Minnesota License Plate Lookup

Check License Plate Now GoodCar's license plate lookup provides interested parties with the right information on their vehicles.

Table of Content

How To Lookup Minnesota License Plates
Why Run a License Plate Search in Minnesota?
What Can You Get Out of a Minnesota License Plate Lookup?
Why Choose GoodCar for Minnesota Plate Lookups?
Minnesota License Plates
How to Get a License Plate in Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions about Minnesota License Plate Lookups

How To Lookup Minnesota License Plates

Minnesota license plate lookup is essential for anyone looking for information about their vehicles, whether they want to sell or buy one. During a license plate check, individuals are privileged to certain vehicle records, such as its history, model, damage reports, and much more.

In Minnesota, interested parties can search for vehicle details using the license plate in several ways. These include using the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Service (DVS), the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), or credible third-party services. People can conduct a vehicle history search on GoodCar website using the license plate or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) search.

License Plates

GoodCar’s vehicle search can be performed by navigating to and selecting the ‘License Plate’ tab. In the search bar, enter the value of the chosen Minnesota license plate, then select the appropriate state before clicking on the Search button. When done, the system will go through its database to find any relevant information about the vehicle.

The vehicle report will include information about its features, accident histories, title brands, odometer records, and other manufacturer information history. Free Minnesota license plate searches are available, but these are to show basic vehicle specifications. Interested parties must pay a competitive fee to view the full report.

VIN

Individuals may also use the VIN check to view vehicle records. The VIN is unique code manufacturers issue to vehicles during production. It works like a license plate search, but you do not have to include the state. Clicking on the tab should illustrate the same search parameters, such as vehicle history, titling, and pricing.

The VIN is found on the engine firewall, dashboard near the windscreen, and the driver door jamb. VIN searches tend to be less convenient than their alternative because of the trouble of physically looking for the VIN on the vehicle rather than using the easily accessible plate number.

Why Run a License Plate Search in Minnesota?

Reasons to Run License Plate Search in Minnesota

Running a Minnesota license plate lookup is critical for due diligence and avoiding potential unexpected issues. A Minnesota license plate search can reveal important information about a car's history, such as flood, fire, or hail damage. It also shows if the vehicle was part of a recall, previously crashed, and classified as salvage. These reports provide an objective perspective about the vehicle as opposed to the seller’s claims. This information is critical for making educated decisions when buying a used vehicle, as it may help spot potential problems and save costly repairs in the future.

Furthermore, a Minnesota license plate check can provide information on the car's odometer readings, which helps validate the actual mileage while detecting fraud. Sometimes, sellers may talk up a vehicle by mentioning untruthful attributes or upgrades. License plate checks validate or disprove these assertions without you having to mechanically check if they are true.

It also gives you an idea of the vehicle’s capabilities and features compared to the issued market value. From there, any buyer can make an informed decision about the vehicle. GoodCar’s license plate searches also show registration information via the title issues section. When combined with law enforcement resources, it can assist insurers in determining theft checks or any other caveats.

What Can You Get Out of a Minnesota License Plate Lookup?

Vehicle records are kept by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Division of Driver and Vehicle Services. They are also available via license plate checks, so the search provides comprehensive information about vehicle history, attributes, and titling. Buyers can see a complete picture of what they are purchasing rather than a segmented perspective..

Vehicle Records

Vehicle records provide different data segments, including pricing, manufacturer information, titling, and specifications. Specifications may entail engine type, transmission, and safety features. Similarly, you may access manufacturer data, including recalls and crash test ratings. Underpricing, there are retail market price trade-in options and residuals.

Title Brands and Problem Checks

The title brand section handles experienced issues and classifications. These detail damage related to fire, flooding, or hail. It also shows accidents, collision records, reconstruction and rebuilding. Fortunately, the title brands report can reveal any potential issues, undisclosed or otherwise, which individuals can leverage to assess the risk associated with the vehicle. It also shows classification such as whether the vehicle was previously used as a police car or designated salvage.

Why Choose GoodCar for Minnesota Plate Lookups?

Requesters can benefit from extensive vehicle records and reports as they obtain information from accredited data providers like the NMVTIS. GoodCar also illustrates theft checks, collision records, recalls, flood, hail, or fire damage, and pricing.

Minnesota License Plates

Minnesota made it mandatory for every vehicle in the state to display a license plate in 1909. The initial slogan appeared on the license plates in 1949. In that year, 1849-Centennial was embossed at the bottom of the plate. Over the years, these plates have either been grey or brown. Only during the late 60s and 70s did the background change to a white gradient with dark blue or green serials. From the year 2008, moving forward, the gradient became blue with hints of white. The serials are black, and the state name is depicted on top.

Additionally, most vehicles should display their license plates at the front and the rear, while motorcycles and trailers should at least display their rear plates.

Standard Issue License Plates

Standard license plates are issued to passenger vehicles that carry less than 15 people, pickup trucks and vans that weigh less than 14,000 pounds, and passenger vans that weigh one ton. The standard license plate has the bold “Minnesota” state name at the top of the tag numbers. In the middle, there is an image of the state. The initial cost for a standard license plate in the state is $8.

Personalized License plates

The state also provides personalized plates with unique characters or messages other than those found on a standard plate tag. However, in Minnesota, customized plates are only available with the standard plate background found in passenger trucks and motorcycles. Individuals can apply for a personalized plate at the deputy registrar's office or by mailing their personalized license Application for Special Plates (PS2010) and ensuring they pay the necessary fees. The initial cost of a personalized plate is $100.

Specialty License Plates

Specialty license plates are tags issued to vehicle owners to recognize achievements, status, military service, historical significance, organization, or other ideologies. Some of the most common specialty plates in the state include:

Agricultural plates
Amateur radio plates
Blackout plates
Collector class plates
Collegiate plates
Veteran plates
Critical habitat plates

To get Minnesota specialty plates, an individual must provide a copy of their license plate number, vehicle VIN, and payment information. Individuals can order these plates by visiting the deputy registrar's office and completing a Minnesota Special License Plate Form. Charges for acquiring a specialty plate vary depending on the type of plate.

How to Get a
License Plate in Minnesota

Minnesota vehicle owners must register and title their cars to get a new license plate registration. The state requires new owners to register their vehicles within four to six weeks of purchase, and new Minnesota residents should register their vehicles within six weeks of state residency.

When applying for vehicle registration, a person should visit their nearest motor vehicle Deputy Registrar Office or mail the Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle (PS2000) to the nearest DVS office. During registration, a person must provide proof of vehicle ownership, such as a certificate of title and identity.

For standard license plate registration, a person must pay $8 plus the additional vehicle registration fee. However, individuals must pay $100 plus the additional vehicle registration fee for personalized plates. The fee for specialty plates may vary depending on the plate. The DVS mails the new license plate tags in four to six weeks.

MN License Plate Renewal

In Minnesota, vehicle owners must renew their license plates every year. The month of the license plate expiration is shown on the lower left corner of the plate, and an expiration sticker is affixed on the lower right corner every time the license tags are renewed. The state requires the vehicle owners to display the renewal sticker by midnight of the 10th day of the month after the license plates expire.

Minnesota license plates can be renewed through their e-service portal or by contacting the nearest Deputy Registrar's office. The renewal fee for standard and personalized plates is $8 annually.

MN License Plate Replacement

Minnesota allows individuals to replace vehicle license plates in case they are damaged, lost, or stolen. Individuals can apply for duplicate plates or stickers at their local license center. The process involves validating an individual's identity, such as a driver's license and basic vehicle details. Furthermore, a person may need to provide specific documentation, such as the most recent title, registration card, or Minnesota title/registration application.

Frequently Asked Questions about
Minnesota License Plate Lookups

Can I Lookup MN License Plates for Free?
Yes, you can look up Minnesota license plates for free using GoodCar's vehicle history search. GoodCar’s free license plate lookup service can only show basic vehicle specifications. However, individuals will have to pay a small fee to get a comprehensive report about the car, including accident history and NHTSA crash test ratings.
Can I use Minnesota license plate lookup services to find out about a vehicle's accident history?
Yes, a Minnesota license plate lookup can provide valuable information about a vehicle's history. The GoodCar lookup service report provides details such as accident records, damage reports, and title brands like salvage or rebuilt.
How Can I Register a Vanity License Plate in Minnesota?
Individuals can register personalized plates with the standard background for both passenger vehicles and pickups. In the majority of cases, the vehicle owner would complete and sign an Application for Special Plates form. The fee for personalized plates is $100, while specialty plates have a fee of $23.50. An additional $25 would be due at the time of the first issuance and the registration renewal.