How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Minnesota?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Minnesota residents to maintain legal driving privileges and comply with state motor vehicle laws. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) administers the state's vehicle registration system and processes registration transactions through DVS exam stations, deputy registrar offices, and online services throughout the state.
Minnesota Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Minnesota vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Vehicle Insurance: Proof of current automobile insurance coverage meeting Minnesota minimum liability requirements as mandated by Minnesota Statutes Section 65B.48
- Vehicle Identification: Current registration certificate, Minnesota license plate number, or vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Personal Identification: Minnesota driver's license number or state-issued identification card for the registered owner
- Emissions Testing Certificate: Valid emissions test certificate for vehicles registered in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area (if applicable)
- Registration Tax Payment: Payment of registration tax calculated based on vehicle value and depreciation schedule
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Birthday Month Renewal System: Minnesota vehicle registrations expire on the owner's date of birth in the year indicated on the registration certificate
- Renewal Period: Vehicle owners may renew registration beginning 60 days before the expiration date shown on the registration certificate
- Registration Responsibility: Vehicle owners are responsible for renewing registration by their birthday in the expiration year regardless of whether renewal notices are received by mail
- Grace Period: Minnesota does not provide a grace period for expired registrations; operation of a vehicle with expired registration constitutes a petty misdemeanor subject to citation and fines
- New Vehicle Registration: Vehicle owners must title and register a newly purchased or acquired vehicle within 60 days of purchase or delivery
- New Residents: Individuals establishing Minnesota residency must obtain Minnesota title and registration within 60 days of relocating to the state
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Minnesota in 2025
2025 Minnesota Vehicle Registration Tax System
Minnesota uses a value-based registration tax system that differs significantly from flat-fee states. The Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) calculates registration tax based on vehicle value, age, and classification.
Passenger Vehicle Registration Tax Calculation
Minnesota passenger vehicle registration tax is calculated using a formula prescribed by Minnesota Statute 168.013. The tax consists of a base fee plus a percentage of the vehicle's base value (manufacturer's suggested retail price), adjusted annually for depreciation.
Current Registration Tax Formula (effective 2024-2025):
- Base fee: $10.00
- Tax rate: 1.575% of adjusted base value
- Minimum annual tax: $35.00
Depreciation Schedule for Passenger Vehicles:
| Vehicle Age | Percentage of Base Value Applied |
|---|---|
| First year (new vehicles) | 100% |
| Second year | 95% |
| Third year | 90% |
| Fourth year | 80% |
| Fifth year | 70% |
| Sixth year | 60% |
| Seventh year | 50% |
| Eighth year | 40% |
| Ninth year | 30% |
| Tenth year and beyond | 20% |
Important Registration Tax Provisions:
- Registration tax cannot increase from the previous year's amount
- Minimum annual registration tax is $35.00 for passenger vehicles
- Base value is determined by manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) or industry valuation guides
- Use the DVS Registration Tax Estimator to calculate exact amounts for specific vehicles
Motorcycle and Moped Registration Fees
Minnesota assesses flat annual registration taxes for motorcycles and mopeds:
| Vehicle Type | Annual Registration Tax | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles | $10.00 | All model years |
| Mopeds | $6.00 | All model years |
| Electric motorcycles | $10.00 + $75.00 surcharge | Electric vehicle surcharge applies |
Special Registration Classifications
Minnesota offers reduced registration fees for qualifying collector and historic vehicles:
| Registration Type | Annual Fee | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Collector vehicles | $54.00 flat fee | Vehicles 20+ years old maintained for collection/exhibition; exempt from value-based tax |
| Classic motorcycles | $16.00 flat fee | Motorcycles 20+ years old maintained in original condition |
| Pioneer vehicles | $44.00 flat fee | Vehicles 40+ years old maintained for historical purposes |
| Street rod vehicles | $54.00 flat fee | Vehicles manufactured before 1949 or authentic replicas |
Collector Classification Sales Tax: Vehicles registered as Collector, Classic, Street Rod, or Pioneer pay a one-time $150 in-lieu sales tax instead of the standard motor vehicle sales tax.
Commercial Vehicle and Truck Registration Fees
Commercial vehicles and trucks are assessed registration tax based on gross vehicle weight and vehicle class:
Light Commercial Vehicles (Y Class):
| Gross Vehicle Weight | Model Year 2019-2025 | Model Year 2018 | Model Year 2017 and Older |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 10,000 lbs. | $120.00 | $115.00 | $90.00 |
| 10,001 - 12,000 lbs. | $120.00 | $115.00 | $90.00 |
| 12,001 - 15,000 lbs. | $120.00 | $115.00 | $90.00 |
| 15,001 - 18,000 lbs. | $145.00 | $139.00 | $109.00 |
| 18,001 - 21,000 lbs. | $190.00 | $182.00 | $143.00 |
Farm Trucks (T & FT Class):
| Gross Vehicle Weight | Model Year 2019-2025 | Model Year 2018 | Model Year 2017 and Older |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 12,000 lbs. | $35.00 | $33.00 | $21.00 |
| 12,001 - 15,000 lbs. | $47.00 | $44.00 | $28.00 |
| 15,001 - 18,000 lbs. | $65.00 | $61.00 | $39.00 |
| 18,001 - 21,000 lbs. | $86.00 | $80.00 | $51.00 |
Note: Commercial vehicle registration taxes include a 5% surtax as prescribed by Minnesota Statutes 168.013, subdivision 14. Fees vary significantly by weight classification. Consult the 2025 Minnesota Motor Vehicle Tax Manual for complete commercial vehicle tax schedules.
Trailer Registration Fees
Minnesota trailer registration fees are based on gross vehicle weight and trailer classification:
Recreational Trailers (All Model Years):
| Gross Vehicle Weight | Annual Registration Tax |
|---|---|
| 0 - 1,500 lbs. | $5.00 |
| 1,501 - 3,000 lbs. | $6.00 |
| 3,001 - 4,500 lbs. | $8.00 |
| 4,501 - 6,000 lbs. | $11.00 |
| 6,001 - 10,000 lbs. | $14.00 |
| 10,001 - 12,000 lbs. | $21.00 |
| 12,001 - 15,000 lbs. | $32.00 |
Utility Trailers (Lifetime Registration):
- Trailers with gross vehicle weight of 3,000 lbs. or less: $55.00 one-time registration tax (permanent registration)
- Adhesive plate sticker fee: $2.50
Commercial Trailers:
Commercial trailer registration tax follows the same weight-based schedule as commercial vehicles. Consult the 2025 Minnesota Motor Vehicle Tax Manual for specific rates.
Semi-Trailers: No annual registration tax (exempt under Minnesota Statute 168.012, subdivision 11)
Electric Vehicle Surcharge
Minnesota imposes an annual surcharge on electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to compensate for motor fuel tax revenue not collected from these vehicles:
| Vehicle Type | Annual Surcharge | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Battery electric vehicles | $75.00 | M.S. 168.013, Subd. 1m |
| Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles | $75.00 | M.S. 168.013, Subd. 1m |
| Electric motorcycles | $75.00 | M.S. 168.013, Subd. 1m |
Important Note: The total amount due when adding registration tax and electric vehicle surcharge must not exceed the smallest total amount previously paid or due on the vehicle.
Title Fees and Filing Fees
Minnesota requires payment of various fees for title transactions and registration processing:
| Fee Type | Amount | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee (registration renewal) | $8.00 | M.S. 168.33, Subd. 7 |
| Filing fee (new registration, special plates, duplicates) | $12.00 | M.S. 168.33, Subd. 7 |
| Title fee | $8.25 | Statutory fee |
| Technology surcharge | $2.25 | DVS systems maintenance |
| Deputy registrar office surcharge | $1.00 | In-office transactions only |
| Transfer tax | $10.00 | Title transfers (exemptions apply) |
| Late transfer penalty | $2.00 | Transfers not submitted within 20 days |
| Public Safety Vehicle (PSV) fee | $3.50 | Per transaction |
License Plate Fees
Minnesota charges fees for license plate issuance and replacement:
| Plate Type | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger vehicle plates (double) | $15.50 | Standard two-plate set |
| Passenger vehicle plates (single) | $13.50 | Available for qualifying vehicles only |
| Motorcycle/moped plates | $13.50 | Single plate |
| Trailer plates | $13.50 | Single plate |
| Trailer adhesive sticker (lifetime utility trailers) | $2.50 | Permanent adhesive registration |
| Truck plates (double) | $15.50 | Standard two-plate set |
| Truck plates (single) | $13.50 | Single plate |
| Personalized plates | $100.00 | Additional annual fee |
| Special plate contribution | Varies | Depends on specific special plate type |
| Special plate transfer fee | $5.00 | Transferring special plate to another vehicle |
| Duplicate plates (passenger/truck double) | $15.50 | Includes replacement stickers |
| Duplicate plates (passenger/truck single) | $13.50 | Includes replacement stickers |
| Duplicate registration stickers | $1.50 | All vehicle types |
Note: Single license plates are only available for passenger vehicles if the vehicle is model year 1972 or earlier and used for general transportation, meets the definition of pioneer/classic/street rod vehicle, or is registered in collector classes.
Additional Transaction Fees
| Transaction Type | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Duplicate title | $7.25 | Replacement of lost or damaged title |
| Duplicate registration card | $1.00 | Replacement registration certificate |
| Grant of security interest (lien) | $2.00 | Recording each lien |
| Release of security interest | Varies | No fee if submitted with another transaction |
| Expedited processing | $20.00 | Optional expedited service |
| Salvage inspection | $35.00 | Required for salvage vehicles |
Wheelage Tax
Many Minnesota counties impose an additional wheelage tax on motor vehicles to fund local transportation improvements. Wheelage tax rates vary by county and typically range from $10.00 to $20.00 annually.
Counties with Wheelage Tax: Wheelage tax is collected in approximately 50 Minnesota counties. View the complete wheelage tax county list to determine if your county assesses this additional tax.
Motor Vehicle Sales Tax
Minnesota imposes motor vehicle sales tax on vehicle purchases at the time of title transfer and initial registration. Sales tax is separate from registration tax and is remitted to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Standard Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Rate: 6.875% of purchase price (6.5% state tax + local sales tax)
Sales Tax Calculation: Sales tax is calculated on the total purchase price of the vehicle. When a vehicle is acquired for minimal amount or gifted, sales tax is collected based on the average value of similar motor vehicles (fair market value).
Collector Vehicle Sales Tax Exception: Vehicles registered as Collector, Classic, Street Rod, or Pioneer pay a one-time $150 in-lieu sales tax instead of the standard 6.875% motor vehicle sales tax rate.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Minnesota
Online Renewal Availability
Online registration renewal is available statewide through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services online renewal system. The Minnesota DVS Online Services portal provides 24-hour access to registration renewal services for eligible vehicle owners.
Minnesota Online Renewal Eligibility
Vehicles that have a registered gross weight of less than 55,000 pounds are eligible for online renewal. This includes:
- Passenger vehicles (cars and trucks)
- Motorcycles and mopeds
- Recreational vehicles and trailers
- Commercial vehicles and trailers
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Verify Insurance Coverage
- Confirm current Minnesota automobile insurance policy is active and meets minimum coverage requirements
- Minnesota requires minimum liability coverage of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage
- Insurance companies authorized to sell policies in Minnesota report basic policy information to state databases
- DVS verifies insurance coverage during registration renewal process
- Have insurance policy declaration page or identification card available if additional verification needed
Step 2: Gather Required Information
- Locate current vehicle registration certificate containing registration number and expiration date
- Have Minnesota driver's license number or state-issued identification number available
- Note vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number
- Review registration certificate for accuracy of owner name, address, and vehicle information
- Prepare payment method (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or electronic check)
Step 3: Access DVS Online Services Portal
- Navigate to the Minnesota DVS Online Services website
- Select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from available online services menu
- System available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week except during scheduled maintenance periods
- Review eligibility requirements and online renewal instructions
- Confirm web browser settings allow cookies and JavaScript for proper system operation
Step 4: Enter Vehicle and Owner Information
- Input Minnesota driver's license number or state-issued identification number for identity verification
- Enter vehicle license plate number as shown on registration certificate
- Provide date of birth for account verification and security
- Enter last four digits of Social Security number if requested for additional identity confirmation
- System retrieves current registration information from DVS database and displays vehicle details
Step 5: Submit Payment
- Select payment method from available options (credit card or electronic check from Minnesota financial institution)
- Enter complete payment information including card or account number, expiration date, security code, and billing address
- Verify billing address matches address on file with financial institution
- Online convenience fee of $2.25 applies to all credit card transactions; electronic check transactions incur $1.00 fee
- Review and confirm all payment information for accuracy
- Submit payment authorization to complete transaction
Step 6: Receive Confirmation and Registration Materials
- System processes payment through secure payment gateway and generates electronic receipt
- Print or save confirmation page displaying transaction confirmation number and renewal details
- Confirmation receipt serves as temporary proof of valid registration for 60 days from transaction date
- New registration certificate and validation stickers mailed to address on file within 10 business days
- Place validation sticker on rear license plate at designated location
- Carry registration certificate in vehicle at all times as required by Minnesota law
- Contact DVS or deputy registrar if registration materials not received within 15 business days
Alternative Renewal Method
In-Person Renewal at Deputy Registrar Offices
Vehicle owners may complete registration renewal at any Minnesota deputy registrar office:
- Locate your nearest deputy registrar office using the Deputy Registrar Office Locator
- Deputy registrar offices are privately operated businesses authorized to conduct DVS transactions on behalf of the state
- No appointment necessary; services provided on walk-in basis during business hours
- Bring current registration certificate or renewal notice
- Present valid Minnesota driver's license or state-issued identification card
- Provide proof of current Minnesota insurance coverage if electronic verification unavailable
- Provide valid emissions test certificate if vehicle subject to emissions testing requirements
- Submit payment for all applicable registration fees (cash, check, money order, credit card, or debit card accepted at most locations)
- Deputy registrar offices charge additional service fees beyond statutory DVS fees; service fees vary by location
- Receive new registration certificate and validation stickers immediately upon completion of transaction
Contact Information
Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Driver and Vehicle Services
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 190, St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 297-2126
Official Website: Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
