Minnesota
About Replacing Car Registration in Minnesota
You must replace a damaged or lost car registration in Minnesota as soon as possible to avoid potential penalties. It is against the law to drive without valid registration, so failing to replace a lost vehicle registration a timely manner may earn you fines if you are stopped by a police officer for any reason.
You can order a duplicate registration in Minnesota in person or by mail. You can also order duplicate license plates and tags. To learn more about how to replace your registration credentials through the Division of Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), review the sections below.
Replacing a Lost Registration in Minnesota
You can replace car registration materials in person or by mail. When submitting your request, you must provide your vehicle’s:
- License plate number.
- Title number.
- Make, model and year.
To order your replacement car registration, you also need the vehicle identification number (VIN) of your registered automobile.
You may be wondering, “Can you print your car registration online in MN?” Unfortunately, you cannot purchase a replacement DVS credential online at this time. For more information on the replacement methods available, see below.
In Person
To purchase an auto registration replacement in person, you must visit your local Deputy Registrar’s office to submit an application. You may use this application to purchase a replacement registration and/or certificate of title. Note that if replacing a certificate of title, however, you must be the owner on file for the vehicle.
By Mail
If you wish to obtain your replacement car registration card by mail, you must forward your completed application to the DVS central office in Saint Paul. If replacing an illegible or damaged registration card, you must forward the original credential along with your completed application.
Getting a Minnesota DMV Copy of Registration Tabs or Plates
To obtain a copy of registration tabs and/or license plates, you must submit your request in person or by mail. Refer to the sections below for more about these options.
In Person
To replace your tabs or license plates in person, you must visit your local Deputy Registrar’s office. During your office visit, you must submit a completed application for plates and/or stickers, as well as payment for the required fee.
By Mail
To apply for duplicate car registration tabs or decals by mail, you must forward your completed application to the DVS central office in Saint Paul. Unless you qualify for free replacement credentials, you must enclose payment for the applicable fee.
Find more information on replacing your registration by downloading our free guide.