Is the vehicle unable to get plates back, or is it the person unable to put plates on it?

My boyfriend recently had his license revoked for driving without insurance, and his plates were also revoked. He has since served his punishment from the court, and received a restricted working license until he can get a normal license back some time in February. The trouble is, he still can't have plates on his car for a year. We are unsure if under Minnesota state law (or any law in general if it's just a thing that's a law everywhere,) is it the vehicle itself that is unable to have plates on it for a year, or is he simply unable to put plates on the vehicle for a year. I was thinking if he transferred the title of the vehicle over to me, I could put plates on it, but if the vehicle itself can't have plates on it, that plan is shot.