Minnesota Trailer, Snowmobile and ATV Registration

By Javier Marín, Editor·Last reviewed September 2026·How we check this

Beyond passenger cars and light trucks, Minnesota titles and registers trailers, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, snowmobiles, ATVs, and collector cars. The deputy registrar handles most of these, but snowmobile and off-highway vehicle registration runs through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources rather than DVS.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles registered in Minnesota are titled and tabbed through any deputy registrar. Riders must hold a Class M endorsement on their driver license, which requires:

A valid Minnesota driver license.
A passing motorcycle written exam at any DVS exam station.
A passing motorcycle skills test, or completion of a Motorcycle Safety Course certified by the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center — completing the course waives both the written and skills tests.

Motorcycle tab tax is calculated using the same value-based formula as cars but at lower base amounts. Helmets are required only for riders under 18 — Minnesota is among the states without a universal helmet law. Eye protection is required for all riders unless the motorcycle has a windshield.

Trailers

Trailer registration depends on weight and use:

Trailers under 3,000 pounds GVWR: a permanent registration ("Lifetime Trailer Plate") is available for a one-time fee. The trailer never needs annual tab renewal.
Trailers 3,000-10,000 pounds GVWR: annual tab renewal with fee scaled to weight.
Travel trailers and trailer coaches: registered as RVs (see below).
Utility, boat, and equipment trailers: require title and registration regardless of weight.

Homemade or converted trailers require a VIN inspection (PS2382) and a manufacturer's statement of origin from the builder.

Recreational vehicles (RVs)

Motor homes and travel trailers register as RVs in Minnesota. The value-based tab tax for RVs uses the same depreciation schedule as passenger vehicles but on the higher MSRP — a $200,000 Class A motor home carries a year-one tab tax around $2,510. Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (6.5%) applies to RV purchases. Class A motor homes over 26,000 pounds GVWR or designed to tow over 10,000 pounds may require a Class B noncommercial license endorsement to operate.

Snowmobiles

Minnesota has roughly 250,000 registered snowmobiles — among the highest counts in the country, second only to Wisconsin. Snowmobile registration runs through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), not DVS. The DNR-issued registration is required to operate on public lands, state trails, and frozen public waters. Categories:

Trail use only: registration $109 for 3 years, valid only on Minnesota trails.
Public roads use: additional state plate authorizing limited road operation in approved corridors.
Non-resident pass: $80 annual or $35 weekly for visiting riders.

Operators born after December 31, 1976 must complete a snowmobile safety course approved by the DNR before operating on public lands or trails.

ATVs and Off-Highway Vehicles

ATVs, Class 1 and Class 2 ATVs, and off-highway motorcycles register through the DNR. Three classes:

Class 1 ATV (under 1,000 lbs): $30 annual registration, $39 trail-use sticker.
Class 2 ATV (1,000-1,500 lbs): higher annual fee, mandatory operator safety training under age 16.
Off-highway motorcycle: $30 annual.

Some Minnesota counties allow ATVs on local roads under municipal ordinance. In those counties, drivers also need a Minnesota driver license and proof of liability insurance when operating on public roads.

Collector and Pioneer plates

Minnesota offers two collector classes:

Collector Plate: available for vehicles 20 years old or older. The owner certifies the vehicle is used for parades, exhibitions, and pleasure driving — not daily commuting. Permanent plate, no annual tab tax.
Pioneer Plate: reserved for vehicles 25 years old or older that are at least 75% original. One-time fee, no annual renewal.

Both classes are restricted to limited use; vehicles cannot be used as the primary daily driver and operating outside of those purposes can result in registration cancellation.

Salvage and rebuilt titles

A vehicle declared a total loss receives a salvage title. After repairs, the owner can apply for a rebuilt title using:

Receipts and photographs documenting all repairs.
A safety inspection by a Minnesota law enforcement officer trained for rebuilt vehicle inspection.
A rebuilt-vehicle title application and the title fee.

Rebuilt vehicles can be operated normally but the rebuilt brand stays on the title forever, which usually reduces resale value 20-40%.

Specialty plates

Minnesota offers about 150 specialty plate options — military service, university alumni, environmental, and organization-affiliated. Most carry a one-time fee of $25-$50 plus an annual contribution to the sponsoring program. Personalized plates carry a $100 first-year fee plus $25 annual renewal. The popular Critical Habitat plate, which funds DNR conservation work, is one of Minnesota's longest-running specialty programs.

For renewal of any of these classes, see the tab renewal page — passenger vehicle, motorcycle, trailer, and RV renewals all flow through Minnesota.gov/DVS, while snowmobile, ATV, and off-highway registrations renew through the DNR's separate Recreational Vehicle Online Services portal.