What Is a Temporary License Plate in Minnesota?
A temporary vehicle permit in Minnesota is a short-term permit that allows a vehicle to operate on public roads until permanent license plates arrive. The program is administered by the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services division of the Department of Public Safety under Chapter 168 of the Minnesota Statutes.
Licensed dealers issue the permit at the point of sale through online business services. The Deputy Registrar Office issues permits to residents applying for new types of license plates or non-residents taking a purchased vehicle out of state.
The permit is a paper tag attached to the rear of the vehicle where the license plate is normally mounted.
What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Minnesota?
| Class | Official Name | Trigger | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Buyer | 60-Day Temporary Vehicle Permit | Vehicle purchase in Minnesota | Licensed Dealer or Deputy Registrar |
| Non-Resident Buyer | 60-Day Temporary Vehicle Permit | Non-resident purchase, vehicle export | Licensed Dealer or Deputy Registrar |
| Special Plates | Temporary Permit (Special Plates) | Applied for special plates | Commissioner or Deputy Registrar |
All three classes are non-renewable according to §168.092 and §168.091. The DVS temporary permits page confirms that extensions are unavailable.
When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Minnesota?
- A resident buying a new or used vehicle from a licensed dealer receives a 60-day temporary vehicle permit at the point of sale according to §168.092.
- A resident applying for a new type of special license plate at a deputy registrar office receives a temporary permit according to §168.09, Subd. 7, while plates are manufactured.
- A non-resident purchasing a vehicle in Minnesota requires a permit to legally export the vehicle out of state according to §168.091.
- Dealers must issue all temporary permits through DVS online business services, according to the DVS dealer section.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Minnesota?
- Gather the bill of sale or purchase agreement, proof of valid insurance, and government-issued identification.
- For dealer purchases, the dealer issues the permit at the point of sale through DVS online business services.
- For a new plate type or private sale, visit any deputy registrar office with proof of ownership and payment.
- Pay the registration fee and technology fee described in the next section.
- Attach the paper permit to the rear of the vehicle where the license plate is mounted.
The DVS temporary permits page outlines all current requirements.
How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Minnesota?
| Class | Fee | Additional Fee | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Buyer | $12 Registration Fee | $2.25 Technology Fee | Buyer |
| Non-Resident Buyer | $1 (waived if electronic) | $2.25 Technology Fee | Buyer |
| Special Plates | $12 Registration Fee | $2.25 Technology Fee | Applicant |
The $1 fee for non-residents is waived when the dealer or deputy registrar transmits sales information electronically, as published on the DVS vehicle fees page.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Minnesota?
No. Individual vehicle owners cannot obtain a temporary vehicle permit online through DVS.
Residents purchasing from a dealer receive the permit at the dealership. The dealer processes the permit through the DVS online business services portal.
Residents needing a permit for a private purchase or special plate order must visit a deputy registrar office in person.
For most buyers, the permit issued by the dealer at the point of sale is the standard route without needing a separate office visit.
How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Minnesota?
| Class | Validity Period | Geographic Restriction | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Buyer | 60 days | None | None |
| Non-Resident Buyer | 60 days from sale date | Vehicle export from Minnesota | None |
| Special Plates | 60 days | None | None |
Operating a vehicle after the permit expires without valid registration is an offense under §168.09, Subd. 1. The statute allows a defense if the owner renews and pays all fees within ten days of receiving a citation.