I Just Moved to Minnesota. How Do I Get My Driver's License and Vehicle Registered?

When you’re a resident of the Land of 10,000 Lakes, you have a lot of documents and other paperwork you’re responsible for keeping up with. Whether you’re moving for a change of scenery or for a different reason, you’ll be required to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license and vehicle registration to the state of Minnesota. Here’s what you need to know about the out-of-state vehicle registration transfer and driver’s license transfer process in Minnesota.

How Quickly Do You Need to Complete an Out-of-State Driver’s License Transfer?

In order to legally operate a motor vehicle in MN, all new residents of this state must transfer their out-of-state driver’s license within 60 days of establishing residency in the state. If you are part of the military or a student, you may be able to drive in the state of Minnesota with a valid driver’s license from your home state or country.

Minnesota Testing Requirements

The testing requirements in MN depend on the status of your previous driver’s license and the country or state in which you are licensed. You must take a vision test and a knowledge test at the time you want to transfer your valid license from the following locations:

- United States
- Canada
- The District of Columbia
- Puerto Rico
- American Samoa
- Virgin Islands
- Guam
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia
- Northern Mariana

Be advised, you may be required to take a vision test, knowledge test, and road test if one of the following applies to you:

- You’ve never been licensed before
- Your license has been expired for more than one year
- You have a valid license from a country not listed above

Make sure you complete the following tests to start the out-of-state driver’s license process.

How to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License to Minnesota

In order to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Minnesota, you must visit your local Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles (MN DMV) with the necessary forms and documents. Once your documents have been submitted and approved, you will take all required tests, have your picture taken, and receive your temporary paper Minnesota driver’s license. Your permanent MN driver’s license will arrive in the mail in a few weeks.

Documents That Are Required to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License

When you need to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, you need to make sure you have all the following required documents:

- A completed driver’s license application
- Your social security number
- Two forms of identification
- Your out-of-state driver’s license (if you have one)
- Proof that you’ve passed required tests (if applicable)
- Payment for the necessary fees

Keep in mind, you may be required to submit additional documentation if you don’t have an out-of-state driver’s license, or if you have a medical condition.

What Happens If You Don’t Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License in the Designated Time?

In the state of Minnesota, if you miss the deadline to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, your license is no longer valid, and you will be considered unlicensed. You will be required to take a vision, knowledge, and road test.

Now that we’ve discussed the steps you need to take to transfer your driver’s license to the state of Minnesota, we can talk about transferring your vehicle registration to this state.

How to Transfer Your Out-of-State Vehicle Registration to North Carolina?

The vehicle registration process in Minnesota requires your vehicle’s out-of-state title, your driver’s license or ID, a valid MN auto insurance policy, and an odometer reading. You will also need payment for all applicable fees associated with this transaction. You can register your out-of-state vehicle in person or by mail with the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (MN DVS).

Are You New to Minnesota?

Welcome! As a new resident of Minnesota, if your current out-of-state vehicle registration is still valid, you have 60 days to register your vehicle with the MN DVS as soon as you establish residency in this state. If your out-of-state vehicle registration expires soon, you are required to register your vehicle with the MN DVS before it does.

If your out-of-state vehicle registration has already expired, or you were required to surrender your vehicle’s plates after leaving your home state, you must register your vehicle before you drive it in Minnesota.

In order to successfully register your vehicle in the state of Minnesota, you will need to submit the following at your local MN DVS office:

- Proof of vehicle ownership (the original vehicle title or current vehicle registration card)
- Proof of identification
- A completed Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle ([Form PS2000](https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/forms-documents/Documents/MV_TitleandRegisterMotorVehicleApplication.pdf))
- The vehicle’s current odometer reading
- A copy of your lease agreement (if applicable)
- Proof of a valid MN auto insurance policy

If you have questions regarding registering your vehicle as a new resident, you can call the MN DVS for help at (651) 297-2126.

Registering Your Vehicle In Person or By Mail in Minnesota

In order to legally operate a vehicle in the state of Minnesota, which includes parking your vehicle on public roads, you are required to register your vehicle with the Minnesota DVS. Vehicle registrations in MN must be renewed every year. If you purchased your vehicle from a dealer, your vehicle registration will be handled by the dealer. The dealer will also help you complete a vehicle title transfer to register the vehicle in your name.

Registering Your Vehicle In Person

In order to successfully register your vehicle in MN, you need to visit your local MN DVS office and present the following:

- Original vehicle title (if the vehicle title is not available, you can use your current vehicle registration card)
- If the vehicle title shows a lien that has been satisfied, you will need to complete a Notification of Assignment – Release or Grant of Secured Interest ([Form PS2017](https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/forms-documents/Documents/MV_NotificationofAssignment_ReleaseorGrantofSecuredInterest.pdf))
- All vehicle owners are required to sign the vehicle title application

- Proof of identification (birth certificate, driver’s license, etc.)
- Vehicle odometer reading
- Proof of a valid MN auto insurance policy
- A copy of your lease agreement or power of attorney from your lessor, as well as the leasing company’s Minnesota Tax ID number (if applicable)
- Payment for all applicable fees

- A completed Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle ([Form PS2000](https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/forms-documents/Documents/MV_TitleandRegisterMotorVehicleApplication.pdf))

Once you complete these steps, you will be provided with valid MN license plates, registration decals, and a certificate of vehicle registration that needs to be kept in your vehicle at all times.

Registering Your Vehicle by Mail

If you aren’t able to register your vehicle in person at your local MN DVS branch, you can complete your vehicle registration by mail. You need to send the following documents and payment to the MN DVS:

- A completed Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle (Form PS2000)
- Proof of ownership
- Vehicle odometer reading
- Proof of a valid MN auto insurance policy
- Payment for the MN vehicle registration fees (only a check or money order is accepted)

Make sure you mail your payment and all required documents to the following address:

DVS

445 Minnesota St

St Paul, MN 55101

You need to allow the MN DVS up to at least 10 days to process your MN vehicle registration. You will receive your new vehicle registration certificate and license plates in the mail to the address you provided on the application.

Minnesota Vehicle Registration Fees

In the state of Minnesota, there are standard administrative and license plate fees that all applicants must pay. These fees include:

- Filing fee: $11
- Passenger vehicle and truck plates:
– Double plates: $15.50
– Single plates (vehicles model year 1972 and older OR collector vehicles: $13.50
– Motorcycle or moped plates: $13.50
– Wheelage tax (if applicable): up to $20

Other MN vehicle registration fees are based on the taxes that are determined by the value and age of your vehicle. For instance, vehicles that are 10 years old or older have a minimum registration fee of $35. Motorcycles that are registered in MN have a $10 registration tax, while registered mopeds in this state have a registration tax of $6.

Congratulations! You now know how to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license and out-of-state vehicle registration to the state of Minnesota.