Logo
MnDOT has one logo and it is recognized as a valuable asset for our department. The development of logos for internal offices, Web sites, groups and projects dilutes the power of the Minnesota brand and can be confusing to our audiences. These logos are not permitted.
The MnDOT logo should appear on everything that represents the department. This includes (but is not limited to) vehicles, publications, websites, documents and videos. Apply only one logo per visual surface (cover of brochure, Web page, PowerPoint slide, side of mug, chest of shirt, etc.). For multi-page documents, the logo should be limited to the front and back cover. Never use the logo as a purely aesthetic element.
Only use the approved electronic logo files. Do not recreate the logo using other fonts or images. Elements of the logo should not be used to create graphics. The size of the logo can change, but the proportions of the type and logo must remain constant.
Never modify or customize logo colors. Please contact MnDOT Communications' Graphics Team for formats not listed below or logo packages for consultants.
Downloads
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EMF format (horizontal, full color)(transparent background for ArcGIS) |
EMF format (horizontal, reverse)(transparent background for ArcGIS) |
EMF format (horizontal, grayscale) (transparent background for ArcGIS) |
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 Full Color |
 Reverse |
 Grayscale |
 Grayscale Reverse |
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EMF format (vertical, full color) (transparent background for ArcGIS) |
EMF format (vertical, reverse color) (transparent background for ArcGIS) |
EMF format (vertical, grayscale) (transparent background for ArcGIS) |
EMF format (vertical, reverse grayscale) (transparent background for ArcGIS) |
Logo use
New logos
New logo requests must be reviewed and approved by the Office of Communications and Public Engagement prior to development.
Subsidiary logos
We should use the MnDOT logo whenever possible. We reserve the creation of subsidiary logos for permanent, recognized programs and sub-organizations that are outward-facing, communicate frequently, and show a strong business need.
Highway project logos
Highway project logos are not permitted. It is acceptable to use the appropriate highway symbol with a typographic treatment to define a highway or corridor. This graphic should never be used in place of or separate from the MnDOT logo. In communication of any kind, the MnDOT logo should always appear in the primary location and the project treatment should be placed in a secondary location. Do not develop creative or alternate names for projects. Local names or slang are not permitted in project names.
MnDOT will not adopt or use logos created by local communities and organizations to promote or represent any project.
Office and district logos
There should be no logos developed or used to represent teams, offices, or districts. Any logos that have been developed in the past must be abandoned.
Program logos
We permit program logos for permanent and recognized programs that are outward (public) facing, such as Adopt a Highway and the SEEDS and Phoenix Program. Requests for program logos are approved by the Office of Communications and Public Engagement leadership team and created by the Digital Communications Team.
Marketing campaign logos
The agency logo is the visual representation of the agency and should be used in all marketing campaigns.
MnDOT use of vendor logos
MnDOT works with many vendors and contractors to achieve our mission. In the process of working together, teams of employees and contractors draft materials (for example: fact sheets, videos, powerpoint presentations, posters, etc.) used to explain or market a project, issue or concern. Often, those materials include vendor logos, wordmarks or language. The following articulates when and if a vendor brand can be used on state intellectual property.
Definitions - paid contractor, or partner?
MnDOT culture is inclusive, and contractors are thought of and commonly referred to as “partners.” However, a company that is paid to create and deliver work is a “work for hire.” Vendors who have legal contracts to deliver specified work are financially compensated and bound by contractual language.
Contract language
MnDOT's standard contract language specifies that the vendor cannot say that the state endorses its product or services. Including a company logo, wordmark or language referencing the company name implies an endorsement and should not be included in public materials. Any contractor request for a testimonial to be used in promotional material is also considered endorsements and should not be provided.
State statute
Minnesota State Statute 16C.055 limits “barter arrangements” that prevent MnDOT from making agreements or arrangements to display a vendor logo etc.. Such an action is viewed as a form of non-monetary compensation from the vendor. See detail below.
16C.055 BARTER ARRANGEMENTS LIMITED.
Subdivision 1.[Repealed, 2007 c 148 art 2 s 84]
Subd. 2.Restriction. After July 1, 2002, an agency may not enter into a contract or otherwise agree with a nongovernmental entity to receive total nonmonetary consideration valued at more than $100,000 annually in exchange for the agency providing nonmonetary consideration, unless such an agreement is specifically authorized by law. This subdivision does not apply to the State Lottery or private aquaculture businesses involved in state stocking contracts.
Intellectual property rights
MnDOT intellectual property rights clause in standard contracts requires MnDOT to remove the vendor logo because those works are treated as “works for hire.”