5 th Edition. Minnesota CAR REGISTRATION. Easy Guide. Licensed by: Car-Registration.org

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1 5 th Edition Minnesota CAR REGISTRATION Easy Guide Licensed by:

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5 Vehicle Registration Looking to register a vehicle in the wonderful state of Minnesota? Well, you ve come to the right place. With this guide you will obtain all the necessary information regarding how to apply for your vehicle registration as well as what exactly you will need to do before you apply to ensure that you meet all requirements. In order to do this, you will need to take steps and follow procedures that we have organized for you with all the necessary research and information regarding registering your vehicle in the state of Minnesota. Whether you re looking to register a specific type of vehicle, renew your soon to be expired registration, replace a lost, stolen, or damaged registration, or update your current vehicle registration, all of this information and more will be provided for you fast, easy, and stress free! Our purpose is to help you get ready and know exactly how to prepare properly by providing you all the tools and information you may need from beginning to end in this process. So, don t worry and just allow us to make your life slightly less complicated. 5

6 Registration Insurance Requirements You will be required to obtain proper Minnesota insurance when you go to register your vehicle. This is a necessary requirement in order to help reduce the number of uninsured drivers on the road which can often result in high costs if you are involved in any vehicle accident. Your insurance company will issue your proof of insurance by providing you a Minnesota insurance ID card, which you need to keep to present as proof of insurance when needed. When you go to register your vehicle, you will need to have it insured. By signing the vehicle registration application you are asserting that your vehicle is properly insured in the state of Minnesota. In order to be able to apply for your vehicle registration it will be mandatory that you obtain personal injury protection, liability, and uninsured and underinsured insurance coverage. Minimum Vehicle Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance Policy: The purpose of a PIP insurance coverage is to ensure that your medical expenses are paid for in case you are involved in an accident regardless of who caused it. The coverage also extends to your household family members as well as to any accidents in which you are the passenger to someone else s vehicle. Medical Coverage... $20,000 Loss of Income.... $20,000 Minimum Liability Insurance Policy: What is the purpose of liability insurance? Well, if you are involved in a car accident it is important that any and all damages or injuries you cause someone else can be paid for without causing you financial difficulty. Per Person $30,000 Per Accident $60,000 Per Property Damage $10,000 6

7 Minimum Uninsured and Underinsured Policy: Lastly, uninsured and underinsured policies are meant to cover any medical or other expenses you procure when you are involved in an accident. Per Person... $25,000 Total Injuries in an Accident... $50,000 Your liability insurance must be maintained and in compliance with the minimum policy necessary set forth by the Minnesota DVS office; nonresidents are also required to maintain an insurance policy that meets these minimum standards. In the event that you are pulled over due to a traffic violation or any other reason and you do not have the proper insurance coverage or you are unable to provide proof insurance, you may face possible imprisonment, revocation of your driver license and/ or vehicle registration, and also a $200 minimum fine which is mandatory to pay. This is why it is essential that you maintain your vehicle insured even while it is not being used, because at any moment a law enforcement officer requests for you to present proof of your insurance policy and you are unable to do so, you may face the above consequences. Also, it is important to note that you will require an insurance policy whenever you go to register your vehicle or renew your registration. Tip If you have any questions or concerns regarding having your driver license suspended due to lack of vehicle insurance in Minnesota, make sure to contact the Minnesota DVS by sending an to the following address DVS.motor.vehicles@state.mn.us 7

8 Registering Your Vehicle In Minnesota The most important part of registering your vehicle in Minnesota is taking a look at the requirements you will need to meet as well as the steps you must take depending on the type of vehicle you own. Whether you are registering a new, used, out-of-state, military, or special type of vehicle, you should see the specific instructions to have it registered so you can make sure the process is as easy and quick as possible. You can simply take a look at the outlined steps below to better understand what exactly you must do in order to register your vehicle in Minnesota and begin driving legally as soon as possible! In the case that you purchase your vehicle from a dealer, you will not have to worry about you registration since the dealer is responsible for handling the process. Fees When it is time for your vehicle registration, you will need to pay the following fees based on how long you would like to have it registered and the vehicle s type. Vehicle Registration Process Fee Filling Fee $10 Double Plates $6 Single Plate (Collector Vehicles, or Model Year 1972 and older) $4.50 Wheelage Tax, if necessary $10 Taxes You will be required to pay a tax based on the value and age of your vehicle when you go to register it at the DVS office, though normally the tax imposed for vehicles 10 years or older is $35. In order to properly calculate how much tax you will need to pay to register your vehicle, please check out the Minnesota Tax Manual or contact the DVS office at

9 REGISTER A NEW VEHICLE If the vehicle you purchased is brand new, then you will need to take the steps below: Visit the DVS office. Present your vehicle title. Present proof of identification: Driver License ID card U.S. Birth Certificate Fill out the Application to Title and Register Motor Vehicle (Form PS2000). Present your valid insurance identification card. Provide your vehicle s odometer reading. Provide a copy of your leasing agreement, if necessary. Pay all the necessary fees and taxes. Visit the DVS office to submit the above documents and payment. OR Mail all of the above documents and payment, money order or check only, to the following address: DVS 445 Minnesota St. St. Paul, MN Allow for your permanent vehicle registration certificate and license plates to arrive in the mail within 10 days, otherwise please contact the DVS office. All other acceptable documents to provide can be found here. REGISTER A USED VEHICLE In order to register a used vehicle in the state of Minnesota, you will have to complete the following steps carefully: 9

10 Documents Visit the DVS office. Present your vehicle title. Present proof of identification: Driver License ID card U.S. Birth Certificate Fill out the Application to Title and Register Motor Vehicle (Form PS2000). Present your valid insurance identification card. Provide your vehicle s odometer reading. Provide a copy of your leasing agreement, if necessary. Pay all the necessary fees and taxes. Visit the DVS office to submit the above documents and payment. OR Mail all of the above documents and payment, money order or check only, to the following address: DVS 445 Minnesota St. St. Paul, MN Allow 10 days for your permanent vehicle registration certificate and license plates to arrive in the mail, otherwise please contact the DVS office. All other acceptable documents to provide can be found here. REGISTER AN OUT-OF-STATE VEHICLE Have you recently moved or purchased a vehicle and would like to register it in Minessota? Then, you will have to take the below steps to have it properly registered within 60 days of becoming a Minnesota resident. In the case that you surrender your out-of-state license plates or your out-of-state registration expires before you register 10

11 your vehicle with the Minnesota DVS you will need to register your vehicle with the Minnesota DVS office before being allowed to drive into Minnesota with your vehicle. To begin the process to register your vehicle in Minnesota, please follow the steps below: Visit the DVS office. Present proof of vehicle ownership: Vehicle Title For paid off liens please submit a Notification of Assignment Release or Grant of Secured Interest (PS2017). Current Registration Card Present proof of identification: Driver License ID card U.S. Birth Certificate Fill out the Application to Title and Register Motor Vehicle (Form PS2000). Present your valid insurance identification card. Provide your vehicle s odometer reading. Provide a copy of your leasing agreement, if necessary. Pay all the necessary fees and taxes. Your permanent vehicle registration certificate and license plates should arrive in the mail within 10 days, otherwise please contact the DVS office. All other acceptable documents to provide can be found here. REGISTRATION FOR MILITARY MEMBERS As an active military member you will have to take the same general steps seen above in order to register your vehicle. However, if you were stationed out of state or overseas you will be exempt from having to pay registration tax while you are in active military service and up to one year after you finish your military service. For you to claim this exemption you will need to simply mail a copy of your military orders as well as your car registration certificate to the DVS to the following address: 11

12 DVS 445 Minnesota St. St. Paul, MN In the case that you are not a resident of Minnesota, you will simply have to maintain your vehicle registered and insured in your home state while you reside in Minnesota. If at any moment you become a Minnesota resident you will have to register your vehicle using one of the outlined methods above as any proper Minnesota resident is required. Tip Have you recently moved to Minnesota? Find further information about registering your out-of-state vehicle in Minnesota, contact the DVS office at

13 Renewing Your Vehicle Registration Is it time to renew your vehicle registration? Much like with many things in life, such as your driver license and even food products, your vehicle registration will be at risk of expiring which would mean your vehicle will be deemed invalid to drive legally. This of course can be solved by simply making sure to renew your vehicle s registration before the expiration date is allowed to pass by unattended. Therefore, allowing your vehicle registration to expire is not a well advised thing to do, as it will mean that you are no longer able to legally drive with your vehicle. Having this happen limits your ability to travel as you please or even for emergency purposes. To renew your vehicle registration in person you will have to take the following steps: Visit the DVS office. Present your renewal notice. OR Present your vehicle registration. Provide proof of car insurance. Change your address if necessary. Provide legal documentation of your name change, if necessary: Divorce Mandate Marriage Certificate Court Order Pay the necessary renewal fee. The renewal fee will be stated on your renewal notice. Fees When it is time to process your vehicle registration renewal, you will need to pay the following fees based on how long you would like to have your vehicle registered and your vehicle s type. Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees Filling Fee $6 Passenger Vehicles (10 years and older) $35 13

14 Motorcycle $10 Mopeds $6 Technological Surcharge $1 Online Renewal Fee $1.50 Registration Tax Varies Wheel Age Tax, if necessary $10 *Double License Plates, if necessary $6 *Single License Plates, if necessary $4.50 There are no late fees if you do not renew your registration on time; however, you are at risk if you are pulled over by a police officer by the tenth day of the month after your registration expires. *New license plates are required by the Minnesota DVS office to be purchased every seven years. RENEWING ONLINE In the case that you are interested in renewing your vehicle registration online, you will be able to renew your driver license under the following circumstances as well: Passenger Vehicles: You can renew up to six months early. Trucks or Motorcycles: You can renew up to three months early. You are able to renew up to 10 months after your expiration date. To renew your registration online, all you need to do is follow these steps: Visit the Minnesota DVS official site here. Provide your license plate number. Provide the last three digits of your vehicle identification number (VIN). Provide all necessary information. Change your address if necessary. Pay the necessary renewal fees. Pay the $1.50 online renewal fee. 14

15 After you ve completed the above steps y your permanent registration and license plate stickers should arrive in the mail within 10 days, otherwise please go here to check your renewal status or contact the DVS office at RENEWING BY MAIL However, if you would like to renew your vehicle registration by mail, you can easily do so by simply submitting the following documents and payment: Check your renewal notice information. Provide your renewal notice. Change your address on the back of your renewal notice if necessary. Provide proof of any completed safety or emissions inspection from within the last 60 days. Provide proof of your personal property tax receipt which must be from the last year for one year renewals, and receipts for the last two years for two year renewals. Provide proof of your vehicle insurance. Pay all the necessary renewal fees. Send all of the above documents and payment In the provided return envelope to the following address: DVS Renewal P.O. Box St. Paul, MN Allow for your permanent vehicle registration to arrive in the mail within 10 days, otherwise please contact the DVS office. Tip When you make a payment to the DVS office you will have different options. Through the Minnesota DVS s website you are able to pay with a valid Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express card. If you are looking to make a payment through the mail, make sure it is with either a check or money order payable to DVS Renewal and include your driver license number on the check. Payments in person at the DVS office can be made with the above methods or in cash. 15

16 Replacing Your Vehicle Registration Has something happened to your vehicle registration? Well, it doesn t matter if your vehicle registration was recently lost, stolen, or even damaged, the Minnesota DVS will help you in obtaining a new vehicle registration as soon as possible regardless of the situation. All it requires of you is to do a few things. Visit the DVS office. Fill out the Application for Duplicate Title, Registration, Cab, or Lien Card (Form PS2067A). Pay the necessary replacement fees. After you ve completed the above steps the DVS office will provide you with your duplicate vehicle registration. The fees vary from county to county so make sure to contact the DVS office at Tip Make sure you report your license plate when it is lost, damaged, or stolen and you seek to replace it. Obtain a police report stating your registration was lost due to a crime. This will alert authorities to search for the criminal and will help to prevent identity theft. 16

17 Updating Your Vehicle Registration Whether you are moving homes to a new city or making a major change such as changing some part of your name, you will need to consider how these changes affect your legal documents. So, it is important that you learn how to make these changes to your life in case you make these decisions. In order to change your name or address on your vehicle registration the first step you will need to take is to renew it at the DMV office. To do this all you will be required to do is follow the steps below: Visit the DVS office. Present your renewal notice. OR Present your vehicle registration. Provide proof of car insurance. Change your address if necessary. Provide legal documentation of your name change, if necessary: Divorce Mandate Marriage Certificate Court Order Pay the necessary renewal fee. After you complete the above steps, your vehicle registration will be updated with your new legal name or address and you will receive your new registration in the mail within 10 days, otherwise please contact the DVS office. You are also able to change your address online through the Minnesota DMV office by taking the below steps: Visit the Minnesota DVS website here. Provide your driver license number. Provide your license plate number. 17

18 Fees When it is time for your vehicle registration renewal, you will need to pay the following fees based on how long you would like to have your vehicle registered and your vehicle s type. Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees Filling Fee $6 Passenger Vehicles (10 years and older) Varies Motorcycle $10 Make sure you change your legal name with the office of Social Security at least three days before you change your name with the Minnesota DVS office, your legal name must be valid with the Social Security office records in order for you to change your name with the DVS office. 18

19 License Plates When you go to register your vehicle at the Minnesota DVS office, you will automatically be assigned a license plate number. This will mean that every time you go to renew your vehicle registration, your license plate will also be renewed. The DVS office will provide you with a decal to attach to your license plate which will state the date of expiration. You will be responsible for maintain your license plate valid at all times in order to legally drive in the state of Minnesota. You can obtain a standard Minnesota license plate for the basic price of $10 when you go to apply to obtain a license plate. But that won t be your only option; instead you can chose to get a plate that best fits your tastes either in design, message, or both. You also don t have to settle for boring or standard license plates; in the state of Minnesota you have the option of obtaining a license plate that fits your personality, hobbies, or interests if your request is approved by the Minnesota DVS office. GETTING CUSTOM PLATES There are many different options for you to choose from if you are looking to obtain a personalized license plate for your vehicle; you can have a personalized license plate with up to seven characters that includes hyphens and spaces for passenger vehicles. Personalized plates for motorcycles are allowed to have up to four characters. For any other type of personalized license plates, you can only have up to six characters that include hyphens and spaces. If you would like to obtain your custom license plate, you must take the first steps on deciding what type of plate you would like to obtain: Take a look at the Minnesota DVS website to decide on what type of personalized license plate you would like to obtain. Fill out the Application for Special Plates (Form PS2010). Pay the $100 personalized licensing fee. Pay the $10 filing fee. Visit the DVS office to submit the above document and payments. OR Mail them in to the following address: Driver and Vehicle Services 445 Minnesota St., Suite 164 St Paul, MN

20 Important dates or timeframes After you ve completed the above steps, your custom license plates should arrive in the mail within a few weeks, otherwise please contact the DVS office at You can also check the status of your personalized license plates at the Minnesota DVS website. REPLACING YOUR LICENSE PLATES There may be a time when you may need to replace your vehicle s license plates, whether it is due to having them stolen, damaged, or perhaps lost. Regardless, replacing your license plates in the state of Minnesota is a simple and clean process that allows for you to obtain replacement plates for your vehicle as well as help you to feel safe and secure. Take a look at the process you will have to take to replace your license plates as soon as possible: Fill out the Application for Duplicate Plates and/or Stickers (Form PS2067B). Present your registration card. Pay the $10 filing fee. Pay the $14 replacement fee. Visit the DVS office and hand in the above documents and payment. Mail the above documents and payments to the following address: Driver and Vehicle Services 445 Minnesota St., Suite 187 St. Paul, MN After you complete the above steps, you will receive your stickers in person but all other items will be mailed to you directly. Allow for your permanent vehicle registration to arrive in the mail within 10 days, otherwise please contact the DVS office. Fees If you are trying to obtain a duplicate vehicle registration you will need to pay the following fees: Replacement Plates $14 Decal $1 20

21 SURRENDERING MINNESOTA LICENSE PLATES If you move to another state you are allowed to keep your license plates as keepsakes or even throw them out if you wish. When it comes to selling your vehicle, you will simply need to leave your license plates on your vehicle for the new owner. For specialized license plates, you can contact the DVS office to ask if you wish to keep them. 21

22 Vehicle Safety Tips The most important thing before you begin driving any vehicle is that both you and the vehicle are well prepared for any trip you make. This means checking and making any changes to your vehicle or your behavior to make sure that you are able to drive safely at all times. EMERGENCY KIT One of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include basic items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid kit, matches, a whistle, etc. During winter months it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, extra gloves and socks, and a shovel. WINTER DRIVING One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that snows. Therefore, it is best to consider these tips to drive safely during the winter. Don t Rush! Roads are often covered in snow and ice after it snows, so instead of driving fast and risking an accident in your rush to get to your destination try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and help to avoid rushing other drivers by not tailgating them if they are going slower. Don t Panic If You Skid or Slip In the case that your vehicle does ski or slip while driving make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead all you need to do is apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control. Check Your Vehicle Before you even leave your house make sure your vehicle s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze, exhaust, etc. are all working properly. It is also important that you remove all ice and snow from your car before you begin driving; this prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive. 22

23 DRINKING AND DRIVING Every year thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. This is something that is very easily prevented; it only requires that you plan ahead of time by taking these steps. Even before you begin drinking you should arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. In the case that they also become intoxicated, it is important that you arrange to take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive, instead take away their keys and call for alternative transportation. If you see someone who you suspect is drunk, and they exhibit signs of intoxication while driving such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, braking erratically, turning abruptly, etc. call 911 and contact authorities immediately. Also make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety. USING YOUR PHONE Driving while using your cellphone is one of the most dangerous things you can do because during those few seconds your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. So, make sure you don t text, use of the Internet on your phone, or receive calls while you drive to prevent accidents as best as possible. THINGS TO AVOID Driving isn t always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and dangerous to you while on the road driving. These things are often avoidable if you make sure to take the necessary steps towards preventing them, as well as stopping them after you discover them to be occurring. Car Accidents The best way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and will not cause you any problems. To do this you only need to regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly, your tires are inflated and not worn out, and that the steering and suspensions are checked by a mechanic and will not fail while you drive, especially at high speeds. Wasting Gas As the price of gas goes up you may begin to start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Well, saving on gas is something that is possible if you take a few steps towards ensuring that you waste less gas. 23

24 Some of the ways you can start saving gas are: not using air conditioning, not leaving your engine running, or speeding above 60 mph. These things are preventable and not necessary for you to drive, therefore you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste. Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly, you can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is well tuned, and check that your octane level is the correct amount to your vehicle s needs. Aggressive Driving Aggressive driving and drivers are both things that should be avoided to prevent any on-road aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as aggressive tailgating, verbal or physically harassing another driver, preventing another driver from merging or passing. However, if you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you do any of the above behaviors. If you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment to breathe and relax before moving on. 24

25 DVS Hours and Locations The DVS has offices conveniently located across the state. Click here to learn more about DVS office locations, schedules, and waiting times. Have you ever visited the DVS and realized that you forgot a document? Now you can avoid that and save the trip by using the online services. You will be able to: Find Base Value for a Vehicle Change Address of Vehicle Registration Find a Dealership Renew Tabs Check Tab Renewal Status Report a Sale Find Tax Paid for a Motor Vehicle If you have any questions, you can call the DVS at the following number: Motor Vehicle: Office Locations: Assistance for Hearing Impaired Callers (TDD/TTY): Their office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., except for holidays. For general inquiries, you may contact the DVS office through their general address at DVS.motor.vehicles@state.mn.us DON T WASTE TIME AND MONEY DRIVING TO THE LICENSING OFFICE. 25

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