Minnesota Temporary License Plates: The 21-Day & 60-Day Guide

If you are buying a car in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the rules for “Temp Tags” are unique.

In many states, you always get a temporary paper tag when you buy a car. In Minnesota, because license plates usually stay with the vehicle, you might not need one at all.

However, if you are a non-resident driving the car home, or if you ordered special “Whiskey Plates” or Personalized Plates, you need a permit to avoid being pulled over.

This guide explains the difference between the 21-Day Dealer Card and the newly updated 60-Day Transit Permit.

Dealer Purchases: 21-Day Minnesota Temporary Permit (Yellow/White Rear Window Card)

If you buy a car from a licensed Minnesota dealership, you don’t need to visit the DVS.

• What You Get: A yellow or white card taped to the inside of your rear window.
• Validity: 21 Days.
• Purpose: It proves you own the car while the dealer processes your title and metal plates (or year stickers).
• Action Required: None. If your metal plates don’t arrive within 21 days, contact the dealer immediately.

Note: If you are financing a car, the dealer must issue this. You cannot drive off the lot without it unless existing plates are valid and transferred.

Private Sales in Minnesota: Plates Stay with Car (No Temp Tag Needed for Valid Plates)

The Golden Rule: In Minnesota, license plates stay with the car.

If you buy a used car from a private seller (e.g., Craigslist), you generally do NOT need a temporary permit.

• Scenario A (Valid Plates): If the car has valid Minnesota plates, you just drive it away. You have 10 days to visit a Deputy Registrar and transfer the title into your name.
• Scenario B (Expired/Missing Plates): If the car has no plates or they are expired, you must visit a Deputy Registrar before you drive it. You will pay for registration and receive a 60-Day Permit to use until your stickers arrive.

Tip: Before you buy, check if the plates are “Impounded” (Whiskey Plates). If so, you cannot drive the car until you resolve the impoundment.

Non-Residents: 60-Day Transit Permit After SF1322 (From 31 Days, $1 Fee)

major 2026 Update: If you live in another state (e.g., Wisconsin, Iowa) and buy a car in Minnesota to drive home, you used to get a 31-day permit. As of Oct 1, 2025, this is now a 60-Day Permit.

• Who is this for? Non-residents who bought a vehicle in MN and are permanently removing it from the state.
• Cost: $1.00.
• Where to get it: The dealership handles this, or you can apply at a Deputy Registrar office.
• Validity: 60 Days. This gives you plenty of time to drive home and register it in your home state.

Minnesota Residents: 60-Day Permit for Personalized, Replacement, or Whiskey Plates

If you are a Minnesota resident, you can get a 60-Day Permit in specific situations:

1. Personalized Plates: You ordered custom text and are waiting for them to be manufactured.
2. Replacement Plates: Your plates were stolen or lost.
3. Out-of-State Transfer: You just moved to MN and are waiting for your new iron plates.

How to Get It:

• You must visit a License Center (Deputy Registrar).
• Do not go to an Exam Station. Check our guide on IOWA DOT Appointment to find the right office type.
• Fee: Included in your registration transaction (usually an $11–$12 filing fee applies).

Minnesota Temporary Permit Comparison Table (Dealer, Transit, Resident Types)

Permit Type	Who Gets It?	Valid For	Cost
Dealer Permit	Residents buying from a Dealer	21 Days	Included in Doc Fee
Transit Permit	Non-Residents driving home	60 Days	$1.00
Resident Permit	Waiting for Special/New Plates	60 Days	Filing Fee

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Most Minnesotans won’t ever need to buy a temporary tag because the plates usually stay on the car. But if you are taking the car out of state, enjoy the new 60-day window (up from 31 days) to get your vehicle home legally. Always check the expiration date on your yellow dealer card—driving on day 22 is a guaranteed ticket.