Motor Vehicle
Washington County provides Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) to serve the transportation needs of thousands of local residents every year. Visit a Service and License Center for driver’s licenses, license plates and tabs, or identification card services.
Online services are available at Drive.MN.Gov.
Proof of insurance is required for all transfers and registrations, which includes the insurance company's name, policy number and expiration date. View insurance information requirement from the DVS.
How to Renew
- Use a Drop Box or Mail Service to renew your registration | Check the status of mailed tab renewals.
- In-person: Get your registration tabs at any of the Washington County license centers.
- Acceptable form of payments: cash, credit/debit cards (2.15% service fee), and check or money order payable to Washington County.
- Use a DVS Kiosk. Find a DVS Kiosk location.
If you have a renewal notice:
- Write your insurance information on the renewal notice near the bottom.
- Include: company name, policy number and policy expiration date (MM/DD/YYYY).
- Look at the "county kept in" listed on your renewal notice. Write the correct county if necessary.
- Address: if you have a new address, write the new address on the back, check the box near the insurance information and ask to have your vehicle address updated when you get to the counter.
- New: renewal notices can be emailed to you instead of mailed. Ask about this option when you get to the counter.
If you do NOT have a renewal notice, you will need:
- To own the vehicle and show valid ID at the counter.
- If you have a new address, ask to have your vehicle address updated when you get to the counter.
- New! Renewal notices can be emailed to you instead of mailed. Ask about this option when you get to the counter.
Where are my tabs?
Check the status of mailed tab renewals. If it has been more than two weeks since you mailed in your renewal to the state of Minnesota:
- Submit a Report Registration Tabs Not Received.
- The DVS will email you a verification letter to use as proof of registration renewal until your tabs arrive.
Lost, stolen, destroyed, or missing
If your Minnesota Registration Stickers or License Plates have been lost, stolen, destroyed or not received in the mail, you can visit a Washington County license center to get replacements.
For faster service, fill out the Application For Duplicate Plates and/or Stickers (PDF) before your visit.
Did you know? Check status online
Check online the status of mailed tabbed renewals.
If you did not receive your renewal tabs in the mail
If your renewal tabs were mailed to the State of Minnesota more than two weeks ago and you haven't been received, Report Registration Tabs Not Received. The DVS will email you a verification letter to use as proof of registration renewal until your tabs arrive.
Transfer of Minnesota Titles
Information about transferring a Minnesota title.
Transfer of Out of State Titles
Information about transferring titles from another state.
First Time Minnesota Registration
Information for those who have moved to Minnesota and need to register their vehicle for the first time.
Replacement Minnesota Title
Information about obtaining a duplicate Minnesota title.
Disability Parking Certificates
- The Application for Disability Parking Certificate (PDF) must be completed and signed by the physician and applicant.
- See Disability Certificate Application Guide (PDF) to ensure all necessary fields are completed.
If you are renewing an expiring permanent certificate (six year validity), submit the renewal card sent by the State of Minnesota or complete the application listed above. The applicant's signature is required, the physician's signature is not required. For all other expiring certificates, (temporary, short-term or long-term), signatures are required from the physician and applicant.
Fees
Fees may apply and vary depending on the length of validity of the certificate indicated by the physician on the application.
Disability License Plates
Available to individuals who have a permanent disability parking certificate. The Application for Special Plates (PDF) must be completed and signed by the applicant. If you do not have a permanent disability parking certificate and are able to receive one, a Disability Parking Certificate Application (PDF) must accompany the plate application.
Fees
The fee is $23.50 for a disability license plate. Visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for detailed fee information.
Visit Disability Parking Certificates and License Plates for more details.
Several different license plates are available, ranging from Veteran Plates to Personalized/Vanity Plates to Habitat Conservation Plates. Some plates come with additional yearly contributions while others have one time payments associated with them. Most plates can only be displayed on passenger class vehicles, but a number of plates are also available for display on one-ton trucks, recreational vehicles and motorcycles.
View the Special License Plate Brochure (PDF) for images and information on specific plates.