Original license plates
Owners of older vehicles may want to use a license plate where the plate or registration sticker year matches the model year of the vehicle. Minnesota allows vehicle owners to use these original license plates when they meet certain criteria and are reviewed and approved by us. An Original Minnesota plate meets at least one of these criteria:
- Plate year matches the model year of the vehicle
- Plate has a registration sticker that matches the model year
Original license plates can be displayed on vehicles with model year 1976 or older that qualify for the collector class. You do not have to register the vehicle in the collector class, but it must qualify for the class.
The original plate may not be displayed until we approve your application for special plates.
How to apply
Depending on the combination of letters and numbers on the original plate you'd like to display, you may need to request permission from us to display the plate. The original plate cannot conflict with a license plate series currently in use or reserved for use. We will determine if the number on the original plate is identical to the number on any plate in the current or reserved numbering system.
Some examples of character and sequence restrictions that require permission:
- Combinations of two or three letter characters with two, three or four numbers:
- ABC123 or 123ABC
- AA12 or 12AA
- AA1234, 1234AA, 1AB123
You'll need to include the approval email with your application for special plates.
- Complete an Application for special plates.
- Include the approval letter (if applicable) and a picture of the original plates.
- The base fee for double plates is $15.50. Use the motor vehicle fees page to determine fees due or contact us.
For fastest service visit a deputy registrar office. Applications mailed in take longer to process and will be returned if the fees are incorrect.
Registration tax
For vehicles registered in the collector class, there is a $25 one-time registration tax ($10 for Classic motorcycle) due with the initial application.
For vehicles registered in the passenger class (everyday use), full registration tax is due. To determine the tax, refer to the Registration tax page.
Related laws
For more information about original plates, review Minnesota Statutes 168.12 subdivision (2f) and Minnesota Statutes sections 168.10 subdivision (1)(g).