Minn. Stats. § 169.781 requires commercial motor vehicles to be inspected annually and display an annual inspection decal. For purposes of the annual inspection, a commercial motor vehicle is one of the following:
Minnesota-registered vehicles housed in other states
A Minnesota-registered commercial motor vehicle housed and maintained in another state that has been inspected in accordance with federal regulations may be eligible for a certificate of compliance. Note: All Certificate of Compliance requests must be reviewed by Minnesota State Patrol inspectors. They are not available for same-day pick up.
Covered farm vehicles
A covered farm vehicle (CFV) is not required to be inspected or display an annual inspection decal. However, if requested by the owner, a certified inspector may conduct an inspection and affix an official annual inspection decal.
A covered farm vehicle means a single unit or articulated commercial motor vehicle that meets the following criteria:
*Vehicles displaying Minnesota apportioned, truck class or passenger class license plates, and meeting all other qualifications for a CFV, may complete, print and carry a CFV self-designation form. The form must be carried in the vehicle and displayed upon demand by enforcement personnel.
How to become a certified inspector
The Minnesota State Patrol partners with several technical colleges and the Minnesota Trucking Association to provide inspector certification and re-certification courses. To register for a class, see the current certification course schedule.
How often do you need to get re-certified
Inspectors are required to re-certify every two years. You must complete re-certification before the expiration date of your certification. Once your certification expires, you are no longer able to perform inspections. If you do not successfully complete a recertification course within six months following the expiration of your certification, you must successfully complete the full certification course to be reinstated.
How do you get re-certified
To register for recertification, contact the approved course provider on the training provider page.
If you have additional questions. Whom can you ask questions about annual inspections, certification or re-certification?
For answers to your MIP or certification/re-certification questions, call 651-350-2000, option 2, or contact Lt. Dave Hanson at david.hanson@state.mn.us or call 651-247-6468.
Certified Inspector Handbook
The 2026 Certified Inspector Student Handbook is available. If you are a certified inspector, we recommend that you download a copy of the handbook.
Updates from the previous year’s handbook are noted on the MIP updates webpage.
**MIP decal ordering policy update**
Effective immediately, same-day processing of MIP decal orders is available only for in-person payments made by cash or check at the walk-up ordering window. Customers who choose to pay by credit card may continue to submit their order forms at the window; however, decals for credit card transactions will not be issued on the same day. These orders will be processed and mailed out at a later date once payment has been completed.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to ensure secure and efficient processing of all MIP decal orders.
Ordering decals
Please be aware the MIP Decal Order forms have been updated to represent specific years. When submitting your order be sure to select the correct form year. Also, be sure to include your email address for any orders to be paid via credit card. It is preferred, but not required, that you complete the form electronically, then print it.
Here are instructions on how to complete the MIP Decal Order Form.
MIP decals may be ordered by U.S. Mail or purchased in-person at the public service window. We are located at 1110 Centre Pointe Curve Suite 410, Mendota Heights, MN 55120.
Mandatory Inspection Program (MIP)
