Original license plates
To qualify as an original plate, the plate year must match the model year of the vehicle or the plate must have 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. The original plate may not be displayed until Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) approves your application for special plates.
How to apply
If your plate conflicts with an existing series, use the process outlined below to request permission to display the plate. You'll need to include the approval email with your application for special plates.
For fastest service visit a deputy registrar office.
- 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.
Applications mailed in take longer to process and will be returned if the fees are incorrect.
Displaying original plates
Depending on the combination of letters and numbers on the original plate you'd like to display, you may need to request permission from DVS to display the plate. The original plate cannot conflict with a license plate series currently in use or reserved for use by DVS. 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 from DVS:
- Combinations of two or three letter characters with two, three or four numbers:
- ABC123 or 123ABC
- AA12 or 12AA
- AA1234, 1234AA, 1AB123
Request permission from DVS
If your plate conflicts with an existing series listed above, you must first get written permission from DVS before you submit the special plates application.
Email the following to pic.dvs@state.mn.us with “Original Minnesota plate request” as the subject:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Photo of plate
- VIN (vehicle identification number)
- Current plate (if applicable)
- Original plate (plate you want to register to vehicle)
- Phone number
- Email address
- Mailing address (if mailing a letter instead of emailing)
If email is not an option, mail a letter including the information above and a picture of the plate can be mailed to:
Driver and Vehicle Services
445 Minnesota St.
St. Paul, MN 55101-5187
The approval letter and the original plate must be presented when applying.
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).