(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by Wright County.)

There was a flurry of activity at the Minnesota State Legislature last month as some of the larger omnibus bills were approved in June’s special session. With each of those bills passed, there is consequence to them. One of those will involve individuals who need to purchase license plates. Effective Aug. 1, the cost for Minnesota state-issued license plates will take a significant spike upward.

For decades, there has been money set aside by the Legislature to help keep the costs of plates down, but when money earmarked for the license plate fund at the state level came up $8 million short, it was determined that the shortfall would be made up for by nearly doubling the price paid for plates when the old plates expire.

Currently, single plates like the type required on trailers are six dollars. That price will be increasing to $13.50. Double plates – the type used on most passenger vehicles – are currently eight dollars and will be increasing to $15.50.

The decision to raise the price of license plates Aug. 1 has had a ripple effect. Those who needed to get new plates in July won’t see the price increase. However, if they mail in their payment, if it is not processed by Aug. 1, it will not be accepted. For passenger car plates, the check will be cashed, but a notice will be sent out that an additional $7.50 is needed before the plates will be issued. In addition, the billing statements sent out by the state for those who have expiring plates in August would typically be mailed in the final seven to 10 days of July. But, with the fee changes, they won’t be mailed out until Aug. 2 and will reflect the new prices. They will be mailed Aug. 2, which could mean they won’t show up until a week or more later than normal.

The drop box at the Wright County License Center will close at 4 p.m. Friday, July 30 to process all the requests it receives for those with plates that expire in July so they can be processed that day and not be subject to the new fees that begin Aug. 1. After Aug. 1, the wait begins before the bill for your new plates arrives in the mail.