What Minnesota License Tabs Are and When You Renew Them

Your Minnesota license tab is the sticker on your vehicle's license plate that shows your registration is current. It displays the month and year your registration expires. You renew your tabs every year on the anniversary of your original registration date — not on your birthday or a fixed state date.

The tab itself is small, but it's what law enforcement checks during a traffic stop. If your tab is expired, you can be cited even if you've paid your registration fee. Minnesota sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before your expiration date, but the state does not require you to wait for that notice to renew.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota tabs expire on a date specific to your vehicle, not a statewide date, so check your current plate or registration card to find yours.
  • You can renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office without waiting for a renewal notice.
  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new tab arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
  • If you renew in person at a Deputy Registrar, you receive your tab when ready and can leave with it the same day.
  • Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection before you can renew if it is over four years old, unless it is exempt.

Finding Your Renewal Date

Your renewal date is printed on your current license plate tab — the small sticker in the upper right corner of your plate. It shows a month and year. You can also find this date on your vehicle registration card, which should be in your glove box.

If you cannot locate either of these, you can look up your vehicle information on the Minnesota Secretary of State website by entering your license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is on your registration card, your insurance card, or on the dashboard at the base of your windshield on the driver's side.

Renewing Online Through the Secretary of State

The fastest way to renew is through the Minnesota Secretary of State's online system. Go to mn.gov/sos and select "Vehicle Registration" from the main menu. You will need your license plate number, VIN, and a payment method (debit card or credit card).

The online system will show you the renewal fee for your vehicle, which varies based on vehicle weight and type. You pay the fee when ready, and the system generates a confirmation number. Your new tab is printed and mailed to the address on file — this usually takes one to two weeks. You can drive legally during this time as long as your current tab has not yet expired.

If your vehicle requires a safety inspection and you have not completed one, the online system will tell you this before you finish payment. You will need to schedule an inspection at an approved station before your tab arrives.

Renewing by Mail

If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can return it with your payment. The notice includes a payment envelope and instructions. Write a check or money order for the amount shown and mail it back to the address on the notice.

Processing by mail takes longer than online renewal — typically two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your payment. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your tab expires to avoid driving with an expired registration. If you did not receive a notice, you can still renew by mail by contacting the Secretary of State's office for a renewal form.

Renewing in Person at a Deputy Registrar

Minnesota has Deputy Registrar offices in most counties and cities. These are local offices — often in city halls, county buildings, or private businesses — that handle vehicle registration on behalf of the state. You can find the nearest Deputy Registrar by searching "Minnesota Deputy Registrar" on Google Maps or by calling your city or county clerk's office.

Bring your current registration card and a valid photo ID. The Deputy Registrar will verify your information, collect the renewal fee in cash or card, and issue your new tab on the spot. You leave with the tab in hand and can explore it to your plate when ready. This is the fastest option if you are close to your expiration date.

Some Deputy Registrars require an appointment, while others take walk-ins. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need to schedule a time.

Safety Inspection Requirements

If your vehicle is more than four years old, Minnesota requires a safety inspection before you can renew your registration. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, and steering. Vehicles that are four years old or newer are exempt from this requirement.

You can have the inspection done at any station licensed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. These include many repair shops, tire shops, and some gas stations. The inspection costs between $15 and $25 depending on the station. Once the inspection is complete, the station sends the results electronically to the state, and you can renew your registration online or in person.

If you try to renew online and your vehicle requires an inspection you have not completed, the system will stop the transaction and direct you to schedule one first. You do not need to wait for the inspection to be done before starting the renewal process — just complete it before your current tab expires.

What Happens If Your Tab Expires

Driving with an expired tab is a violation in Minnesota. Law enforcement can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine. The fine amount depends on how long your tab has been expired and whether you have prior violations.

If your tab expired recently but you have already submitted a renewal, you can show proof of your online renewal confirmation or your mailed renewal receipt to an officer. Many officers will not cite you if you can demonstrate that renewal is in progress. However, it is best not to drive once your tab expires — renew before the expiration date on your current tab.

If you realize your tab has expired and you have not yet renewed, renew when ready. If you are near a Deputy Registrar, going in person gets you a new tab the same day. Otherwise, renew online and avoid unnecessary driving until your new tab arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs before the expiration date?

Yes. Minnesota allows you to renew up to one month before your tab expires. This is useful if you want to renew early to avoid the rush or if you prefer to handle it before traveling. The new tab will have a new expiration date one year from your current expiration date.

What if I moved and my registration address is wrong?

Update your address before renewing. You can change your address online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or at a Deputy Registrar office. If you renew with an outdated address, your new tab will be mailed to the old address and you will not receive it.

Do I need to renew my tabs if I sell my vehicle?

No. When you sell your vehicle, the new owner is responsible for registration and tabs. You should notify the Secretary of State that you no longer own the vehicle so you are not billed for future renewals. You can do this online or by mail.

How much does a Minnesota tab renewal cost?

The cost varies based on your vehicle's weight and type. Most passenger cars cost between $180 and $220 per year. Trucks, vans, and specialty vehicles may cost more. The exact fee is shown when you renew online or at a Deputy Registrar office before you pay.

What if I lost my registration card?

You can still renew using your license plate number and VIN. If you do not have your VIN memorized, you can look it up on your vehicle's dashboard or contact your insurance company. You can request a replacement registration card from the Secretary of State at the same time you renew your tabs.