Minnesota vehicle registration renews every two years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at your local Deputy Registrar office

Your Minnesota registration renewal notice arrives in the mail about a month before your expiration date. The notice shows your renewal fee, which depends on your vehicle's weight and type. You have three ways to renew: online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, by mailing your renewal notice with a check, or by visiting a Deputy Registrar office in person. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes a few minutes.

You do not need to renew your tabs in person unless your vehicle information has changed significantly — such as a new owner, a major repair that altered the vehicle's weight class, or if you need to update your address. If nothing has changed, you can handle the entire process from home.

Key Takeaways

  • Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 30 days before expiration and includes the exact fee you owe.
  • Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest method and requires only your notice number and vehicle identification number.
  • By-mail renewal takes longer but works if you prefer not to go online — mail your notice and payment to the address printed on the form.
  • Deputy Registrar offices handle in-person renewals and can also update your address or vehicle information if needed.
  • Your new tabs arrive by mail after processing, so renew before your expiration date to avoid driving with expired registration.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

The Minnesota Secretary of State website lets you renew your registration without leaving home. Go to mnsosfiles.state.mn.us, find the vehicle registration renewal section, and enter your renewal notice number and vehicle identification number (VIN). The system will show your fee and let you pay by credit card or debit card. Processing takes a few business days, and your new tabs arrive by mail.

Online renewal works only if your vehicle information has not changed. If you moved, changed the vehicle's use (from personal to commercial, for example), or had major work done that affects weight classification, you will need to renew in person or by mail so you can report those changes.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

Your renewal notice includes a mailing address and payment instructions. Write a check for the amount shown on the notice, include the notice itself, and mail both to the address printed on the form. Include a return envelope if you want your old tabs back, though this is not required. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks.

Mail renewal is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer not to use a credit card online. The downside is the wait time — your new tabs will not arrive until after the office processes your payment and generates them. Renew early enough that your tabs arrive before your expiration date.

Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office

Deputy Registrar offices are located throughout Minnesota and handle registration renewals, address changes, and vehicle information updates. Bring your renewal notice, a valid photo ID, and your payment method (cash, check, or card — policies vary by office). The office will process your renewal on the spot and issue your new tabs when ready, so you can leave with them in hand.

In-person renewal is the best choice if your vehicle information has changed, if you need your tabs right away, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. You can find your nearest Deputy Registrar office on the Minnesota Secretary of State website by entering your city or zip code. Hours vary by location, so check before you go.

What happens if you miss your renewal date

Driving with expired registration is against Minnesota law and can result in a traffic citation. If you realize your tabs have expired, renew when ready — you can still renew online, by mail, or in person even after the expiration date has passed. Your new tabs will be valid from the date you renew, not from your original expiration date.

If you were pulled over with expired tabs, you may be able to show proof of renewal to a law enforcement officer or in court. Keep your confirmation email or receipt from online renewal, or bring your mailed renewal receipt if you renewed by mail. This does not erase the citation, but it may help in court.

Understanding your renewal fee

Your renewal fee is based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and its type — passenger car, truck, motorcycle, or other classification. The fee is printed on your renewal notice, so you know exactly what you owe before you renew. Fees do not change between renewal cycles unless your vehicle's weight class changes.

If you believe your fee is incorrect, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State office or your local Deputy Registrar before paying. They can review your vehicle's weight classification and correct it if needed. Paying an incorrect fee and then requesting a refund takes longer than fixing it upfront.

Keeping your registration current between renewals

Your registration is valid for two years from the expiration date on your tabs. You do not need to do anything between renewals unless your vehicle information changes — such as a move, a change in vehicle use, or a major repair. If you move to a new address, update it with the Secretary of State so your next renewal notice reaches you on time.

If you sell your vehicle, the new owner will need to register it in their name. If you buy a used vehicle, you will need to register it before driving it on Minnesota roads. These transactions are separate from renewal and require a visit to a Deputy Registrar office or the Secretary of State office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs before the renewal notice arrives?

No, you need your renewal notice number to renew online or by mail. The notice arrives about 30 days before expiration. If you have not received it within that window, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State to request a duplicate notice or to check your address on file.

What if I moved and did not update my address?

Your renewal notice will go to your old address. Contact the Secretary of State to update your address and request a duplicate renewal notice sent to your new location. You can also renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office and update your address at the same time.

Do I need to bring my vehicle to renew my tabs?

No, you do not need to bring your vehicle for a standard renewal if nothing has changed. You only need your renewal notice and payment. If your vehicle information has changed or you need your tabs when ready, renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office.

How long does it take to get my new tabs after I renew online?

Online renewals are processed within a few business days, and your new tabs arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Renew at least two weeks before your expiration date to may support your tabs arrive on time.

Can I renew my registration if my vehicle has a lien on it?

Yes, a lien does not prevent you from renewing your registration. Renew through any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. The lienholder's information is on file with the state and does not affect your ability to renew.