Minnesota car registration renews every two years, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person at your local deputy registrar's office

Your Minnesota registration expires on the last day of the month shown on your current registration card. The state sends a renewal notice to the address on file about 30 days before expiration. You do not have to wait for that notice to arrive — you can renew as soon as you want during the 90 days before expiration.

The fastest route is online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if your vehicle has no safety or emissions violations and your registration is not suspended. If you cannot renew online, you can mail your renewal form and payment to the address listed on your notice, or visit a deputy registrar's office in person. Each method takes different amounts of time and requires different documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website takes minutes and is available if your vehicle has no violations and your registration is active.
  • Mail renewal requires your renewal notice, payment, and proof of insurance, and typically takes one to two weeks from when the office receives it.
  • In-person renewal at a deputy registrar's office is when ready and works if you have lost your renewal notice or need to update vehicle information.
  • Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection and emissions test (in the Twin Cities area) before renewal, and you will need proof of insurance no matter which method you choose.
  • If your registration has expired, you can still renew, but you may owe a late fee and cannot legally drive until the new registration arrives.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State's vehicle services page, select "Renew Registration," and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration number. The system will show you the renewal fee and ask you to confirm your vehicle information and address.

You will need a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Once you pay, your new registration is processed when ready, and you can print a temporary registration receipt. Your physical registration card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. You can drive legally using the printed receipt until the card arrives.

You cannot renew online if your vehicle has failed a safety inspection, has an emissions violation, or if your registration is suspended. The system will tell you why if you are not may be able to access and direct you to the next step.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if you have your renewal notice and want to avoid a trip to the registrar's office. Fill out the form that came with your notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address printed on the notice. Include proof of insurance — your insurance company's declaration page or a current insurance card showing your policy number and expiration date.

Processing time depends on mail delivery and office workload. Most offices process mail renewals within one to two weeks of receiving them, but during busy periods (late in the renewal month) it can take longer. Your new registration card arrives by mail after processing is complete.

If you have lost your renewal notice, you can request a duplicate from your local deputy registrar's office or read a renewal form from the Secretary of State website. You will still need proof of insurance and the correct fee amount.

Renewing in person at a deputy registrar's office

In-person renewal is when ready — you leave with your new registration card the same day. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid photo ID. If your vehicle information has changed (new address, different owner), bring documents that show the change, such as a utility bill or title transfer paperwork.

Deputy registrar's offices are located throughout Minnesota in city halls, county offices, and private businesses. You can find the office nearest you on the Secretary of State's office locator tool. Hours vary by location, so check before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment — call ahead if you are unsure.

In-person renewal costs the same as mail or online renewal, but you pay in person with cash, check, or card depending on what the office accepts. If your vehicle has failed inspection or has an emissions violation, the registrar will tell you what you need to do before you can renew.

Safety inspection and emissions testing requirements

Before you renew, your vehicle must pass a safety inspection. This is a quick check of your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and other safety equipment. You can get a safety inspection at any station licensed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety — most auto repair shops, tire shops, and gas stations offer it. The inspection costs vary but typically run $10 to $20.

If you live in the Twin Cities area (Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Scott, Washington, or Anoka counties), your vehicle also needs an emissions test. This test checks that your vehicle's pollution levels meet state standards. You can get an emissions test at any licensed emissions testing station. The test costs around $15 to $25 and takes about 10 minutes.

If your vehicle fails either test, you will receive a report showing what needs to be fixed. You can renew your registration once you have the vehicle repaired and pass the test again. Keep your inspection and emissions receipts — you may need to show them when you renew.

Proof of insurance and what counts

Minnesota law requires you to show proof of active auto insurance when you renew your registration. Your proof must show your policy number, vehicle identification number, coverage dates, and the name of your insurance company. An insurance declaration page (the document your insurance company sends when you buy a policy) works. A current insurance card also works as long as it shows all required information.

Your insurance must be active on the day you renew. If your policy has lapsed or will expire before your registration renewal is complete, you will need to renew your insurance first. If you are switching insurance companies, make sure your new policy is in effect before you submit your registration renewal.

What to do if your registration has expired

If your registration has already expired, you can still renew, but you cannot legally drive the vehicle until your new registration arrives. You will also owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The late fee amount depends on how long your registration has been expired — the longer it has been, the higher the fee.

Renew as soon as possible using any of the three methods above. If you renew online or by mail, you can print or carry proof that you have submitted your renewal while you wait for the new card to arrive. Some police officers will accept this proof if you are stopped, but it is not may provide, so avoid driving if you can.

If your registration has been expired for more than a year, you may need to get a new safety inspection and emissions test before you can renew. Contact your local deputy registrar's office to find out what you need.

Registration renewal fees and what they cover

Minnesota registration renewal fees are based on your vehicle's age, weight, and fuel type. A standard passenger car typically costs between $150 and $200 for a two-year renewal, but the exact amount depends on your specific vehicle. The Secretary of State website shows your fee amount when you start an online renewal, or your renewal notice lists the fee.

The fee covers your registration for two years. If you renew early (more than 90 days before expiration), your new registration will not expire until two years after your current registration would have expired — you do not get extra time. Some vehicle types, such as electric vehicles or vehicles owned by seniors, may may have access to for reduced fees, but you will need to provide documentation to claim them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my address has changed?

Yes. If you renew online, the system will ask you to confirm your address and update it if needed. If you renew by mail or in person, bring a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. The registrar will update your address when they process your renewal.

What happens if I drive with an expired registration?

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Minnesota and can result in a traffic ticket and fine. If you are stopped by police, you must show proof that you have submitted your renewal. Once your new registration arrives, the violation is resolved, but you will still have the ticket on your record.

Can someone else renew my registration for me?

Yes, if you renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, anyone can mail your completed form and payment. For in-person renewal, someone else can go to the deputy registrar's office with your registration card, proof of insurance, and a signed note from you authorizing them to renew on your behalf. Online renewal requires your VIN and registration number, so you must do it yourself or give someone access to that information.

How long does it take to get my new registration card after I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your new registration card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you renew in person at a deputy registrar's office, you receive your new card when ready. You can drive legally using a printed receipt from online renewal until your card arrives.

What if my vehicle failed inspection — can I still renew?

No. You must have your vehicle repaired and pass the inspection again before you can renew your registration. Once you have the passing inspection report, you can renew using any of the three methods. Keep your inspection receipt in case you need to show proof that you passed.