How long do I have to register a vehicle in Minnesota?

Minnesota registration is administered by Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) under the Department of Public Safety.

1. Deadlines

New residents: 60 days from establishing residency (Minn. Stat. § 168.012).

Purchased vehicle: 10 business days to title (Minn. Stat. § 168A.10).

21-day temporary permit for transferring vehicles to a deputy registrar office.

2. Required Documents

Vehicle title (out-of-state title accepted).

Application for Title and Registration (PS2000).

Proof of Minnesota insurance: 30/60/10 minimum with $40,000 PIP (Minn. Stat. § 65B.49).

Valid Minnesota driver license.

Damage disclosure for vehicles under 6 years old.

Odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years.

3. Fees

Title fee: $10.

Registration fee: $35 to $99 plate fee + ad valorem (1.25% of MSRP, declining with age).

EV surcharge: $75/year (Minn. Stat. § 168.013, subd. 1m).

Sales tax: 6.875% state + local.

Filing fee: $13 (deputy registrar).

Lien fee: $2.

4. Penalties

Late titling: $10 penalty (Minn. Stat. § 168A.10).

Driving uninsured: Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine + 30-day registration suspension (Minn. Stat. § 169.797).

Expired registration: $30 + $1.50 = $31.50 minimum fine + payable fines vary.

5. Inspections

Minnesota has no statewide safety inspection and no emissions testing. (Minnesota's emissions program ended in 1999.)

6. Online Renewal

Renew at dvs.dps.mn.gov. Initial titling and out-of-state transfers require in-person visit to a deputy registrar.

This is legal information, not legal advice.