Minnesota Car Registration Fee Calculator

What Is the Minnesota Car Registration Fee Calculator?

The Minnesota DMV Fee Calculator is a web-based tool that estimates how much you’ll pay to register your car. You enter a few details about your vehicle—like purchase price, original MSRP, registration year, and county—and the calculator instantly generates a breakdown of your expected costs.

It’s not just about the annual registration tax. The tool also covers:

• One-time sales tax (6.875% of purchase price)
• County wheelage tax (depends on where you live)
• Annual Public Safety Vehicle Fee ($36)
• Optional one-time fees such as title, filing, and lien fees

This means you can plan ahead with a clear picture of what you’ll owe.

How Minnesota Car Registration Fees Work

Minnesota registration fees aren’t flat. They’re based on several factors, including vehicle value, age, and location. Here’s how it breaks down:

1. Sales Tax

• Applied once when you buy a vehicle.
• Calculated as 6.875% of the purchase price.

2. Registration Tax

• Based on the original MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price).
• The amount decreases as your vehicle ages, using a depreciation factor.
• New cars (Year 1) pay the most, while cars over 10 years old typically pay a flat $35.

3. Public Safety Vehicle Fee

• A standard $36 annual fee for every car registered in Minnesota.

4. County Wheelage Tax

• Some counties add an extra tax to fund local road projects.
• Most charge $20, while others may charge $10 or none at all.

5. One-Time Title, Filing, and Lien Fees

• Title fee: $8.25
• Filing fee: $12.00
• Lien fee: $2.00 (only if financed)

Why Use the Minnesota DMV Fee Calculator?

Without a calculator, you’d have to look up multiple tables, tax rates, and county fee charts. The calculator does all that heavy lifting for you in seconds.

Fast & Easy – Enter a few details and get an instant breakdown.
Accurate Estimates – Matches Minnesota’s real fee structure.
Smart Planning – Know your upfront costs before buying a car.
Avoid Surprises – Factor in both one-time and recurring costs.

---

How to Use the Calculator (Step-by-Step)

1. Enter the purchase price – This calculates sales tax.
2. Enter the original MSRP – Used to determine annual registration tax.
3. Select the vehicle year – Applies depreciation to reduce your tax.
4. Choose your county – Adds the correct wheelage tax.
5. Check any one-time fees – Title, filing, or lien (if applicable).
6. Click “Calculate Fees” – Get your full breakdown.

The result shows a clear estimate, with one-time and annual fees separated so you know exactly what you’re paying now vs. later.

Example Calculation

Let’s say you’re buying a car in Hennepin County:

• Purchase price: $32,000
• Original MSRP: $35,500
• Vehicle year: 3rd year (factor 0.8)
• County: Hennepin (wheelage tax $20)
• Fees: Title + Filing

Your estimated costs would include:

• Sales Tax: $2,200.00
• Registration Tax: ~$350.00
• Public Safety Fee: $36.00
• Wheelage Tax: $20.00
• Title & Filing Fees: $20.25

Total Estimate: Around $2,626.25