Question: I've noticed that the tabs on our license plates change color every year. Who decides what color the Minnesota registration tabs on license plates should be? Can you talk about the law that pertains to license plates in Minnesota?
Minnesota Brand Color Palette The following colors are approved for use in Minnesota State branded communication pieces. These colors are the core of our brand identity, and should appear prominently on all communication pieces. Do not use colors other than those shown here and in the accent color palettes on the following pages.
Answer: The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services use five colors for registration stickers: red, gold, blue, green and white. DVS chose those colors with the intention that they will be easily visible and recognizable for law enforcement.
Under Minnesota law, license plates must display the expiration month in the lower left corner of each plate and the year of expiration in the lower right corner.
Remember that both the rear and front license plates must be visible at all times. Keep your license plates clear of dirt or snow. It is unlawful to cover any assigned letters and numbers or the name of the state of origin of a license plate with any material whatever, including any clear or colorless material that affects the plate's visibility or reflectivity.
Also, displaying the license plate in the dash or window of any vehicle is not legal, even for car dealers, for any length of time at all. In all cases, required license plates have to be properly and securely fastened to the front and to the rear of a vehicle.
If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Neil Dickenson, Minnesota State Patrol, 1131 Mesaba Ave., Duluth, MN, 55811; on Twitter @MSPPIO_NE; or by email at [email protected].
1. Get Started With Online Assistance to Replace Your Registration Sticker
If you renewed your car registration but have not received your registration sticker in the mail, you may request a replacement sticker online, in person or by mail. However, the availability of these methods varies from state to state. To receive replacement registration stickers, you must contact the DMV, provide proof of identity and submit information about your vehicle. Moreover, you must prove that you have renewed your registration and paid the applicable fees but failed to receive an updated sticker. Our guide contains all the requirements and procedures to obtain a replacement car registration. You will also learn about other vehicle-related transactions, such as the process for updating the name or address on your registration.
2. By Mail
Some states allow motorists to request a replacement registration sticker via mail. To do so, applicants must send in copies of documents that contain required personal details and vehicle specifications. Additionally, you must verify that you renewed your registration and paid all applicable fees. Because you did not receive your registration sticker through the mail in the first place, it is important to make sure that you are sending in the correct documents to the proper address. Also, make sure to verify that your address is up-to-date with the DMV, as delays or cancellations can occur if your file is not updated.
3. In Person at a DMV Office
Certain car owners may prefer or be required to visit a DMV office in order to claim the registration sticker they did not receive. During your visit, you will be required to identify yourself with a drivers license or photo ID card. Then, you must provide vehicle-related credentials so that the DMV can locate your records and verify that your registration has been renewed. Because most DMV branches are known for long wait times, it can be helpful to schedule an appointment in advance, if possible. To avoid mistakes that would cause you to visit the DMV a second time, make sure that you are fully prepared to bring the required documentation in person.
If a Minnesota registration sticker is not received, then it is important that you verify that your registration was processed and then, if necessary, request a replacement sticker. A DVS registration sticker should be provided to you after obtaining your vehicle’s initial registration, after a renewal or after requesting a replacement. These stickers are crucial, as they must be affixed to your vehicle’s license plate in order to display proof of registration and compliance with Minnesota law.
Therefore, a registration sticker not received means that you will have to request a replacement. Likewise, if a car tag sticker becomes lost or stolen, then you will need to request replacement documents. While you cannot replace a sticker online, you are permitted to request a duplicate registration tag by mail or in person at your local Minnesota DVS office. To learn more about the importance of replacing missing registration stickers and the consequences of failing to do so, review the information provided within the segments below.
Common Reasons for a Registration Sticker Not Being Received in Minnesota
If your Minnesota DVS sticker is not received, then it could be due to a number of reasons. One of the most common reasons for a DVS sticker not received is due to an out of date residential address. If you changed your residence but you have not updated the Minnesota DVS directly of that address change, then your registration stickers were likely sent to an incorrect address. The United States Postal Services (USPS) does not forward state mail, contrary to common belief. Therefore, if you do not update the Minnesota DVS with your new address, then you will likely fail to receive mail regarding your registration, title and drivers license.
You may not receive your car tag sticker if there are any errors made while placing your registration request, whether that is a registration renewal, initial sticker or replacement. Therefore, it is important that you always double check the information that you provide on an application as well as verify that the application has been fully completed. While uncommon, a license plate sticker not received could have also become lost in the mail.
Can I legally drive if my Minnesota registration sticker was not received?
If your license plate sticker is not received, then it is important that you request a replacement prior to operating your vehicle. Minnesota law requires motorists to have a registration tag displayed on their vehicle’s license plate or to have some form of temporary registration. If you do not have either of these documents, then you will not be permitted to operate the vehicle in question.
Additional Consequences of a Car Sticker Not Received in Minnesota
If your DVS registration sticker is not received, then it is important that you do not operate your vehicle until you have gained either temporary registration or replacement tags. If you are caught operating a vehicle that does not have registration due to a DVS registration sticker not received via mail, then you could receive fines and citations from law enforcement officials.
Additionally, there is a chance that your vehicle could be impounded, which will result in additional financial expenses. The same can be said about an expired registration tab. Therefore, a car plate sticker renewal should always be performed in a timely manner in order to avoid citations.
Steps to Take If Your Minnesota DVS Sticker Was Not Received
If your Minnesota license sticker is not received, then it is important that you first contact your local Minnesota DVS in person or over the phone in order to verify whether or not your registration request was processed. Human and computer error could have prevented your registration from being mailed to you, so this is an important step in determining whether or not you need to request a replacement of vehicle registration documents.
A license sticker not received due to an incorrect mailing address will result in subsequent copies being lost as well. It is also important that you ask what address the DVS has on file in order to ensure that the registration was sent to the correct address. It may also be a good idea to contact your local USPS office in order to verify whether or not it has your documents.
A DVS sticker replacement should be requested if your registration has been lost or if it was never fully processed. As mentioned previously, it is important that you do not operate your vehicle until you receive your new tags in order to avoid the risk of potential citations.
Where to Get Registration Sticker Replacements in Minnesota
In Minnesota, you cannot request a registration sticker online or replace sticker online. However, you are able to submit a request for a duplicate registration by mail or in person at your local DVS.
Should you choose to replace your car tag sticker by mail, it is important to know that this process will likely take longer due to postage and processing times. Therefore, if your vehicle does not have a valid registration tab or a temporary registration, then it is recommended that you complete your request in person.
By submitting a replacement request in person, you will receive your duplicate registration faster as well as be provided with a receipt that can be used as proof of registration while you await your duplicate tabs. Overall, duplicate registration stickers cost $1 dollar to replace plus a $10 filing fee.
Minnesota Registration Sticker Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- License Plates - Standard Plates from DPS.MN.gov
- Tabs - Vehicle Registration - General - Renew Online from DPS.MN.gov