Renewing your Minnesota car registration online or by mail

Minnesota sends you a renewal notice 30 to 45 days before your registration expires. You can renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, by mail using the notice they sent you, or in person at any Deputy Registrar office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new registration arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you renew by mail, send your completed notice with the fee to the address printed on it. In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar is fastest if you need the registration when ready — you walk out with your new tabs the same day.

You do not need to renew in person unless your vehicle information has changed significantly (such as a new owner, major repairs, or a title issue). Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota mails you a renewal notice 30 to 45 days before expiration; use that notice to renew by mail or as your login reference for online renewal.
  • Online renewal through the Secretary of State website is the fastest option and costs the same as mail renewal, with new tabs arriving in one to two weeks.
  • The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type; the notice you received shows the exact amount due.
  • If you renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office, you receive your new tabs when ready, but most people do not need to visit an office.
  • Your registration expires on the last day of the month printed on your current tabs; renewing after that date may result in a late fee.

What information you need to renew online

To renew online, go to mn.gov/secretary-of-state and select the vehicle registration renewal option. You will need your current registration number (printed on your tabs or renewal notice) and the last four digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN appears on your registration card, your insurance card, or the dashboard on the driver's side of your windshield.

You will also need a payment method — Minnesota accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. The online system shows the exact fee before you complete payment, so there are no surprises. Once you submit, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new tabs and registration card arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

Your renewal notice includes a payment stub with the amount due and the mailing address. Write a check or money order for the amount shown, sign and date the notice where indicated, and mail both together to the address printed on the notice. Do not mail cash. Include your current registration card if you are renewing more than 30 days before expiration, though it is not required.

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time Minnesota receives your notice. To avoid late fees, mail your renewal at least one week before your registration expires. If you are unsure whether Minnesota has received your payment, call the Secretary of State at 651-296-6911 with your registration number and they can check the status.

Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office

You can walk into any Deputy Registrar office with your renewal notice, current registration card, and payment method to renew when ready. Bring a photo ID as well. The office will print your new tabs on the spot, and you can put them on your vehicle before you leave. This is the only way to renew and drive home with valid tabs the same day.

Deputy Registrar offices are located throughout Minnesota — most cities have at least one. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Secretary of State website. Offices are often busier at the end of the month, so arriving early in the month or mid-week typically means shorter wait times. There is no additional fee for renewing in person; you pay the same registration fee as you would online or by mail.

Understanding the renewal fee and what affects it

Your registration fee is based on your vehicle's weight and type (passenger car, truck, motorcycle, etc.). The renewal notice you received shows the exact fee you owe. Fees do not change based on when you renew — renewing early or late does not lower or raise the amount. However, if you renew after your registration has expired, Minnesota adds a late fee on top of the standard registration fee.

If your vehicle's weight or type has changed — for example, you added a commercial trailer or converted a vehicle — you may owe a different fee. In that case, you cannot use the renewal notice you received; instead, you must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office or contact the Secretary of State to update your vehicle information before renewing online.

What to do if you did not receive a renewal notice

If your renewal notice did not arrive and your registration is about to expire, you can still renew online or in person without it. For online renewal, you will need your registration number and the last four digits of your VIN. If you do not have your registration card, you can look up your registration number on the Secretary of State website using your VIN and driver's license number.

If you cannot find your registration number or VIN, visit a Deputy Registrar office in person with your driver's license and vehicle keys. They can look up your information and process your renewal when ready. If your registration has already expired, bring proof of insurance as well — Minnesota requires current insurance to renew a registration.

Late renewal and expired registration

If your registration has expired, you cannot legally drive your vehicle on public roads in Minnesota. Renew as soon as possible to avoid fines. When you renew after the expiration date, Minnesota adds a late fee to your standard registration fee. The amount of the late fee varies depending on how long your registration has been expired.

If you were driving with an expired registration and received a citation, you can still renew your registration. Renewing does not dismiss the citation, but it stops additional penalties from accruing. If you have questions about the citation itself, contact the court listed on the ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration before I receive the renewal notice?

Yes. You can renew online or in person anytime within 30 days before expiration without waiting for the notice. You will need your registration number and the last four digits of your VIN. The notice is a convenience, not a requirement.

What happens if I renew online but do not receive my new tabs in the mail?

Contact the Secretary of State at 651-296-6911 with your confirmation number. They can track your tabs and remail them if needed. In the meantime, keep your online confirmation email as proof of renewal — law enforcement can verify your status through the system.

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

No. Once you transfer ownership to the new owner, your registration ends. The new owner must register the vehicle in their name. If you receive a renewal notice after selling, disregard it — you are not responsible for renewing a vehicle you no longer own.

Can I renew someone else's vehicle registration for them?

Yes, by mail or online. For mail renewal, sign the notice with your name and relationship to the owner (for example, "spouse" or "power of attorney"). For online renewal, you will need the registration number and last four digits of the VIN. In person, the vehicle owner must be present with a photo ID, or you must have a power of attorney document.

What if my address changed since my last registration?

Update your address before renewing. Go to the Secretary of State website, log in with your registration number and VIN, and update your address in the system. Then complete your renewal. If you renew by mail or in person without updating your address first, your new registration card will be mailed to your old address.