By Barb Jeffers
Many activities in our daily lives are not necessarily pleasant but have to be done. Such is the case with getting our driver’s license renewed or getting new license plates or tabs. However, stopping by Reicks Auto License Bureau in Preston, Minn., somehow doesn’t seem like such a chore.
One reason may be due to the quick service. People tend to travel a distance to go to Reicks Auto License Bureau rather than stopping in a larger town, due to the fact that the line is usually not as long so you’re in and out faster, but also because of the personal service.
Owners Kurt and Brenda Reicks have been serving the area since 1989. Kurt knows the majority of his customers by name, as does employee Dawn Ristau, and they both flash a smile and say hello as customers walk in.
Kurt says the most common problem he sees in the license bureau is “people forget to bring proof of insurance,” which causes them to make a second trip to the office. Beginning January 2016, anyone who needs tabs or license plates must show proof of insurance. It is taking awhile for residents to remember to bring proof of insurance with them.
Auto license tab renewals can be obtained in person or by mail. A quick three to five day return by mail makes the process quick and easy.
Reicks Auto License Bureau offers licensing for all types of vehicles, including automobiles, boats, ATV’s, four wheelers and snowmobiles.
Many people choose to adorn their vehicle or motorcycle with license plates that have a special meaning to them.
“In Minnesota you can apply for many types of special license plates such as personalized plates, special group license plates, and military honor plates,” according to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, dmv.org/mn.
There are license plates that have eligibility requirements and most cost more than the standard choices, due to application fees and filing fees associated with them.
“The Minnesota Department of Public Safety offers personalized license plates for passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, and some recreational vehicles,” states the DMV website. In addition to the standard registration fee, there is a $100 application fee and a $10 filing fee for personalized plates. A person can apply for personalized license plates or specialty plates in person or by mail.
When applying for disability plates, the signature of a licensed physician assuring that the applicant meets the requirements is necessary.
According to the DMV website, “Veteran’s plates have very specific application requirements,” some of which include a copy of Form DD214 showing an honorable discharge if the applicant is no longer in the military, or a current military ID if in the military at the time the application is submitted.
Military plates include National Guard, Ready Reserve, VFW, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.
The Support Our Troops license plate helps support United States veterans, as the contribution fee goes to the Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The plate fee is $10 and there is a $10 filing fee. A minimum contribution of $30 each year is also a requirement.
Critical Habitat license plates are available in a number of different designs featuring animals, including loon, deer, chickadee or buck, outdoor activities such as a boat with people fishing and plants, which includes the beautiful lady slipper. To view the designs offered go to mvrenewal.state.mn.us/FAQSP.htm.
Critical Habitat plates support the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources with $10 plate fees, a $10 filing fee, and $30 per year minimum contribution.
Ambulance, EMT, and Fire Department plates are available for those who are members of these organizations.
Unknown to many are the Remembering Victims of Impaired Drivers license plates. These license plates are available for all passenger vehicles for a fee of $10 plus a $10 filing fee. These plates are available to anyone.
Some examples of additional license plates available include collector plates, and ARO plates which are for amateur radio operators and CB (citizen band) radio operators.
Beyond license plates and tab renewals, driver’s license applications and driver’s license renewals, residents can also transfer titles in short order getting you back on the road in your newly purchased vehicle or motorcycle.
Reicks Auto License Bureau will also set you up with your DNR licensing, such as hunting licenses and fishing licenses, as well.
No matter the reason you need to stop at Reicks Auto License Bureau, you will find a friendly face greeting you.
Reicks Auto License Bureau is located in the Rustad Office Building at 201 Fillmore Street West in Preston, Minn.
Business hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4:30 p.m.
For more information, phone (507) 765-2281 or visit the business website at licensebureauofpreston.com.
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