The Minnesota state parks and trails license plate gives you unlimited access to Minnesota state parks all year round—no permit sticker required!
With the state parks and trails license plate, your days of remembering what month your sticker expires are in the past. As long as you have the state parks and trails license plate and current tabs, your vehicle has access to every state park and recreation area in Minnesota.
Show everyone you care about Minnesota’s beautiful state parks and trails by proudly displaying the Minnesota state parks and trails license plate. With an annual contribution of $60 or more, you will not only have access to all state parks, but you’ll also be helping support and maintain the places you love.
Feel good about your decision to switch to the plate: all proceeds from the state parks and trails license plate go exclusively to the operations and maintenance of Minnesota state parks and trails ( Minn. Stat. §168.1295, subd. 5; §85.056). From staffing the ranger stations and providing educational programming, to making sure there is toilet paper in the bathrooms, every dollar of your donations makes a difference!
Order a state parks and trails license plate today!
You can purchase a plate right now – you don’t have to wait until your registration is due! The state parks and trails license plate is distributed by Driver and Vehicle Services. It is not sold at Minnesota state parks or at DNR offices.
When you renew your tabs
Look for the option to change your license plate type. On the paper application, check the “Minnesota State Parks & Trails” box under special plates.
Apply anytime, online, in-person, or by mail
The fastest way to apply for the state parks and trails license plate is online or by visiting your nearest deputy registrar office. When mailing an application, please use the motor vehicle fees page to determine fees due or contract Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-297-2126 for more information. Mailed applications take longer to process and will be returned if the fees are incorrect. Applications for special plates can be mailed to:
Driver and Vehicle Services
445 Minnesota St.
St. Paul, MN 55101-5187
- What is the cost?
- The state parks and trails license plate requires an annual contribution of $60 and renews annually. You can contribute more than $60 if you wish—all proceeds from the state parks and trails license plate are exclusively used to support the operations and maintenance of Minnesota state parks and trails. New plate fees or taxes may apply.
- What vehicles can get the plate?
- Standard passenger, one-ton pickups, recreational vehicles and motorcycles can get the state parks and trails plate. All plates can be personalized.
- Can I get a disability parking symbol or discount?
- The state parks and trails plate is available with the disability parking symbol for qualified applicants. However, there is no discount available on the license plate. Active duty military and their dependents, recipients of a Purple Heart medal, and veterans with any level of service-connected disability can get a free vehicle permit sticker.
- Can I get additional discounted year-round permits?
- Yes! After you buy the state parks and trails license plate, you can purchase year-round vehicle permits at a reduced price for additional vehicles under the same ownership.
- Where did the design come from?
- In spring of 2016, the DNR held a plate design contest in conjunction with the 125th anniversary of Minnesota State Parks and Trails. We were looking for an image that captured the essence of Minnesota state parks and trails. More than 80 entries were submitted and the public voted for the top three. The winning entry was designed by Michelle Vesaas of Coon Rapids and showcases Minnesota in all four seasons.
- Questions?
- Call the Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-297-3166.