Minnesota dealers issue a 21-day permit to resident buyers. For most private-party purchases, no temp plate is needed at all, because Minnesota plates stay with the car. Here is how every scenario works, including the October 2025 non-resident permit update.
The Most Important Minnesota Rule: Plates Stay With the Car
In Minnesota, license plates are issued to the vehicle, not to the owner. When a vehicle is sold, the plates stay on it and transfer to the new owner along with the title. This is the foundational rule that shapes how Minnesota’s temporary plate system works, and it means that most private-party vehicle purchases in Minnesota do not require a temporary plate at all.
If you buy a used car from a private seller in Minnesota and the car has valid Minnesota plates, you can legally drive it immediately. The plates are part of the vehicle. You then have 10 days to visit a DVS deputy registrar and transfer the title into your name. You do not need a temporary permit for this window; the existing plates cover you.
Most private-party buyers need no temp plate
If the vehicle has valid Minnesota registration and plates, you drive it away on those plates and transfer the title within 10 days. No trip to the DVS before driving. No temporary permit required.
The 21-Day Dealer Permit: How It Works
When you purchase a vehicle from a licensed Minnesota dealership, the dealer issues a 21-day temporary permit under Minnesota Statute 168.092. This permit gives you time to register the vehicle and pay the applicable fees and taxes while the dealer processes your title and permanent plates.
Minnesota dealers issue all temporary permits through the MNDRIVE e-Services for Business system, the same statewide DVS database used for permanent registration. This means the permit is digitally registered in the DVS system from the moment it is issued and is verifiable by law enforcement.
21-Day Permit: Main Rules
- Valid for 21 days from the date of issue, no extensions, no renewals by the dealer
- One permit per vehicle. Minnesota law allows dealers to issue only one permit per vehicle, with no exceptions
- Issued to all vehicle classes. Passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicle types are all eligible.
- Permits are not transferable between dealerships; each permit is tied to the specific dealer and vehicle transaction.
- Issued through MNDRIVE e-Services, digitally registered and verifiable by law enforcement statewide
- Dealers cannot charge more for the permit than the dealer was charged by the DVS for the individual permit
Your Situation Is Different?
Your situation determines if you need a temporary permit or not and for how long.
| Situation | Plate / Permit Status | Title & Registration Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| MN dealer purchase, MN resident | 60-day dealer permit (Updated from 21 days) | Within 60 days |
| Out-of-state buyer at MN dealer | 60-day non-resident permit | Register in home state within 60 days |
| Private sale, car has valid MN plates | No temp plate needed; existing plates stay with the car | 10 days to transfer the title at a DVS office |
| Private sale, car has expired/no plates | Must get a 60-day permit at the DVS before driving | Visit deputy registrar with all documents before driving |
| New MN Resident | Out-of-state plates valid during 60-day transition | Register within 60 days of establishing residency |
Buying From a Private Seller in Minnesota
The plates-stay-with-vehicle rule makes private-party purchases in Minnesota relatively straightforward for most buyers, if the vehicle has valid Minnesota plates, you drive it away on those plates. The seller does not remove the plates. You then transfer the title within 10 days.
The situation that requires attention is when the vehicle has no plates, or has expired Minnesota plates. In that case, you cannot legally drive the vehicle without first obtaining a permit. You would need to visit a DVS deputy registrar with all required documents, including the signed title, and obtain a permit before driving the vehicle on public roads.
Car Has Valid MN Plates
Drive away on the existing plates. No temporary permit needed. Transfer title at a DVS deputy registrar within 10 days. Pay the title transfer fee. A $2 fee applies if title transfer is done after 20 days.
Car Has No Plates or Expired Plates
Do not drive the vehicle. Visit a DVS deputy registrar with the signed title, your ID, proof of insurance, and payment. Obtain a permit before driving. Driving an unregistered vehicle without a permit is a misdemeanor.
How Much Shall You Pay For Minnesota Temporary License Plates?
| Fee Component | Amount | Type | Purpose / Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Plates Fee | $15.50 | Statutory Fee | Covers the physical manufacturing of two new standard passenger plates. |
| Filing Fee | $8.00 | Transaction Fee | Mandatory processing fee for the vehicle registration system. |
| Technology Surcharge | $2.25 | Mandatory Surcharge | State-mandated fee used to maintain and update DVS information systems. |
| Actual Total Cost | $25.75 | Grand Total | The true amount required at checkout. |
What to Bring for Title Transfer After a Private Purchase
- Original title signed and assigned by the seller, all liens released
- Bill of sale with purchase price, date, and odometer reading
- Valid Minnesota driver’s license or state ID
- Proof of valid Minnesota auto insurance
- Payment for title transfer fee, registration tax, and filing fee
Non-Resident 60-Day Permit: Updated October 2025
If you live in another state and purchase a vehicle from a Minnesota dealership to drive home, Minnesota issues you a non-resident temporary permit. Beginning October 1, 2025, this permit is valid for 60 days, extended from the previous 31-day window. This change gives out-of-state buyers significantly more time to complete registration in their home state.
The 60-day window begins the day after the date of sale. Minnesota dealers issue the non-resident permit through the MNDRIVE system at the point of purchase. You use this permit to drive the vehicle from the dealership to your home state and complete registration there. The permit is not valid indefinitely, you must register in your home state before it expires.
| PERMIT TYPE | WHO IT COVERS | VALIDITY |
|---|---|---|
| 21-day resident permit | Minnesota residents purchasing from MN dealers | 21 days, unchanged |
| 60-day non-resident permit | Out-of-state residents purchasing from MN dealers to take to their home state | 60 days, updated Oct 1, 2025 |
How to Display a Minnesota Temporary Permit
Under Minnesota Statute 168.092, the temporary permit must be affixed to the rear of the vehicle where the license plate is normally mounted. It must be plainly visible from behind the vehicle. Minnesota requires two plates on most vehicles; the temporary permit is displayed at the rear in place of a permanent rear plate.
Correct Display
- Affixed to the rear of the vehicle at the license plate mounting position
- Plainly visible from behind
- All information legible, expiration date clearly readable
- Secured so it does not detach while driving
Not Permitted
- Displayed inside the rear window
- Covered with any frame or tinted material
- Altered, extended, or modified in any way
- Displayed on the dashboard or windshield
What If My Minnesota Temporary Permit Expires Before Plates Arrive?
Do not drive the vehicle with an expired temporary permit. Contact the dealership immediately. Minnesota dealers are required to process title paperwork promptly and ensure permanent plates arrive within the 21-day window. If the dealer’s failure to process paperwork caused the delay, they are responsible for resolving it.
If you cannot reach the dealer or need immediate help, visit a DVS deputy registrar’s office. Bring your purchase documentation, the signed title, the bill of sale, and your ID. The DVS office may be able to issue a 60-day extension permit if the dealer-related situation qualifies. Acting before the 21 days expire is always better than arriving after the permit has lapsed.
One permit per vehicle, no dealer extensions
Minnesota law is clear: dealers may issue only one temporary permit per vehicle, with no exceptions. The dealer cannot give you a second permit. If you need more time, the DVS office is the right place to resolve it, not the dealer.
New Minnesota Residents. What Do You Need to Do?
If you have recently moved to Minnesota, you must title and register your out-of-state vehicle within 60 days of establishing Minnesota residency. Your out-of-state plates and registration remain valid on the vehicle during this 60-day window. After that point, the vehicle must display Minnesota plates.
To register your vehicle, visit any DVS deputy registrar office with your out-of-state title, proof of Minnesota insurance, your Minnesota driver’s license or ID, and payment for the title fee and registration tax. If you have a loan on the vehicle, the title will be sent to your lienholder after registration is processed.
New residents who purchase a vehicle from a Minnesota dealer before establishing residency may be issued a 21-day resident permit or a 60-day non-resident permit depending on their residency status at the time of purchase, confirm with the dealer or DVS office.