Michigan vehicle registration tabs renew every year on your birthday month

Your vehicle registration tabs — the sticker on your license plate — expire on the last day of your birth month each year. Michigan does not send renewal notices by mail, so you need to track the date yourself. You can renew online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a branch office. The online method is fastest and costs the same as other methods.

Renewal is not automatic. If your tabs expire and you drive with an expired registration, you can be stopped and cited. The fine for expired tabs in Michigan ranges based on how long they have been expired, but starts at a civil infraction level. Renewing before the expiration date avoids this risk entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Your tabs expire on the last day of your birth month, and Michigan does not mail renewal reminders, so mark your calendar now.
  • Online renewal through the Secretary of State website takes 10 to 15 minutes and you receive your new tabs by mail within one to two weeks.
  • You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration, and a valid payment method to renew online.
  • If you renew in person at a branch office, bring your current registration and proof of insurance, and you can leave with your tabs the same day.
  • Renewing by mail takes three to four weeks and requires mailing a completed form with a check or money order to the Secretary of State.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

The Michigan Secretary of State website (michigan.gov/sos) has a vehicle registration renewal portal. Go to the "Vehicle Services" section and select "Renew Vehicle Registration." You will enter your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or tax identification number. The system will pull up your registration record.

Review the vehicle information and confirm your address. If your address has changed, update it during this step. Select your payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The renewal fee varies by vehicle weight and type, but typically ranges from $20 to $50 for standard passenger vehicles. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number by email.

Your new tabs will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The confirmation email includes a tracking number you can use to check the status. You can legally drive with your old tabs until the new ones arrive, as long as you have the confirmation email with you. Print or save the confirmation to your phone in case you are stopped.

Renewing in person at a Secretary of State branch office

Michigan has Secretary of State branch offices in most counties. You can find the nearest office and hours on michigan.gov/sos under "Find an Office." Bring your current vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a valid photo ID. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require appointments. Check the office website or call ahead before you go.

The staff member will verify your information, collect the renewal fee, and issue your new tabs on the spot. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. This method is useful if you are renewing close to your expiration date and cannot wait for mail delivery. You leave with your tabs in hand and can explore them to your license plate when ready.

Renewing by mail

You can renew by mail by requesting a renewal form from the Secretary of State. Call 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424) and ask for a vehicle registration renewal form, or read it from michigan.gov/sos. Fill out the form completely, including your VIN, current registration number, and vehicle information. Do not leave any fields blank.

Write a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to the "State of Michigan." Include it with the completed form and mail both to the address listed on the form. Processing takes three to four weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least four weeks before your expiration date to avoid driving with expired tabs.

Keep a copy of the form and the check number for your records. If you do not receive your new tabs within four weeks, call the Secretary of State to confirm they received your payment and check the status of your renewal.

What happens if your tabs expire

Driving with expired registration tabs is a civil infraction in Michigan. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation. The fine depends on how long your tabs have been expired. For tabs expired less than one month, the fine is typically $10 to $25. For tabs expired one to three months, the fine increases to $25 to $50. Tabs expired longer than three months can result in fines of $50 or more.

Beyond the fine, an expired registration can lead to other complications. If you are in an accident, your insurance may deny a claim if your registration was expired at the time. Your vehicle registration can also be suspended if you accumulate unpaid traffic violations. Renewing on time prevents these problems.

Renewing early and setting reminders

You can renew your tabs up to one month before they expire. Many people renew during the month before their birth month to avoid the rush or to may support they have new tabs before traveling. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new tabs will still expire on the last day of your birth month the following year.

Since Michigan does not send renewal notices, set a phone reminder or calendar alert for the first day of your birth month. This gives you a full month to renew before the tabs expire. If you travel frequently or have a busy schedule, renewing online takes only a few minutes and removes the risk of forgetting.

Renewing if your vehicle information has changed

If you have changed your address, the vehicle has been repaired or modified, or you have a new owner name on the title, you may need to update your registration before renewing your tabs. Address changes can usually be made during the online renewal process. For other changes, you may need to visit a branch office or submit additional documents.

If you have recently purchased the vehicle and the title is in your name, you must register the vehicle in Michigan before you can renew tabs. This requires a separate process and cannot be done through tab renewal alone. Contact the Secretary of State or visit a branch office to register a newly purchased vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs if my vehicle registration is suspended?

No. If your registration is suspended due to unpaid fines, insurance lapses, or other violations, you must resolve the suspension first. Contact the Secretary of State to find out why your registration is suspended and what steps are needed to restore it. Once restored, you can renew your tabs.

What if I lose my registration card before renewing?

You can still renew online using your VIN and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you renew in person, bring your VIN and photo ID. The branch office can look up your registration record without the physical card. You can also request a replacement registration card at the same time.

Do I need current insurance to renew my tabs?

Michigan law requires you to have active auto insurance to legally drive. When you renew in person, you must show proof of insurance. Online renewal does not verify insurance at the time of renewal, but driving without insurance is illegal regardless of whether your tabs are current. Maintain continuous coverage.

How much does it cost to renew tabs in Michigan?

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). For most passenger vehicles, the fee ranges from $20 to $50. Trucks, RVs, and commercial vehicles may have different fees. The exact amount will be shown during online renewal or quoted by staff at a branch office before you pay.

Can someone else renew my tabs for me?

Yes, a family member or authorized person can renew your tabs in person at a branch office if they bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and a signed power of attorney or letter authorizing them to act on your behalf. Online renewal requires your personal information, so you would need to do that yourself or provide login access to someone you trust.