Ranging from its famous “10,000 lakes” plate to designs that support moose conservation, Minnesota is home to an awesome assortment of license plates.

Most people don’t think twice about their license plates—they register their car, install their plates, and keep on driving without a second thought. For some people, though, license plates aren’t just an ID tag—they’re a chance to make a statement!

Whether you’re passionate about conserving endangered species or you want to support America’s veterans, this list will have you covered. We’ll walk through why you need a

license plate

, which ones are the best in Minnesota, and how you can save some serious money on car insurance.

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What are Minnesota license plates and why do I need them?

Essentially, a license plate is your car’s identification. It verifies that you’ve registered your car, indicates the type of registration that you have, and connects you to your vehicle.

If you ever get into a car accident in Minnesota, your license plates will make it easier to

figure out whose fault it was

so that everybody gets the recovery they deserve. Plus, license plates help police officers to track down stolen vehicles and they can be a huge help in criminal cases!

According to the

Minnesota Legislature

, you need a license plate securely fastened to the front and rear of your vehicle at all times. So, what options do you have for license plates in Minnesota? Let’s find out!

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Minnesota car insurance laws—all you need to know

What license plates does Minnesota have?

Though

Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety

(DPS) displays 14 different categories of plates, we can divide them into three convenient categories:

Standard license plates, which you’ve probably seen a lot of—they’re blue and white, with Minnesota’s “10,000 lakes” motto written across the bottom.

Special interest plates that support specific causes like farming, conservation, or honoring veterans.

Special plates, including disability plates, moped license plates, Purple Heart plates, and more!

Standard license plates

Unlike some states, Minnesota only has

one standard license plate design

, to be displayed on the front and back of your vehicle. Sure, if you go for the standard design, you probably won’t be turning any heads—but you’ll have a tried-and-true Minnesota plate that supports tourism in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

All cars, vans, trucks, and buses need to have two plates attached at all times. As usual, there are a few exceptions to the rule. These vehicle types only need one plate, displayed on the back of the vehicle:

Trailers

Motorcycles

Mopeds

Dealer vehicles

Collector vehicles

Vehicles that are from before 1972 and used for general transportation

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How to check available custom license plates

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Special interest license plates

Agriculture: This design features the compelling tagline “supporting agriculture for all”—and that’s exactly what the plate does! When you choose this special interest plate, your $20 donation will go towards the

Minnesota Agriculture Account

Critical Habitat: Since 1996, Minnesota’s

critical habitat plates

have generated more than $19 million in revenue for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Plus, you get a super cool design that displays a bird, turkey, bee, moose, or another critter of your liking.

Minnesota Golf: If you want to support “the game for a lifetime,” your $30 contribution will go towards the

Minnesota PGA fund

, helping youngsters to find and pursue their golfing passion.

Minnesota State Parks and Trails: For just a $60 annual contribution, you can join the fleet of 25,000 drivers that are helping to maintain

Minnesota’s 75 gorgeous state parks

“Proud to be a Veteran”: This

patriotic design

, which boasts a large drawing of the American flag, allows you to make a $30 donation to Minnesota’s WWII memorial fund.

For a full breakdown of your options in Minnesota—and some pictures of the designs to help you decide—check out the

Minnesota DPS license plate brochure

Special license plates

Amateur Radio Plates: Looking for some extra advertising for your radio station? You’re in luck! With Minnesota’s

specialized radio plates

, you can display your station’s call sign on the front and rear of your car.

Collector Plates: If you’re driving an ultra-rare or antique car in Minnesota, you can show it off with these classic black and white

collector plates

Disability Plates: Minnesota issues

disability plates

to anyone who meets certain conditions. If you’re not sure that you qualify—or just need a little help with the application process—check out our guide to

Minnesota handicap placards

Motorcycle and Moped Plates: Want to spice up your ride with a customized plate? Check out

the motorcycle and moped license plate designs

, which allow you to create your own six-character plate number.

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How do I get a Minnesota license plate?

Getting license plates in Minnesota is super simple—all you need to do is register your car! Just head to one of Minnesota’s

Deputy Registrar Offices

and bring these items with you:

Proof of vehicle ownership (the

car’s title

)

If your title has a lien that’s been paid, a completed

PS2017 form

A completed

PS2000 application to title form

An odometer reading

Your identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.)

Payment for the registration fee (and a $15.50 license plate fee)

And that’s all there is to it! Once you’ve filled out these forms and submitted your application, you’ll be well on your way to license plate greatness.

MORE: How to get cheap car insurance for young drivers

How to customize your car insurance for savings in Minnesota

What better way to celebrate your new, personalized license plate than by saving money on

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FAQs

How many license plates does Minnesota have?

If you check out this

15-page brochure

from the Minnesota DPS, you’ll see that Minnesota has over 50 license plate types for you to choose from.

Do I need a front license plate in Minnesota?

Yes. Minnesota state law requires that all cars, trucks, vans, and buses have front and rear plates on their vehicle—so make sure your plates are securely fastened before you hit the road!

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