Minnesota license plate transfers allow you to move your existing plates from one vehicle to another when you sell your current vehicle and acquire a new one. Minnesota plates generally stay with the owner, not the vehicle. Transfers are processed at deputy registrar offices statewide or online through DVS e-Services at dvs.dps.mn.gov. Minnesota’s registration tax is based on the vehicle’s original MSRP and decreases annually. Tabs (registration stickers) expire on the last day of the month shown on the registration.
Does Minnesota allow you to transfer a license plate to a new vehicle?
Yes. Minnesota allows plate transfers between vehicles owned by the same person. When you sell your vehicle, remove your plates and transfer them to your new vehicle at a deputy registrar office. Minnesota does not have a centralized state DMV office for vehicle registration – all transactions go through deputy registrar offices, which are operated by counties, cities, or private contractors.
How do you transfer a license plate in Minnesota?
Minnesota plate transfers are processed at deputy registrar offices statewide or through DVS e-Services online at dvs.dps.mn.gov.
- Remove your plates from the vehicle you are selling. Minnesota plates stay with the owner.
- Obtain the title for your newly acquired vehicle. For private-party purchases, the seller signs the title over and you complete the transfer at a deputy registrar office.
- Visit a deputy registrar office statewide or use DVS e-Services at dvs.dps.mn.gov to transfer your plates to the new vehicle.
- Pay the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (6.875%) on the new vehicle, the registration tax based on its original MSRP, and applicable filing and plate fees.
- Receive updated tabs for the new vehicle using your transferred plates.
What documents do you need to transfer a plate in Minnesota?
Documents required for a Minnesota plate transfer at a deputy registrar office.
- Valid Minnesota driver’s license or state ID
- Title for the new vehicle, signed by the seller with all liens released for private purchases
- Bill of sale with purchase price, date, and odometer reading
- Current registration card for the plates you are transferring
- The physical license plates (both front and rear)
- Proof of current Minnesota liability insurance for the new vehicle
- Payment for Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (6.875%), registration tax, filing fees, and any county wheelage tax
How much does it cost to transfer a license plate in Minnesota?
Minnesota’s Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (6.875%) and MSRP-based registration tax are the dominant costs when acquiring a new vehicle.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) | 6.875% of purchase price minus trade-in allowance |
| Registration tax (year 1) | 1.575% of MSRP (including destination charge) – based on original first-registration MSRP, locked for the vehicle’s life |
| Registration tax (years 2 and beyond) | 1.575% of MSRP multiplied by a declining percentage each year, with a $35 minimum from year 11 onward |
| Title fee | $8.25 |
| Filing fee (title transaction) | $12.00 |
| Technology surcharge | $2.25 |
| Plate fee (standard double plates) | $15.50 |
| County wheelage tax | $10 to $20 depending on county – not all counties charge this |
| EV surcharge (effective Jan 1, 2026) | 0.5% of MSRP times year-of-life percentage, minimum $150 through June 30, 2027 |
| PHEV surcharge (effective Jan 1, 2026) | Minimum $75 per year through June 2027 |
Can you transfer a personalized or specialty plate in Minnesota?
Minnesota specialty and personalized plates can be transferred to a new vehicle. Personalized plates carry a $25 annual renewal surcharge. Special program plates carry varying contribution fees. Contact a deputy registrar or DVS at [email protected] for specialty plate transfer procedures.
What happens to the old registration when you transfer a plate in Minnesota?
When you sell your vehicle in Minnesota and remove your plates, the old registration is cancelled. The buyer registers the vehicle at a deputy registrar office and pays the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax. Notify DVS and the buyer of the sale promptly to stop ongoing registration responsibility.
Can you transfer a license plate to someone else in Minnesota?
No. Minnesota plates are not transferable between different owners. Only the same owner can transfer plates between their own vehicles. When selling, remove your plates and allow the buyer to register with new plates.
Do Minnesota plates stay with the vehicle or the owner when you sell a car?
Minnesota plates stay with the owner. Remove your plates when selling your vehicle. The buyer registers at a deputy registrar and pays 6.875% MVST. Transfer your plates to your new vehicle at a deputy registrar office.
Is there a deadline to complete a plate transfer in Minnesota?
Minnesota requires new vehicle registration within 60 days of purchase or within 60 days of establishing Minnesota residency.
What should you do if you do not want to transfer the plate?
If you sell your vehicle and do not purchase a replacement, you may keep your plates for a future vehicle or surrender them to a deputy registrar office.