TRANSPORTATION / MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION

Minnesota Regulations
New residents have 60 days from the date they officially take up residence in Minnesota. Driver permits can be obtained as early as 15 years of age when guidelines are met, and Minnesota’s graduated license program applies to all drivers under the age of 18. Only those who are 18 years and older have full driving privileges. Bring legal proof of age or your out-of-state license to apply for a license. The road skills test is usually waived for those who can present a license in good standing, although the road test and vision test are mandatory. Your out-of-state license must be relinquished upon receipt of the Minnesota license.

New residents must also obtain Minnesota auto license plates for their vehicles within 60 days. In order to obtain Minnesota license plates, vehicle owners must present adequate forms of identification, out-of-state titles, and proof of insurance. The offices designated for driver license testing and vehicle registration and titling are conveniently located throughout the metropolitan region. Contact the department or check online to locate the Motor Vehicle Deputy Registrar Office that is closest to you:

Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Driver and Vehicle Services
445 Minnesota Street
St. Paul 651-297-3298
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs

Minnesota Insurance
The Minnesota No-Fault Act requires that owners of registered motor vehicles maintain no-fault insurance and makes it a crime to operate or permit operation of any uninsured motor vehicle or motorcycle on any public thoroughfare. Drivers must carry proof of insurance at all times. You must also prove that your vehicle is properly insured before it can be registered in Minnesota. For questions about mandatory insurance, contact:

Minnesota Department of Commerce
Information 651-539-1500
http://mn.gov/commerce

Minnesota Safety Laws
Minnesota’s seat-belt law applies to front-seat occupants and all children under the age of 11 years regardless of their position in the vehicle. Drivers are also responsible for securing children between four and 11 years old in an approved safety seat or seat belt. Children who are under four years old must be secured in a federally approved restraint system, and infants less than 20 pounds or one year in age must be in a rear-facing safety seat. In general, all children under age 13 will be safer if placed in the back seat regardless of any airbag concerns. Statistics have proven that children are nearly 40 percent safer in the rear seat. The following resources offer a wealth of additional information about vehicle safety and child vehicular safety:

Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety
Information 651-201-7060
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots

Minnesota Safety Council
Information 651-291-9150
Toll free 800-444-9150
www.minnesotasafetycouncil.org
Minnesota Seat Belt Coalition
Information 651-228-7304
Toll free 800-444-9150
www.minnesotasafetycouncil.org/sbcoalition

Wisconsin Regulations
New residents must apply for a Wisconsin drivers license within 30 days. Complete the application form including your Social Security number, answers to medical questions, and a sponsoring section for those under 18 years of age. You must pass the vision screening, pay all fees, and surrender your out-of-state license. Required documentation includes one acceptable proof of residency and one proof of identity that has your signature or photograph. Those who do not have a valid out-of-state license must also provide proof of name and date of birth. Only those who licenses have expired for more than eight years will have to take the knowledge and highway signs test and skills exam.

Wisconsin only allows two days grace period before new residents are required to register and title their automobiles. The Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles or WisDOT maintains service centers around the state and has contracted with numerous partners or DMV agents to provide even more convenient locations. Most offices will issue your plate immediate with the title arriving in the mail within about a week. Some offices issue a temporary plate for 90 days. Required documentation includes the vehicle title or registration card from your previous state of residence. You must also verify the vehicle identification number on the vehicle against the VIN shown on the title or certificate of registration. For complete information, contact:

Department of Transportation
Driver’s License 608-264-7447
http://wisconsindot.gov

Wisconsin Insurance
Wisconsin maintains a financial responsibility law designed to guarantee that any motorist licensed to drive in Wisconsin maintains automobile insurance or sufficient funds to pay for damages to others that may be caused by a motor vehicle. These requirements can be met through a motor vehicle liability insurance policy, a surety bond, personal funds, or a certificate of self-insurance.

Wisconsin Safety Laws
Wisconsin’s seat-belt law requires the driver and all front-seat passengers to be restrained, as well as those in rear seats equipped with shoulder harnesses. All children under the age of four must be properly restrained in a safety seat, and children from age four through eight must be secured in a safety seat or properly restrained by a seat belt.