DRIVERS are fuming over an extra yearly fee for beloved specialty license plates.
Minnesota launched blackout license plates last year, which feature white letters and numbers over a black background.
More than 250,000 blackout plates were requested in 2024[/caption]
The specialty plates have proved themselves to be popular as the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services requested 256,387 blackout plates last year.
However, people who buy the plates are required to make a minimum annual contribution to the DVS.
The plates cost an extra $30 each year, along with a one-time transfer fee costing $5, leaving drivers to share their disappointment with the optional cost.
One Facebook user wrote that when he found out the fee went to the state, he said, “no thanks.”
“Fan, but I don’t want to pay that price,” another added.
“And let’s report how many drop them when they find out they have to pay for them each year,” a third wrote.
Specialized plates typically raise money for a cause or organization.
Blackout plates, which the state uses to fund the DVS, are by far the most requested specialty plate of the nine available in Minnesota.
By comparison, only 5,787 plates for the Minnesota Vikings were requested last year.
“I wanted these until I saw the extra fee just goes to the DMV,” another added.
“Instead, I chose the Club 100 plates.
“They look better and money from the fee goes to support families of first responders.”
Minnesota Club 100 specialty plates go to a charity organization that supports first responders.
For blackout plates, the $30 minimum contribution fee is due when people first apply with their registration renewal.
How to prepare for the DMV
Here are some ways to streamline your DMV experience:
- Check the DMV website for your state to see if the task can be done completely online. Many processes can now be done online, like renewing a vehicle’s registration or changing an address. Otherwise, several processes can be started online and finished at an in-person location, like renewing a driver’s license.
- Schedule an appointment. While walk-ins are available at all locations, having an appointment time can help reduce frustrating wait times.
- Check the DMV’s website to ensure you have all the necessary forms for the task.
- Get there early. Since many people prefer to try and tackle simple tasks on their lunch breaks or days off, showing up early can mean you’re only one of a few.
- Eat before you go or bring a snack. Since wait times can exceed expectations, bring some form of sustenance.
- Be positive. The process is temporary.
The plate fee on its own is $15.50, while motorcycle plates cost less at $13.50.
Owners can transfer their plates to another vehicle of the same type for a $5 fee.
Buyers can pay more than $30 if they wish.
OTHER SPECIALTY PLATES
Only 5,787 plates for the Minnesota Vikings were requested last year.
The third most popular specialty plate in the state is the design for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office.
Funds from the MMIR Office plates go to the Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag Reward Account, which helps investigate missing and murdered Indigenous people.
Drivers can apply for specialty plates on the DVS website.
Drivers have to apply to buy specialty license plates for their cars (stock image)[/caption]
