Free Minnesota License Plate Lookup – Get a Free Vehicle History

Thinking about purchasing a used car in Minnesota? Get a completely FREE Minnesota License Plate Lookup to instantly access the full history of the vehicle. Simply enter the license plate number and receive an in-depth report — including title details, accident records, mileage inconsistencies, open recalls, liens, theft incidents, and much more.

Why Use VinCheck.info for Minnesota Plate Checks?

✅ Completely Free – no hidden charges, subscriptions, or credit card details needed
✅ Reliable Information – backed by NMVTIS and trusted industry partners
✅ Instant Results – mobile-friendly, no apps or downloads required
✅ Private & Secure – search anonymously without any need for registration

The Importance of a Minnesota License Plate Lookup

Minnesota, with its mix of bustling cities like Minneapolis and Saint Paul, along with its vast rural landscapes and iconic winter roads, is home to millions of vehicles. The used car market here is active, but not every car is as perfect as it seems.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles vehicle registrations and titles, which are all connected to license plates. Running a free plate lookup allows you to access crucial details about the vehicle’s history — including any prior accidents, flood damage, existing liens, or stolen vehicle reports.

Don’t risk buying a car with unknown issues. Perform a free Minnesota plate lookup today to make sure your next ride is safe, reliable, and free from any unpleasant surprises.

Minnesota Plate Serial Format:
ABC 123

Why Use a Free Minnesota License Plate Lookup?

Thinking about buying or selling a used car in Minnesota? A 100% free Minnesota license plate lookup from VinCheck.info gives you instant access to essential vehicle details, helping you make safer, smarter decisions. Simply enter a Minnesota plate number to reveal:

• Vehicle Details – Year, make, model, trim, and body style.
• Title Status – Check for branded titles like salvage, flood, rebuilt, or junk—whether issued in Minnesota or another state.
• Accident Records – Reported crashes, airbag deployments, and structural damage.
• Mileage History – Spot odometer rollbacks or unusual mileage gaps.
• Market Valuation – Get an estimate of the car’s fair market price based on its history and condition.
• Liens & Loans – Verify outstanding liens or past repossessions.
• Usage – See if the vehicle was privately owned, leased, used as a fleet car, or rented.
• Open Recalls – Find manufacturer recalls that still need repair.
• Theft Records – Check if the car was ever reported stolen or recovered.
• Sales & Title Transfers – Track past transactions and interstate ownership history.

Whether you’re shopping for used cars in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, or Bloomington, a free Minnesota license plate lookup offers peace of mind—no fees, no subscriptions, and no sign-ups required.

Sample Vehicle History Report

Minnesota License Plates, Decals, and Placards FAQs

What is a Minnesota License Plate?

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) oversees the issuance of vehicle license plates in the state. Minnesota offers various plate options, including standard plates, specialty plates, and personalized plates.

Minnesota’s standard license plates typically feature the state’s name and may include unique designs or symbols representing Minnesota’s culture, history, or natural landscapes. These plates are linked to the vehicle’s registered owner and require annual renewal with updated registration decals.

License Plate Sizes

Standard automobile, commercial, and trailer license plates: 12″ x 6″ 

Motorcycle license plates: 7″ x 4″ 

Specialty or personalized plates may have slightly different dimensions.

License Plate Validity

Minnesota license plates are validated with registration decals that indicate the expiration date of the vehicle’s registration. Generally, plates remain with the vehicle they are assigned to, but specialty or personalized plates can be transferred to another vehicle upon request and payment of applicable fees.

Minnesota Laws on License Plates

Minnesota has mandated license plates on vehicles since a specific year (if known). Most vehicles in Minnesota, including passenger cars, are required to have both front and rear plates. Exceptions may apply for certain vehicle types such as motorcycles or trailers, which might only require a rear plate. License plates play a crucial role in identifying vehicles, aiding law enforcement in accessing DMV records to trace vehicle ownership. 

In case of theft, damage, or loss of license plates, you must obtain a replacement. This can be done by submitting an Application for Duplicate Plates/Validation Stickers (Form PS2010) at a Minnesota DPS office.

Transferring a Minnesota License Plate

To transfer a Minnesota license plate from one vehicle to another, follow these steps:

1. Check eligibility: Ensure that both vehicles involved in the transfer are registered in Minnesota and that the license plate is in good standing. Make sure the registration is current or renew it before initiating the transfer process.
2. Remove the license plate from the original vehicle: Take off the license plate from the original vehicle and store it securely.
3. Complete the transfer application: Obtain the appropriate transfer application form from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) or your local Deputy Registrar’s Office. Fill out the form with all required information, including the license plate number and details of both the original and new vehicles.
4. Pay the transfer fee: Pay the transfer fee, which varies depending on the type of vehicle and license plate being transferred.
5. Submit the transfer application: Submit the completed transfer application along with the required fee to the Minnesota DPS or your local Deputy Registrar’s Office. You can do this in person or by mail, depending on the office’s procedures.
6. Receive the new registration: Once the DPS or Deputy Registrar’s Office processes your transfer application, you will receive a new registration for the vehicle with the transferred license plate.

Remember that the transfer must be completed promptly, usually within a specified timeframe after selling or transferring ownership of the original vehicle. Additionally, certain specialized license plates may have additional requirements or fees associated with their transfer.

License Plate Renewal

To renew your license plate registration in Minnesota, follow these steps:

1. Find your renewal date: Check your current registration card or visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) website to determine the expiration date of your license plate registration.
2. Check for emissions testing: Minnesota does not require emissions testing statewide, but verify if any specific regulations apply to your vehicle in your area.
3. Update your address: Ensure your address is current with the Minnesota DPS so that your renewal notice is sent to the correct location.
4. Renew your registration: You have several options for renewing your license plate registration in Minnesota. You can renew online through the Minnesota DPS website, by mail, or in person at a local deputy registrar office. For online renewal, visit the Minnesota DPS website and follow the instructions provided. You will need your vehicle information and payment for registration fees.
5. Receive your new registration: After submitting your renewal and payment, you will receive a new registration card and sticker by mail. You can also print a temporary registration from the Minnesota DPS website while waiting for your new documents to arrive.

Remember to renew your license plate registration before it expires to avoid late fees and penalties. Note that the renewal fees may vary based on the type of vehicle, its weight, and other factors.

How Can I Find the Owner of a License Plate in Minnesota?