How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration Tabs in Michigan

Renewing your tabs through the Michigan Secretary of State

You can renew your vehicle registration tabs — the sticker that goes on your license plate — through the Michigan Secretary of State's office online, by mail, or in person at a branch office. The online method is fastest and available 24/7. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration, and a payment method. Most renewals take a few minutes online and cost between $10 and $20 depending on your vehicle's weight and type, plus any applicable county fees.

Michigan sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before your tabs expire. If you have that notice, the process is simpler — you can use the bar code on it to renew online without entering all your vehicle details manually. If you've lost the notice, you can still renew using your VIN and registration number.

Key Takeaways

The Michigan Secretary of State website lets you renew tabs online at any time, and the new tabs arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You need your VIN, current registration number, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check) to renew online.
If you renew before your tabs expire, you can start using the new tabs when ready — you don't have to wait until the old ones expire.
You can also renew in person at any Secretary of State branch office or by mail, though both take longer than the online method.
If your vehicle's registration has changed (new owner, address change, or vehicle modifications), you may need to renew in person or contact the Secretary of State first.

Renewing tabs online through the Secretary of State website

Go to the Michigan Secretary of State vehicle services page and select the renewal option. You'll enter your VIN (found on your dashboard or registration), your current registration number, and your vehicle's license plate number. The system will pull up your registration record and show you the renewal fee based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

After you confirm the details and pay with a debit card, credit card, or electronic check, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new tabs will be mailed to the address on your registration within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the new tabs as soon as they arrive — you don't have to wait until your current tabs expire. Keep your confirmation number in case you need to track your order or contact the Secretary of State about the renewal.

If you have your renewal notice from the Secretary of State, you can use the bar code on it to renew even faster. The bar code pre-fills most of your information, so you'll only need to verify a few details and pay.

Renewing tabs by mail or in person

If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail your renewal notice and payment to the address printed on the notice. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee plus any county fees. Mail processing typically takes 2 to 3 weeks, so send it well before your tabs expire.

You can also renew in person at any Michigan Secretary of State branch office. Bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. You'll pay the renewal fee on the spot and receive your new tabs when ready. Branch offices have varying hours, so check the Secretary of State website to find the location nearest you and confirm their hours before you go.

What to do if your registration has changed

If you've moved to a new address, changed the vehicle's registered owner, or made modifications to the vehicle (like changing the GVWR), you may not be able to renew online. The system will tell you if your record needs updating before you can proceed with renewal.

In these cases, you'll need to renew in person at a Secretary of State branch office or contact the office by phone to update your registration first. Bring your current registration, proof of insurance, a valid ID, and any documents related to the change (like a bill of sale if there's a new owner, or proof of address if you moved). Once your registration is updated, you can renew your tabs online or in person.

Fees and what affects the cost

The base renewal fee depends on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is listed on your registration. Vehicles under 8,000 pounds typically cost less to renew than heavier vehicles. The Secretary of State website will show you the exact fee before you pay.

Some counties add an additional county fee on top of the state renewal fee. This fee varies by county and is included in the total cost shown during online renewal. If you're renewing by mail, the renewal notice will list both the state fee and any county fee due.

If your tabs expire before your renewal arrives

If you renew online or by mail but your new tabs haven't arrived by the expiration date, you can drive legally for a short grace period while you wait. However, it's best not to rely on this — renew at least two weeks before your tabs expire to give the mail time to arrive.

If your tabs do expire and your new ones haven't come, keep your confirmation number or renewal notice with you while driving. If you're stopped, you can show the officer your confirmation or notice to prove you've renewed. If you're concerned about the delay, you can contact the Secretary of State to check the status of your renewal or pick up your tabs in person at a branch office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs if my registration is suspended or revoked?

No. If your registration is suspended or revoked, you must resolve the issue with the Secretary of State before you can renew. This usually involves paying outstanding fines, clearing a violation, or completing a required action. Contact the Secretary of State to find out what needs to be done.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You don't need the notice to renew online. Go to the Michigan Secretary of State website and enter your VIN, registration number, and license plate number. The system will pull up your record and let you renew. If you prefer to renew by mail, you can request a duplicate notice by contacting the Secretary of State.

Can I renew tabs for someone else's vehicle?

You can renew online if you have the VIN and registration number, but the vehicle must be registered in your name or you must have permission from the registered owner. If you're renewing for a vehicle registered to someone else, it's safest to renew in person with that person's registration and ID, or have them renew themselves.

Do I have to renew before my tabs expire, or can I renew after?

You can renew after your tabs expire, but driving with expired tabs is illegal and can result in a ticket. Renew before the expiration date shown on your current tabs. If your tabs have already expired, renew right away and keep your confirmation number with you while driving until your new tabs arrive.

How long do tabs last after I renew?

Vehicle registration tabs in Michigan are valid for one year from the expiration date of your previous tabs. Your renewal notice will show the new expiration date. You'll receive a renewal notice again about 30 days before that date.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.