house trailer within 60 days of establishing residency.
This deadline applies specifically to vehicles brought into the state when moving from another jurisdiction. Immediate registration is mandatory if the existing registration has already expired or the vehicle is classified as a commercial trailer or truck, regardless of residency duration.
Establishing Minnesota Residency
Legal residency for vehicle registration purposes is established when an individual engages in activities demonstrating permanent or indefinite presence in the state. Minnesota law does not require a specific duration of physical presence; rather, residency is determined by intent and conduct. Relevant factors include obtaining employment within the state, enrolling in educational programs, registering to vote, or filing Minnesota income tax returns.
Required Documentation for Car Registration in Minnesota
Individuals transferring vehicle registration to Minnesota must provide documentation, including proof of identity, vehicle ownership, insurance coverage, and odometer disclosure.
Essential Documents
All applicants must submit the following items:
- Current vehicle title, Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin, or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin from the previous jurisdiction
- Valid identification: Minnesota driver's license, ID card, or permit that is current or expired for less than one year; or equivalent credentials from another U.S. state
- Current odometer reading recorded on the application
- Insurance policy information: name of insurance company, policy number, and expiration date
- Names and addresses of any current lien holders
- Application to Title and Register
Insurance Requirements
Minnesota operates under a no-fault insurance system. All motor vehicle owners must maintain minimum insurance coverage. The following minimum coverage amounts are required:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | $40,000 per person, per accident |
| Bodily Injury Liability | $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident |
| Property Damage Liability | $10,000 per accident |
| Uninsured Motorist Coverage | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Underinsured Motorist Coverage | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
Application Submission Methods
New residents may complete the registration transfer through the following methods:
In-Person Submission: Applications may be submitted at any deputy registrar office throughout Minnesota. Deputy registrar locations provide full-service processing and issue license plates immediately upon completion.
Mail Submission: Completed application forms may be mailed to Driver and Vehicle Services with all required documentation and appropriate fees. Processing time for mail applications varies based on application volume.
Registration Fees and Costs in Minnesota
Minnesota calculates registration tax for passenger vehicles based on the vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price and age, using a declining depreciation schedule. The registration tax rate is calculated as $10 plus 1.575 percent of the manufacturer's suggested retail price for vehicles initially registered in Minnesota on or after November 16, 2020.
Standard Registration Fees
The following fees apply to vehicle registration transactions:
- Filing fee: $12 (due with each title transaction)
- Title fee: $8.25 (due on initial applications and title transfers)
- Technology surcharge: $2.25 (due with each title transaction)
- Transfer tax: $10 (due when transferring ownership from another state to Minnesota owner)
- Passenger vehicle plate fee (double plates): $15.50
- Passenger vehicle plate fee (single plate): $13.50
- Public Safety Vehicle fee: $3.50
- Late transfer penalty: $2 (due if transfer not submitted within 20 calendar days of sale date)
Additional Fees for Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles
Electric vehicles are subject to a surcharge of $150 or a greater amount based on the vehicle's age and manufacturer's suggested retail price. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles incur a surcharge of $75 or a greater amount based on similar factors.
County Wheelage Tax
Certain counties impose an additional wheelage tax ranging from $10 to $20, depending on county ordinances. This tax is collected at the time of vehicle registration and varies by jurisdiction.
Registration Tax Calculator
Applicants may estimate total registration costs using the Estimate My Vehicle Registration Tax online tool, which calculates fees based on vehicle specifications and county of residence.
Contact Information
Driver and Vehicle Services
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 195, Town Square Building, Saint Paul, MN 55101-5190
Phone: (651) 297-3298
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
