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updateUpdated 2026-10-09

Minnesota License Plate Lookup

Minnesota License Plate Lookup powered by NHTSA. The MN license plate lookup tool above returns make, model, year, trim, recalls, and crash ratings for any Minnesota-registered vehicle in seconds.

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MINNESOTAABC-123

5.0M

Registered Vehicles

Minnesota (FHWA)

Since 1909

Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS)

ABC-123

Minnesota License Plate Lookup: Quick Facts

Agency	Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS)
Issuance year	1909
Current format	ABC-123 — Seven characters on the current 'Explore Minnesota' design: three letters, a dash, and three digits. Newer issuances use 4-letter or 4-digit variants. Minnesota is a two-plate state.
Plates required	Two (front and rear)
Replacement fee	$13.50
Registration validity	1 year
Registered vehicles	5.0M (approx.)
DMV contact	1-651-297-3298 · dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs

How do I look up a Minnesota license plate?

Three steps to a complete minnesota license plate lookup. The MN license plate lookup workflow below works for any Minnesota-registered plate.

1
Enter the Minnesota license plate number in the search field above. Spaces and dashes are optional.
2
Confirm MN is selected in the state dropdown — plate numbers can repeat across states, so the state is required for accurate matching.
3
Press Search Plate. You'll see make, model, year, trim, engine, open recalls, and NHTSA crash safety ratings in seconds.

Run a MN plate lookuparrow_forward

What does a Minnesota license plate lookup reveal?

Free Minnesota plate searches return vehicle-level data: make, model, year, recalls, and NHTSA crash ratings. Personal information (driver name, address, contact) is protected under the DPPA and is not available here.

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DPPA notice — vehicle data only

This Minnesota license plate lookup returns vehicle information only — make, model, year, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database. We do not return the registered owner's name, address, phone number, email, driving record, or any other personal information about the driver. Personal driver and owner information is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not lawfully accessible through any free public lookup.

Free — available here

check_circleMake, model, year, and trim
check_circleBody style, doors, curb weight
check_circleEngine size, cylinders, fuel type
check_circleTransmission and drivetrain
check_circleOpen NHTSA safety recalls
check_circleNHTSA crash test ratings
check_circleEPA fuel economy (MPG)
check_circleManufacturing plant & country

Paid — via NMVTIS partners

boltTitle brand history (salvage, flood, rebuilt)
boltReported accident history
boltOdometer rollback detection
boltNumber of previous owners
boltLien and loan history
boltAuction & insurance records
boltState of registration history
boltTheft / total-loss records

Registered owner name, address, contact details, and driving records are protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and are not returned by this site or any other free public lookup. This tool provides vehicle-level data only — make, model, year, recalls, safety ratings, and EPA fuel economy — sourced from NHTSA and EPA public databases.

What does a Minnesota license plate format look like?

Seven characters on the current 'Explore Minnesota' design: three letters, a dash, and three digits. Newer issuances use 4-letter or 4-digit variants. Minnesota is a two-plate state. A free Minnesota license plate lookup also works on legacy plate formats listed in the table below.

MINNESOTAABC-123

Minnesota license plate formats through the years

Era	Format	Example
1909–1955	Sequential numeric	12345
1956–1977	Numeric / alphanumeric variations	AB 1234
1978–1986	3 letters + 3 digits ('10,000 Lakes', red on white)	ABC 123
1987–1999	3 letters + 3 digits ('Explore Minnesota', loon design)	ABC 123
2000–present	3 letters + 3 digits ('Explore Minnesota' refreshed)	ABC-123
Specialty / vanity (various)	Up to 7 characters with cause/team backgrounds	ABC 1234

Minnesota license plate laws you should know

Below are the four laws that most often trip up Minnesota drivers. Rules are enforced at the stop, the inspection station, and at registration renewal.

Two plates required

Minnesota requires two plates — front and rear — on every passenger vehicle under Minn. Stat. § 169.79. Failure to display either plate can result in fines.

Front plate rule

No exemption exists for vehicles lacking a front mounting bracket. Owners must install a bracket or face a citation under § 169.79.

Registration stickers & display

Minnesota issues registration tabs affixed to the rear plate showing the month and year of expiration. Registration must be renewed annually.

Inspection / smog check

Minnesota does NOT require statewide emissions testing or safety inspections for passenger vehicles. The state's previous emissions program was discontinued in 1999. Diesel-powered heavy trucks are subject to opacity testing.

Types of Minnesota license plates

Minnesota issues dozens of plate designs. These are the main categories you'll encounter on the road or see at the DMV counter.

Standard Minnesota / Explore Minnesota

Default plate with the loon and 'Explore Minnesota' design issued in the ABC-123 format. Two plates required.

Personalized / Vanity

Up to 7 characters on the standard or specialty backgrounds. $100 initial + $30/year through Minnesota DVS.

Disabled / Disabled Veteran

ISA wheelchair symbol; qualifies for accessible parking statewide. DV plates carry waived fees for qualifying veterans.

Military specialty

Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, POW, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Gold Star Family, and branch-specific plates.

Special interest

Minnesota Vikings, Twins, Wild, Timberwolves, U of M Gophers, Critical Habitat, Veterans, and dozens of cause plates.

Collector / Pioneer

Collector plates for vehicles 20+ years old; Pioneer plates for vehicles 50+ years old. Both restricted to occasional use.

How much does a Minnesota license plate cost?

Typical Minnesota DMV fees for plates, registration, and related services. Always confirm current amounts on the official DMV site before paying.

Annual registration (base + tax, varies by vehicle value)	$35 minimum + 1.25% of base value
Replacement plate (per pair)	$13.50
Personalized plate (initial)	$100
Personalized plate (annual)	$30
Title fee	$8.25
Filing fee	$11

Source: Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) — https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs

What if my Minnesota plate is lost, stolen, or damaged?

Follow these steps to replace a Minnesota license plate. Do not keep driving with a missing plate — it is a citable offense in most states.

1
File a police report immediately if the plates were stolen.
2
Complete the Application to Replace Plates (Form PS2067A) at any Minnesota DVS office or deputy registrar.
3
Submit the form, vehicle registration, and the $13.50 replacement fee.
4
Surrender any remaining plate from the pair before substitute plates are issued.
5
Most DVS offices and deputy registrars issue replacement plates on the spot.

Minnesota DMV contact & privacy

Official agency

Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS)

call1-651-297-3298

languagedps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs

DPPA privacy notice

Personal information tied to a Minnesota license plate — driver name, address, date of birth, phone number, email, and driving record — is protected by the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not returned by this site. This page and the lookup tool provide vehicle-level data only: make, model, year, trim, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about Minnesota license plate lookups, DMV rules, and plate replacement.

How do I run a Minnesota license plate lookup?expand_more

Enter any Minnesota plate in the search field above and press Check Plate. You'll get the vehicle's make, model, year, trim, open NHTSA recalls, and crash ratings — free, no signup required.

Does Minnesota require a front license plate?expand_more

Yes. Minn. Stat. § 169.79 requires passenger vehicles to display two plates — one on the front and one on the rear. There is no exemption for vehicles sold without a front bracket.

How much does a replacement Minnesota plate cost?expand_more

The replacement fee is $13.50 for a new plate pair. Replacements are processed at any Minnesota DVS office or deputy registrar using Form PS2067A.

What is the current Minnesota license plate format?expand_more

The standard Minnesota passenger plate uses a 7-character format: three letters, a dash, and three digits (e.g., ABC-123) on the 'Explore Minnesota' loon design.

Are Minnesota license plate records public?expand_more

No. Owner information tied to a Minnesota plate is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and Minn. Stat. § 13.02. Free lookups return only vehicle-level data.

Does Minnesota require emissions testing or inspections?expand_more

No. Minnesota does not require statewide emissions testing or safety inspections for passenger vehicles. The state's previous emissions program was discontinued in 1999.

How do I get a personalized Minnesota plate?expand_more

Personalized plates are ordered through Minnesota DVS at dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs for $100 initial fee and $30 annual renewal. Up to 7 characters are allowed.

How often do I renew my Minnesota registration?expand_more

Minnesota vehicle registration is valid for 1 year and expires on the last day of the registration month. The DVS mails a renewal notice approximately 30–45 days before expiration.

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