HF4693

Purpose

The bill changes how replacement license plates and validation stickers are handled in Minnesota, including when replacement fees apply and how replacements are processed.

Main Provisions

• Replacement when damaged or lost
  • If license plates or validation stickers are defaced, missing, lost, destroyed, or stolen, the commissioner must issue a new set after the vehicle owner provides a sworn statement detailing the circumstances and turns in any replaceable plates/stickers.
  • A fee to cover the cost of replacement must be paid for these replacements, and the commissioner must issue the new plates or stickers accordingly.
  • The new plates/stickers are issued subject to existing rules in related sections (e.g., plate issuance rules).
• Dealer replacement process
  • A licensed motor vehicle dealer may request replacement plates only when applying for a certificate of title in the name of a new owner or in the dealer’s name.
• Title and registration linkage
  • The commissioner must issue a new set of plates/validation stickers upon title and registration action taken after removal of plates as allowed by another statute (section 168A.11, subdivision 2).
• Fees and duplication
  • Duplicates of registration certificates may be issued in like cases, but these duplicates require a fee.
  • All replacement-related fees are deposited into the Driver and Vehicle Services operating account (as defined elsewhere in law).
• Defective plates/stickers
  • No fee is charged for replacing a license plate or validation sticker if the plate/sticker is defective or fails to perform its function, other than due to normal wear and tear or damage after issuance.
• Recordkeeping and anti-fraud measures
  • The commissioner must note in official records that new number plates were issued and must attempt to cancel and call in the original plates to prevent their use on another vehicle.
• Applicability to existing law
  • The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 sections 168.29 and 168.33 (subdivision 7), affecting replacement plate and sticker rules and related processes.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces no-fee replacements specifically when plates/stickers are defective.
• Maintains a cost-based replacement fee for defacement/loss/destruction (non-defective cases).
• Adds explicit dealer replacement limitations tied to titles.
• Strengthens recordkeeping to prevent reuse of original plates.
• Clarifies the flow between title actions, plate issuance, and registration.
• Directs replacement-related fees to the Driver and Vehicle Services operating account.

Practical Impact

• Vehicle owners: clearer rules on when replacements are free (defective items) versus when a replacement fee applies (loss, theft, etc.).
• Dealers: tighter process for obtaining replacements, tied to title status.
• Fraud prevention: stronger steps to prevent plates from being used on another vehicle.
• Revenue: replacement fees (except for defective items) go to the Driver and Vehicle Services operating account.

Relevant Terms

replacement plates, validation stickers, defacement, loss, destruction, sworn statement, certificate of title, title and registration, dealer, 168A.11, 168.12, duplicate registration certificates, duplicates, fee, cost of replacement, Driver and Vehicle Services operating account, 299A.705 subdivision 1, defective, normal wear and tear, anti-fraud, cancel, call in original plates.