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

Minnesota sends renewal notices 60 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal fee, which varies based on your vehicle's weight and type. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive — you can renew up to six months before expiration. The state's online renewal system, available through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, is the fastest route if your vehicle has no outstanding violations or title issues.

If you renew online, you'll need your current registration card, driver's license number, and a payment method. The system processes most renewals within minutes and emails your new registration. By mail, you send the renewal notice with a check or money order to the address printed on the form — processing takes about two weeks. In person, you visit any deputy registrar office with your notice and payment; they issue a temporary registration on the spot while your permanent one is mailed.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota registration renews every two years, and you can renew online, by mail, or at a deputy registrar office starting six months before expiration.
  • The state mails renewal notices 60 days before your registration expires, and the notice includes your exact fee based on your vehicle's weight.
  • Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is fastest and works for most vehicles without title holds or outstanding violations.
  • If you renew in person at a deputy registrar, you receive a temporary registration when ready while your permanent one is mailed to your address.

When your registration expires and how to find your renewal date

Your registration expiration date appears on your current registration card in the upper right corner. Minnesota issues registrations on a staggered schedule based on your vehicle's license plate number, so expiration dates vary by owner. You can also check your expiration date by logging into the Minnesota Secretary of State's online system with your driver's license number and vehicle identification number (VIN).

The state mails renewal notices to the address on file 60 days before expiration. If you've moved recently and haven't updated your address with the Secretary of State, the notice may not reach you. You can update your address online or at any deputy registrar office. If you miss the notice or it arrives late, you can still renew online or in person — the notice is a reminder, not a requirement to renew.

Renewing online through the Minnesota Secretary of State

The online renewal system at the Minnesota Secretary of State website is open 24 hours and handles most renewals in minutes. You'll need your current registration card, driver's license number, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or e-check). The system checks for title holds, outstanding violations, or other issues that would prevent renewal; if any exist, it tells you when ready and directs you to resolve them before you can proceed.

After you submit payment, the system generates a confirmation number and emails your new registration to the address on file. You can print the confirmation as proof of renewal while you wait for the physical card to arrive by mail, which typically takes five to seven business days. If you need to renew before your current registration expires, online renewal lets you do that up to six months in advance.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

To renew by mail, sign the renewal notice, include a check or money order for the amount shown, and mail both to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current registration card if the notice doesn't have all your vehicle information printed on it. Mail your renewal at least two weeks before expiration to allow time for processing and delivery.

The Secretary of State processes mail renewals within 10 to 14 business days of receipt. Your new registration card is mailed to the address on file. If your registration expires before the new card arrives, you can print your confirmation from the online system or contact the Secretary of State to request a temporary registration by phone. Keep your old registration card until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a deputy registrar office

Minnesota has deputy registrar offices in most counties and many cities. You can find the office nearest you through the Secretary of State's office locator on their website. Bring your renewal notice, current registration card, driver's license, and payment (cash, check, or card — accepted methods vary by office). Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

When you renew in person, the deputy registrar issues a temporary registration on the spot — a printed form valid for 30 days while your permanent registration card is mailed. This is useful if your registration expires soon and you need proof of current registration when ready. Some offices accept appointments; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether your office takes appointments.

Registration fees and what affects the cost

Minnesota registration fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not its actual weight. The GVWR is listed in your vehicle's owner's manual and on the driver's side door jamb. Passenger cars typically cost less to register than trucks or vans. Your renewal notice shows the exact fee for your vehicle.

If you've made changes to your vehicle — such as adding a trailer or changing its use from personal to commercial — the fee may change. If you've paid off a loan and the lienholder's name is no longer on your title, you can remove it by submitting a lien release form to the Secretary of State before you renew. Some counties charge an additional deputy registrar service fee when you renew in person, usually between $5 and $10.

What to do if your registration has already expired

If your registration has expired, you can still renew online, by mail, or in person. However, driving with an expired registration is illegal in Minnesota and can result in a citation. Renew as soon as possible. The renewal fee does not increase for late renewals, but you may face a traffic violation if you're stopped by law enforcement.

If your registration expired more than a year ago, the online system may not process your renewal. Contact the Secretary of State by phone or visit a deputy registrar office in person. Bring your current registration card (even if expired), driver's license, and payment. The office can process your renewal and issue a temporary registration when ready.

When you cannot renew online or by mail

The online system blocks renewal if your vehicle has a title hold, an outstanding violation, or a lien that hasn't been released. A title hold means the Secretary of State has flagged your vehicle's title for a legal reason — often an unpaid loan, a salvage title issue, or a dispute. You must resolve the hold before you can renew. Contact the Secretary of State to learn why the hold exists and what steps to take.

If your vehicle's title is in another state or you've recently moved to Minnesota from out of state, you may need to explore for a new Minnesota title before you renew registration. This requires a separate process and fee. Visit a deputy registrar office or contact the Secretary of State for guidance on your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew online or in person up to six months before your registration expires. You don't need the renewal notice — just your current registration card, driver's license number, and payment. The notice is a reminder, not a requirement.

What if I move after I renew but before my new card arrives?

Contact the Secretary of State or visit a deputy registrar office to update your address. Your new registration card will be mailed to your updated address. Keep your old card until the new one arrives.

Can I renew my registration if my vehicle has a salvage title?

A salvage title may prevent online renewal. Visit a deputy registrar office in person with your salvage title, current registration, and driver's license. The office can tell you whether your vehicle meets Minnesota's requirements for registration and what steps are needed.

How long is my temporary registration valid if I renew in person?

A temporary registration issued at a deputy registrar office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent registration card is mailed separately and typically arrives within five to seven business days. If it doesn't arrive within 30 days, contact the Secretary of State.

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

No. When you sell your vehicle, you transfer the registration to the new owner or cancel it. The new owner must register the vehicle in their name. You do not renew a registration for a vehicle you no longer own.