Do you need insurance to register a car in Minnesota?

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Car insurance is one of the first things you’ll need when registering your car in Minnesota. You’ll need active coverage and proof that your policy meets the state’s minimum limits before your registration can be approved.

In most cases, that means carrying at least the required coverage set by the state. If your insurance isn’t active, the DMV won’t issue or renew your registration, and driving without coverage can lead to fines or a suspension.

Do you need car insurance to register your car in Minnesota?

If you’re registering a car in Minnesota, you’ll need to have active auto insurance in place first. The DMV won’t process your registration without proof that your policy meets the state’s required minimum coverage limits – so it’s important to secure coverage before heading to the office.

To register your vehicle, you’ll need:

Active auto insurance that meets state minimum limits
Proof of insurance at the time of registration
Continuous coverage to avoid suspension or penalties

Minimum insurance requirements in Minnesota

Before you hit the road, make sure you have auto insurance in place. It’s required by law, and the state sets minimum coverage limits to ensure drivers can pay for injuries or property damage if they cause a crash.

Minnesota drivers are required to carry the following coverage limits:

Minimum car insurance limits	Additional requirement
$30,000 bodily injury per person $60,000 bodily injury per accident $10,000 property damage per accident	$25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury per person $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury per accident $40,000 personal injury protection per person, per accident

How do you register your car in Minnesota?

To register your car, start by making sure your insurance is active. From there, gather the required documents and submit your application through the DMV – either online or in person, depending on your state. After you pay the registration fee and your paperwork is approved, you’ll receive your registration and license plates, and you’re officially road-ready.

Here’s how the process works.

Purchase insurance. You must have active car insurance before registering your vehicle in Minnesota, and your policy must meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements.
Gather your documents. Most states require proof of insurance, your vehicle title or proof of ownership, a valid driver’s license, proof of address and your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Visit the DMV or register online. Head to your local Department of Motor Vehicles office or check whether online registration is available in your state. Bring all required documents with you.
Pay the registration fee. You’ll need to pay the required fee to complete your vehicle registration in Minnesota.
Receive your registration and plates. After your application is approved, you’ll receive your license plates and registration card, which should be kept in your vehicle at all times.

💡Before you head to the DMV

Bring copies of your documents, even if your state allows digital proof. Some DMV offices may still ask for printed paperwork, and having a backup can save you time if there’s an issue.

Our agents make it hassle-free to get the right quote.

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What are the consequences of driving without car insurance in Minnesota?

Driving without insurance in Minnesota can lead to serious consequences. You could face hefty fines, a suspended license or vehicle registration, and significantly higher insurance premiums when you try to get coverage again. If you’re caught more than once, penalties typically increase – and in some cases, repeat offenses can even result in jail time.

Penalties vary by state and may increase for repeat offenses. Drivers may also have to pay reinstatement fees to restore their license or registration after a suspension. Check your state’s DMV or motor vehicle agency for exact amounts and timelines.

Penalty	What happens	When it applies
License suspension	Driving privileges revoked	First or repeat offense
Registration suspension	Plates and registration suspended	Insurance lapse or violation
Fines	State-issued monetary penalty	Each offense, increases with repeats
Jail time	Possible short-term incarceration	Severe or repeat offenses

What happens if my insurance lapses after I register my car in Minnesota?

Once your car is registered, the responsibility doesn’t stop there. In most states, you’re required to keep insurance on your vehicle the entire time it’s registered. If your coverage lapses – even briefly – the DMV can suspend your registration until you show proof that you’re insured again.

And it can get expensive fast. Driving without active insurance may lead to fines, a suspended license and higher premiums when you try to reinstate your policy. If you’re in an accident while uninsured, you could also be on the hook for paying out of pocket for injuries or property damage.

The good news is that it’s easy to avoid all of this. Keeping your policy active and up to date helps you stay legal, protect your finances and drive with peace of mind.

What to know before you register your car in Minnesota

Registering your car in Minnesota starts with meeting the state’s insurance or financial responsibility requirements. Most drivers need active coverage before completing registration, and keeping that coverage in place helps you avoid fines, suspension or added fees.

Before heading to the DMV, make sure your policy meets the state’s minimum limits and that you have proof of insurance ready. It is also responsible to keep proof of insurance with you whenever you drive, in case you are asked to show it.

Frequently asked questions

Can I register my vehicle in a different state?

In general, you cannot register a vehicle in a state different from the one you live in. However, if you move, you must register your vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your new state. Doing so includes providing proof of insurance, a bill of sale, proof of residency and the vehicle title. Depending on state law, you’ll also need to pay any associated registration fees and have your vehicle inspected.

Can I register a car online without insurance in Minnesota?

In most states, you can’t register a car online without proof of insurance. Proof of valid insurance coverage is typically required to complete the vehicle registration process, whether you’re doing it online or in person.

Do you need to register a car to get insurance?

No, you do not need to register your car to get insurance, but you will need insurance to register the car. Insurance is typically required before you can complete the vehicle registration process with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Shivani Gite

Contributing Writer

Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions.