Minnesota DMV Fees Explained

Understanding DMV fees in Minnesota is essential whether you're applying for a new driver’s license, renewing your vehicle registration, or transferring a title. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) establish these fees, which may vary depending on vehicle type, age, weight, and service location.

Driver’s License Fees

Minnesota offers several types of driver licenses with different fee structures. Below are the standard charges as of 2025:

• Class D License (under 21 or over 21): $38.25
• Provisional License: $32.00
• Instruction Permit: $15.50 (How to Get a Minnesota Instruction Permit)
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): $51.00
• Motorcycle Endorsement: $29.00 (Minnesota Motorcycle Endorsement Guide)

Other license-related fees include:

• Duplicate License: $16.00
• Class Change or Endorsement Addition: $21.00
• Real ID upgrade (at renewal): $0 additional if renewing early, otherwise standard fees apply Minnesota Real ID License Requirements

Vehicle Registration Fees

Vehicle registration in Minnesota is determined by a combination of statutory fees and vehicle-specific taxes:

• Passenger Vehicle Registration: Starts at $35.00 plus the annual tax based on vehicle age and value
• Wheelage Tax: Up to $20.00 (county-dependent)
• Technology Surcharge: $2.25
• Filing Fee: $11.00
• EV Surcharge: $75.00 for fully electric vehicles

Renewals incur the same charges. You can check specific renewal steps here: Minnesota Registration Renewal Guide

Title Fees

When buying, selling, or inheriting a vehicle, title transfer fees are involved:

• Title Transfer Fee: $8.25
• Lien Recordation Fee: $2.00 per lien
• Sales Tax: 6.5% of purchase price (some exemptions apply)
• Public Safety Vehicle Fee: $3.50
• Filing Fee: $11.00

New car owners should also review the Minnesota Title and Registration Checklist for required documents and steps.

Specialty Plate and Custom Fees

Minnesota allows for personalized or specialty plates with added fees:

• Personalized Plate Application: $100.00 initial + $10.00 annual renewal
• Special Plates (e.g., veteran, collegiate, critical habitat): Fees vary by design

Testing and Exam Fees

The state also charges for various knowledge and skills tests:

• Road Test (Class D): Free
• Knowledge Test Retake: $10.00 after two failed attempts
• CDL Road Test: $40.00 (Minnesota CDL Test Study Resources)

Administrative Service Fees

Additional service fees may apply for convenience or expedited services:

• Online Convenience Fee: Up to 2.49% of total for credit/debit payments
• Fast Track Services (limited locations): $20.00–$30.00

Penalty Fees

Failing to renew licenses or registrations on time can result in penalties:

• Late Title Transfer Penalty: $2.00 per month (max $8.00)
• Late Registration Renewal Fee: $25.00

Timely renewals and prompt title transfers can help avoid these costs.

Where to Pay and Get Services

Payments can be made online, by mail, or in person at DVS locations. Find a local office using this resource: Minnesota DMV Office Locations and Hours

For the most up-to-date fees, visit the official Minnesota DVS website.