Motor Vehicle
Everything you need for registering, renewing, buying, or selling a vehicle in Minnesota. If you're not sure what paperwork you need, stop in and we'll walk you through it.
Renewing your vehicle tabs is usually one of the quickest transactions we handle. Bring the items below and we can help you get your tabs renewed.
Preferred
If you do not have your renewal notice, bring
Also required
Current insurance information, including:
Note: Some renewals may require updated address information, plate replacement, or additional DVS review.
Whether you’re buying from a dealer, a neighbor, or moving in from another state, we’ll walk you through the title paperwork.
Bring the paperwork from both sides of the sale. If the title is missing a signature or the odometer line is blank, we can’t process the transfer, so double-check before you come in.
Bring your current out-of-state title, photo ID, proof of insurance, and any lien release if a lien is listed. The title must be properly signed by the seller and buyer. Minnesota residents are generally required to transfer ownership within 10 business days of the sale.
Because every state’s title is different, we recommend bringing the paperwork into our office so we can review it and help you complete the Minnesota title and registration process.
If your Minnesota title has been lost, stolen, damaged, or never received, Falls License Bureau can help you apply for a duplicate title.
Bring your photo ID, vehicle plate number or VIN, and a lien release if a lien still appears on the vehicle but has been paid off. The registered owner must request the duplicate title.
Duplicate Title, Registration Card, or Lien Card (PS2067A)(PDF, opens in a new tab)
Standard plates are issued with registration. Specialty plates (veterans, collegiate, critical habitat, and more) have additional fees and paperwork.
Standard Minnesota plates are issued when new plates are required, such as with a first-time Minnesota registration, an out-of-state title transfer, certain vehicle class changes, or when the existing plates are no longer valid.
If a plate is lost, stolen, damaged, expired, or needs replacement, we can issue new plates to you.
Specialty plates support causes, honor service, or show off an alma mater — veterans, collegiate, critical habitat, and more. Each type has its own eligibility rules and additional fees, and some require annual contributions.
Download the Special Plate Brochure(PDF, opens in a new tab)
Motor vehicle fees vary by transaction type and vehicle. Registration tax may be based on the vehicle’s original value, model year, vehicle class, weight, plate type, county wheelage tax, and other required state fees. Minnesota uses a depreciation schedule for many passenger vehicles, so newer and higher-value vehicles usually cost more to register.
For an exact estimate, stop in with your plate number, VIN, title paperwork, or renewal notice.
Can’t make it in person? Mail your paperwork to us and we’ll return it by mail once processed.
Falls License Bureau
1225 Third Street
International Falls, MN 56649
Common forms, ready to download.