The Minnesota State Parks and Trails specialty license plate provides you with unlimited visits to all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas for an entire year—no vehicle permit required.
More importantly, you'll be supporting Minnesota's most beautiful places, as proceeds from license plate sales go directly to caring for our Minnesota state parks and trails.
The plate is available at Driver and Vehicle Services offices statewide.
- Where can I buy the plate—is it for sale in the parks?
The plate is available at Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) offices statewide, the same place you go to renew your driver's license and tabs. It is not sold in the parks or through the DNR.
- My tabs aren't due yet. Can I still purchase the plate?
Yes! You don't need to wait until your registration is due, you can purchase your specialty license plate any time.
If it is not time in your current license plate's cycle to replace the plate or tabs, you will pay a few additional dollars to switch to a specialty license plate. It's your choice—switch now, or wait until you replace your license plate or tabs.
- What does it cost, and what will my donation be used for?
The new plate includes a $60 donation which renews annually, plus the plate fee and registration taxes.
Proceeds from the sale of this specialty plate are used to support the operations and maintenance of Minnesota state parks and trails. This includes any additional donation you may choose to make.
- Is it true this plate gives me unlimited access to all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas for the year?
Yes! This license plate replaces the need for a Minnesota state parks year-round vehicle permit (a $35 value). The benefit extends each year you renew the plate.
The license plate replaces your vehicle permit sticker to enter a state park. You may still need to buy trail passes for certain kinds of recreation. Camping reservations are also additional.
- Doesn't the DNR have other license plates too—can I get free state park entry with any of those?
The DNR has many Critical Habitat license plates » that support conservation.
The Minnesota State Parks and Trails plate is the only one where the proceeds support the operations and maintenance of Minnesota state parks and trails, and it is the only plate that gets you access to the state parks and recreation areas.
- Is my contribution tax deductible?
No, your contribution is not tax deductible.
- I'm a disabled veteran. Is there a discounted plate for me?
No. 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. However, there is no discount available on the Minnesota State Parks and Trails specialty license plate.
- Can I still get a discounted year-round permit for additional vehicles?
Yes! After you buy the license plate, you may purchase a reduced price year-round permit for any additional vehicles. (Vehicles must all be under the same ownership to qualify.)
- How did you come up with the design for this plate?
In spring of 2016 we 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.
This plate was the winning entry. It showcases Minnesota in all four seasons, and was designed by Michelle Vesaas of Coon Rapids.