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1. I usually renew my tabs online or by mail, isn’t that easier?

You are certainly welcome to renew your tabs online or by mail.  We encourage coming to our office or using one of our drop boxes for two reasons: 

• When you renew in office, you walk out with tabs in hand, no waiting for the mail or concern about mailbox security. And you don’t have to spend a stamp!
• Renewing at our office helps to support us by keeping the filing fees local. When you renew by mail or online, all of the fees go directly to the state, and your local license bureau receives nothing. We appreciate your support!

2. I don't have my renewal notice: can I still buy tabs?

Yes!

If you are the registered owner, come in with your ID, plate number and valid insurance information. You will receive a registration card with your vehicle tabs.

If you are purchasing tabs for someone else without their renewal notice you will need to have an Authorization Form completed along with a live ink signature by the owner.

Electronic insurance information is accepted.

3. What do you accept for insurance on title transfers and tab renewals?

As of January 1st, 2016 you are required to provide your auto insurance company's name, policy number and expiration date (MM/DD/YYYY).

Electronic insurance information is accepted.

4. My tabs are lost, stolen, or never received. What can I do?

Bring in your ID and plate number. We can issue you a new set of tabs. There may be fees involved.

If you are not the registered owner, you will need to have an Authorization Form (PDF) completed along with a live ink signature by the owner.

To streamline the process, please complete the Application for Duplicate Plates and/or Stickers form (PDF) before your visit.

If you ordered your tabs online or by mail, don’t wait more than 30 days.   It definitely should not take that long!

5. My plate(s) are lost or stolen! What can I do?

Bring in your ID and plate number. We can issue you a new set of plates.

If you are not the registered owner, you will need to have an Authorization Form (PDF) completed along with a live ink signature by the owner.

To streamline the process, please complete the Application for Duplicate Plates and/or Stickers form (PDF) before your visit.

If you believe your plates were stolen, we advise you to report them to your local Public Safety department.

6. My Minnesota title is missing or never received. How can I get one?

A registered owner of the vehicle must come in with their license to request a duplicate title.  If a title has previously been issued, we can usually print a duplicate in our office. The fee for this is $20.50.  

To streamline the process, please complete a Duplicate Title Application (PDF) before you come in.

If a title has not already been issued, we can look into the record and see why, and assist you to correct any issues that would have prevented the title from being issued.

If you have registered a vehicle in Minnesota and have not received your title within 3-4 months, please come in so we can check it out.

7. I just moved here from out of state: what do I need to register my vehicle?

Please begin by completing an Application To Title (PDF). If all owners are unable to stop in, please make sure they sign the bottom of the Application to Title and bring a copy of the front and back of their driver's license.

You will need your title, valid insurance information including the company name, policy number, and policy expiration date (MM/DD/YYYY). Electronic insurance information is accepted. If you do not have your out-of-state title, you can bring the most current out-of-state registration card.  If there is a loan on the vehicle, we will need the lien holder's name, address and the date of loan (MM/DD/YYYY).

If this is a leased vehicle, we will need a Power of Attorney from the leasing company authorizing you to register the vehicle in Minnesota and their Minnesota Tax Account number. Please bring your lease agreement and arrive with a completed and printed Application To Title (PDF) and a Lessee Designation form (PDF). Note that because this is a leased vehicle the leasing company should be listed as the owner and their information listed on the Application To Title. Your information should be listed on the Lessee Designation form. If there is a loan on the vehicle that the leasing company would like listed we will need the lien holder's name, address and the date of loan (MM/DD/YYYY).

Complete information can be found HERE.

8. How much does it cost to transfer a vehicle?

The transfer fee is based many factors such as the age and the amount paid for the vehicle.

You can stop in with your vehicle identification number (VIN) or plate number and we are glad to calculate the fees for you. 

See a list of general title transfer fees (PDF).

For further information visit the Department of Public Safety (DPS) website or contact the DPS at 651-297-2126.

9. I paid off my car loan and have a lien release - now what?

In Minnesota, regardless if you took out a loan for your vehicle or not, you will receive a Minnesota title in the mail.

If you have both your Minnesota title and lien release in hand, you have two options:

• Option 1: Staple the title and lien together and put it in a safe place. Should you choose to sell or trade it, you just have to hand both over.
• Option 2: Stop in to submit the title and lien release to the State to request a clean title. There will be a filing fee charged. Please ensure the address on the title is your most current address.

If you lost your title please complete an application for a duplicate title (PDF), and bring both the form and the lien release in. We will release the lien when we order the duplicate title. (Fees may be applied to this transaction.)

For further information visit the Department of Public Safety (DPS) website or contact the DPS at 651-297-2126.

10. I've sold a vehicle - how do I report the sale?

We highly recommend stopping in with your buyer to ensure the transfer of your vehicle; however, we understand that is not always convenient. When selling a vehicle, have the buyer fully complete the "Seller’s Notice of Sale" located at the bottom of the title and keep it for your record. You can complete a report of sale online. You may also stop in and we can report the sale as well.

11. Can I transfer my special plates to a new vehicle?

Yes, most specialty plates can be transferred to another vehicle in your name.

Please complete the Special Plate Application (PDF) before your visit.

12. How can I find out what I paid last year for my tabs?

Visit Driver and Vehicle Service Online Services under Vehicle Services and and select “Search for Registration Tax Paid."

13. How can I reach the state with addition driver/vehicle questions?

For further information visit the Department of Public Safety (DPS) website or contact the DPS at 651-297-2126.