Minnesota vehicle registration is administered by the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division of the Department of Public Safety through a statewide network of deputy registrar offices. Minnesota is a two-plate state. Registration tax is based on the vehicle’s original MSRP and decreases annually. Minnesota eliminated emissions testing in 1999 – no inspection is required for renewal.
How much does it cost to register a vehicle in Minnesota?
Minnesota’s registration tax formula (effective January 1, 2024) is 1.575% of the vehicle’s original MSRP multiplied by a year-of-life percentage that steps down annually. The $35 minimum applies from year 11 onward. The MSRP includes the destination charge and is locked at first registration.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Registration tax formula | 1.575% of MSRP x year-of-life percentage (100% year 1, declining annually, $35 min from year 11) |
| Example – $35,000 vehicle, year 5 | Approximately $386 per year (after 2023 rate increase from 1.25%) |
| Title fee | $8.25 |
| Filing fee (title transaction) | $12.00 |
| Technology surcharge | $2.25 |
| Plate fee (standard double plates, new issuance) | $15.50 |
| County wheelage tax (approximately 50 counties) | $10 to $20 per year depending on county |
| EV surcharge (effective Jan 1, 2026) | 0.5% of MSRP x year-of-life percentage, minimum $150 through June 30, 2027, then $100 minimum |
| PHEV surcharge (effective Jan 1, 2026) | Minimum $75 per year through June 2027 (previously no surcharge) |
The 2023 Omnibus Transportation Bill raised the registration tax rate from 1.25% to 1.575% and slowed the depreciation schedule, significantly increasing costs for most vehicles. A $35,000 vehicle in year 5 went from approximately $263 to $386 per year. Verify current rates with Minnesota DVS before registering. The registration tax portion is deductible on federal Schedule A (subtract $30 from the registration tax paid before claiming the deduction, per Minnesota Revenue guidance).
What is the plate replacement fee in Minnesota?
Minnesota plate replacement fee is $8.50 plus a $4.25 replacement application fee. Tabs (stickers) can be replaced separately.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard plate replacement | $8.50 service fee plus $4.25 replacement application fee |
| Tab (registration sticker) replacement only | Contact DVS or a deputy registrar for the current fee |
What vehicle taxes apply in Minnesota?
Minnesota charges 6.875% Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) on vehicle purchases. The MVST is paid to the deputy registrar at titling, not to the dealer.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) | 6.875% of purchase price minus trade-in allowance |
| Trade-in deduction | Full trade-in value deducted from taxable purchase price with no cap |
| County dealer excise tax (selected counties) | $20 for dealer sales in Anoka, Beltrami, Carlton, Carver, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Kandiyohi, Otter Tail, Ramsey, St. Louis, Scott, and Washington counties |
| In-lieu tax for qualifying older vehicles | $10 flat fee for passenger cars 10 or more years old with both taxable price and fair market value under $3,000 |
| Collector or classic vehicle in-lieu tax | $150 one-time flat fee instead of standard MVST |
Minnesota’s 6.875% MVST is paid at a deputy registrar office at the time of titling – not at the dealership. The MVST is separate from the annual registration tax. Trade-in value reduces the MVST base with no cap.
Does Minnesota require an emissions test for registration?
Minnesota eliminated its vehicle emissions testing program in 1999. No emissions test, safety inspection, or certificate of any kind is required for standard vehicle registration renewal in Minnesota.
What are the insurance requirements for registration in Minnesota?
Minnesota requires all registered vehicles to carry minimum no-fault liability insurance.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury – per person | $30,000 |
| Bodily injury – per accident | $60,000 |
| Property damage – per accident | $10,000 |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) – no-fault | $40,000 per person per accident |
Are there any registration penalties or late fees in Minnesota?
Minnesota charges late fees for registration renewed after the expiration month.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Late renewal (1 to 12 months after expiration) | 10% surcharge on the registration tax |
| Late renewal (more than 12 months after expiration) | Full registration tax for the lapsed period plus current year |
Is there a registration grace period in Minnesota?
Minnesota tabs expire on the last day of the expiration month shown on the registration. Some officers extend practical courtesy of a few days into the next month, but there is no official grace period. A petty misdemeanor with a $30 base fine (approximately $115 with surcharges) applies for expired tabs. Renew before the last day of the expiration month.
Can I get a registration fee refund in Minnesota?
Minnesota allows a prorated refund of registration tax when plates are cancelled. Contact a deputy registrar or DVS for current refund procedures.