Free Minnesota License Plate Lookup

Before making a used car purchase in Minnesota, it’s crucial to conduct a license plate search to ensure the vehicle’s history is clear of any red flags. Our free license plate lookup tool can provide you with important information about the vehicle’s past, including any accidents, title issues, and more. Trust our free Minnesota license plate search to help you make informed decisions and ensure your safety on the road. 

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What is a Minnesota license plate lookup and what are the benefits?

Minnesota license plate lookup is a process of searching for registration records associated with a specific vehicle using its license plate number. It is a valuable tool for individuals, law enforcement agencies, and private investigators who need to gather information about a vehicle’s history or confirm its details. The lookup is possible because state governments maintain a database that houses vehicle registration information such as the owner’s name, address, make and model of the vehicle, and lien information.

To conduct a license plate search, one needs to access a public record search website that offers this service. The platform will require the license plate number and state where it’s registered to run the search. Once the search is complete, the system will display the car’s registration information, and in some cases, its vehicle history, including accidents, recalls, and repair records. The service comes at a fee, and the cost varies between different platforms. It can assist in tracking down stolen vehicles, uncovering valuable information during an insurance claim investigation, and making informed decisions before purchasing a used car. 

VinCheckPro’s free Minnesota license plate search offers users access to a range of important information about any vehicle registered in the state. Some of the key information that you can obtain through this vehicle search tool includes:

  • NMVTIS vehicle history report
  • Vehicle specifications
  • Accident records
  • Manufacturer recalls 
  • Junk & Salvage records
  • Lien records
  • Odometer Readings 
  • Total Loss History 
  • Sale history, estimated ownership costs, and market value
  • 60+ Problem Checks – signs of odometer rollback, theft and others
  • Taxi, Lease, Police Use – past occupation or line of business
  • Safety Report – safety reviews by auto experts and consumers

Running a Minnesota license plate search gives you access to any information publicly available and linked to that car. Not only will you have access to title information, maintenance reports, government records, and more, you’ll also have the tools you need to determine whether the license plate that you looked up actually belongs to the vehicle you’re looking at. It is a quick, easy, and legitimate way to obtain necessary data to make informed decisions.

What is a Minnesota license plate?

A Minnesota license plate is a metal or plastic plate that is attached to a vehicle and is used to identify the vehicle registration. The license plate features a combination of letters and numbers that are unique to each vehicle and serves as an identification number. Minnesota license plates come in different colors and designs, depending on the type of vehicle and the year of registration. For passenger cars and light trucks, the standard plate is white with blue lettering and features the state name, the year of registration, and a slogan such as “10,000 lakes” or “Explore Minnesota.”

In addition to serving as an identification number, license plates also help law enforcement to enforce traffic laws, track stolen vehicles, and monitor parking violations. It is important for all vehicles to have a valid and visible license plate to avoid fines and penalties. A Minnesota license plate is an essential part of a vehicle and serves as an important form of identification and registration.

The state issues different types of license plates which come in a variety of designs. There are standard passenger plates, which are the most common type and there are the specialty plates, which allow drivers to display their support for a particular cause or organization.

    1. Dealer – issued to licensed auto dealerships, so they can display their inventory while test-driving vehicles with potential customers
    2. Disability – issued to drivers who have a qualifying disability and allows them to park in designated disability parking spots
    3. Limousine – offered to those who own or operate a limo service
    4. Personalized Plates – allow the vehicle owner to choose their own combination of letters and numbers to create a custom message
    5. Special Registration Plates – issued to a limited licensed driver allowing him to drive a vehicle that is subject to an order of License Plate Impoundment
    6. Specialized Plates – these plates enable the drivers to show off to show their support for their favorite organizations or causes
  • Standard Plates
  1. Tax Exempt Local – a special plate issued for vehicles owned and operated by local government entities that are exempt from paying certain taxes, which include cities, counties, school districts, and other similar organizations
  2. Tax Exempt State – issued to certain types of vehicles belonging to non-profit organizations and government agencies that are exempted from paying sales tax
  3. Van Pool – a special license plate issued to a vehicle (typically a van) used for commuting purposes that must have at least seven passengers (including the driver)

These plates are subject to certain restrictions and additional fees, but can be a fun way to express yourself on the road. You can find more information on license plates at the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services website.

 

How do I get a license plate in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, obtaining a license plate for your vehicle is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a general overview of the steps to get a license plate:

  1. Vehicle Purchase or Ownership:
    • If you’re purchasing a new or used vehicle from a dealership, they will usually handle the registration and titling process on your behalf.
    • If you’re transferring ownership of a vehicle or acquiring a vehicle through other means (e.g., private sale, gift, inheritance), you will need to handle the registration yourself.
  2. Gather Required Documents:
    • Proof of ownership, such as a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) or a Certificate of Title, depending on whether the vehicle is new or used.
    • Proof of insurance that meets Minnesota’s minimum coverage requirements.
    • A completed Vehicle Registration Application (available at the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services website).
    • Payment for the registration fees and taxes. Fees vary depending on the vehicle type, its value, and other factors.
  3. Visit a Deputy Registrar Office:
    • Locate a Deputy Registrar Office near you. These offices are authorized by the state to process vehicle registrations.
    • Bring all the required documents and payment to the office.
    • A deputy registrar will assist you with the registration process, verify your documents, and calculate the registration fees and taxes.
  4. Receive Your License Plate:
    • Once your registration is complete and all fees are paid, you will be issued a license plate for your vehicle.
    • The deputy registrar office may provide you with a temporary permit if you need to use your vehicle immediately while waiting for your permanent license plate.
  5. Display Your License Plate:
    • Attach the license plate to your vehicle as instructed by the deputy registrar. Typically, one plate is issued for passenger vehicles, and it should be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
  6. Renew Your Registration:
    • Regularly renew your vehicle’s registration according to the schedule provided by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS).
  7. Keep Records:
    • Maintain copies of your registration documents and proof of insurance in your vehicle as required by Minnesota law.

Please note that certain vehicle types or situations may have specific requirements or processes. For personalized guidance and to find the nearest Deputy Registrar Office, visit the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) website or contact the DVS directly. Additionally, the registration process may vary slightly for commercial vehicles or specialty plates.

Can I transfer my Minnesota license plate to another vehicle?

Yes, in Minnesota, you can usually transfer your license plates from one vehicle to another as long as certain conditions are met. Here are the general steps to transfer license plates to a different vehicle:

  1. Meet Eligibility Requirements:
    • Ensure that the license plates you want to transfer are currently registered in your name or jointly in your name and the name of the person you’re transferring them to.
  2. Verify Vehicle Eligibility:
    • The vehicle you want to transfer the plates to must be eligible for the transfer. In most cases, it should be a passenger vehicle or a light truck.
    • Commercial vehicles or specialized plates may have different rules, so check with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) or your local Deputy Registrar Office for specific requirements.
  3. Complete the Transfer:
    • Visit your local Deputy Registrar Office in person to complete the license plate transfer.
    • You will need to provide the necessary documents, including proof of ownership and identification.
    • You may also need to complete a Vehicle Registration Application and pay the required fees, including any transfer fees.
  4. Receive New Registration Documents:
    • Once the transfer is complete, you will receive new registration documents and a registration card for the vehicle with the transferred plates.
  5. Attach Plates to the New Vehicle:
    • Remove the license plates from the previous vehicle and attach them to the new vehicle following Minnesota’s guidelines for proper placement.
  6. Notify Insurance Company:
    • Inform your auto insurance company about the change in the vehicle associated with the plates.
  7. Keep Proof of Transfer:
    • Keep a copy of the transfer documents and registration card in your vehicle as proof of valid registration.

It’s important to note that there may be specific rules and fees associated with transferring plates, so it’s a good idea to check with your local Deputy Registrar Office or the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for the most up-to-date and accurate information based on your situation.

Additionally, if you have specialty or personalized license plates, transferring them to another vehicle may have additional requirements or restrictions, so inquire about these details during the transfer process.

How can I find the owner of a license plate in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, like in many other states, accessing personal information about a license plate owner is restricted due to privacy laws. Only authorized individuals and entities, such as law enforcement agencies and certain government organizations, have access to this information for legitimate purposes.

If you need to contact the owner of a vehicle with a Minnesota license plate for a valid reason, you may consider the following steps:

  1. Contact Law Enforcement: If you have a legitimate reason, such as being involved in an accident or needing to report a violation, you can contact the local law enforcement agency in the area where the incident occurred. They may be able to assist you in reaching the owner.
  2. Use Public Records: Public records may provide limited information about a vehicle owner in certain situations. For example, if you have the license plate number of a vehicle involved in an accident, you can contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) or the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident to request accident reports. The accident report may contain the name and contact information of the parties involved.
  3. Report to Authorities: If you have concerns related to a vehicle’s behavior or activities, you can report the issue to the appropriate authorities, such as local law enforcement or the DPS. They can investigate and take appropriate action if necessary.

It’s important to respect privacy laws and use such information only for lawful and legitimate purposes. Unauthorized attempts to obtain personal information from a license plate may be illegal and subject to penalties.

Always exercise caution and prioritize safety when attempting to contact the owner of a vehicle for any reason. If you are unsure about the appropriate course of action, it’s advisable to consult with law enforcement or legal professionals.

Can you look up vehicle history by VIN in Minnesota?

Yes, you can look up vehicle history by VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in Minnesota. You can obtain a vehicle history report from various sources, including online VIN check services, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), or authorized third-party vendors. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Online VIN Check Services: Numerous online platforms offer vehicle history reports based on a VIN. While many of these services come with a fee, some provide fundamental information without any cost. One such option is VinCheckPro.com, which provides a complimentary VIN check service. All you need to do is input the VIN on the website to generate a comprehensive report outlining the vehicle’s history, encompassing details about accidents, title history, recalls, and more, all without any charges.
  2. Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS): The Minnesota DPS offers a service called the “Driver and Vehicle Services” (DVS). While the DVS primarily handles driver’s licenses and vehicle registration, they can also provide limited vehicle history information. You can visit a local DVS office or their website for more information. Keep in mind that their services may not be as comprehensive as those provided by specialized VIN check services.
  3. Authorized Third-Party Vendors: Some businesses in Minnesota are authorized by the state to provide various DMV-related services, including VIN checks and vehicle history reports. You can inquire with these vendors for their services and fees.

When obtaining a vehicle history report, it’s essential to ensure that you’re using a reputable and reliable source. This information can be valuable when purchasing a used vehicle, as it can reveal important details about the vehicle’s past.

Always use the information obtained through VIN checks for lawful and legitimate purposes, such as buying a used vehicle, checking for recalls, or verifying the history of a vehicle you own.