Minnesota license tabs renew every two years, and you can renew them online, by mail, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office

Minnesota calls its vehicle registration sticker a "tab" — the small decal you place on your license plate. Tabs expire on the last day of the month shown on the sticker itself, usually two years after you first register or last renewed. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for that notice to renew.

You have three main paths: renewing online through the state's system (the fastest option if you have no changes to your vehicle or address), renewing by mail using the notice they sent you, or renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Each route takes different amounts of time and requires different documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota tabs expire on the last day of the month printed on your current sticker, and you can renew up to one year before that date.
  • Online renewal through the state website is the quickest method and works if your vehicle information and address have not changed since your last registration.
  • If you have moved, changed your vehicle, or do not have online access, you can renew by mail using the renewal notice or in person at a Deputy Registrar office.
  • Renewing late means you cannot legally drive the vehicle, and law enforcement can issue a citation; renewing before expiration keeps you protected.
  • The renewal fee varies based on your vehicle's weight and type, and some vehicles may owe additional fees if they are commercial or have special plates.

Online renewal through the state website

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety operates an online renewal system at state.mn.us under the vehicle registration section. You will need your current registration card (the paper document you received when you registered), your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check.

The online system works only if your vehicle information (make, model, year, VIN) and your mailing address have not changed since your last registration. If either has changed, you must renew by mail or in person. Online renewal typically completes in minutes, and the state mails your new tab within 7 to 10 business days. You can renew online up to one year before your tab expires.

If you lose your registration card or cannot find it, you can still renew online if you have your VIN and can verify your identity through the system. The state will ask for your driver's license number or other identifying information.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

The renewal notice the state mails you includes a form you can fill out and return with payment. This method works whether or not your information has changed. You will need to include the completed form, your current registration card, and a check or money order made payable to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Mail your renewal packet to the address printed on the notice — typically the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Registration Section, in St. Paul. Mail renewal usually takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the state receives your packet, though processing can be slower during peak renewal periods (late in the month or near the expiration date). Send your renewal at least three weeks before your tab expires to avoid driving with an expired registration.

If you did not receive a renewal notice or lost it, you can request a duplicate notice by calling the Department of Public Safety at 651-297-2126, or you can read and print the renewal form from the state website.

Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office

Minnesota has Deputy Registrar offices throughout the state — usually located in city halls, county offices, or private businesses. These offices handle registration renewals on behalf of the state. You can find the office nearest you through the state's Deputy Registrar locator on the Department of Public Safety website.

Bring your current registration card, your vehicle identification number, proof of insurance (your insurance card or a letter from your insurer), and a valid payment method. Some Deputy Registrars accept cash, checks, and cards; others may accept only certain forms of payment, so calling ahead is wise. In-person renewal is complete the same day — you walk out with your new tab or can pick it up within a few hours if the office needs to order it.

In-person renewal is the best option if your information has changed, if you need your tab when ready, or if you prefer to handle the transaction face-to-face. It is also the only option if you do not have online access or prefer not to mail payment.

What happens if your tab expires

Driving with an expired registration tab is illegal in Minnesota. Law enforcement can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine. The amount of the fine varies but typically ranges from $25 to $100 for a first offense, though the exact penalty depends on the officer's discretion and local enforcement practices.

More importantly, if you are in an accident while your registration is expired, your insurance may deny your claim or delay payment. Some insurers will not cover liability or collision damage if the vehicle was not legally registered at the time of the accident. Renewing before the expiration date protects you legally and keeps your insurance coverage intact.

If your tab has already expired, renew when ready through any of the three methods. The state will process your renewal and issue a new tab even if you are past the expiration date. You should not drive the vehicle until the new tab arrives or you have proof of renewal (such as a receipt from an in-person renewal).

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Minnesota registration fees are based primarily on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) — the maximum weight the vehicle is designed to carry, including passengers and cargo. A passenger car typically costs less to register than a pickup truck or SUV, which costs less than a commercial vehicle.

The state also charges additional fees for certain vehicle types or plates. Vehicles with personalized plates, vanity plates, or special interest plates (such as conservation or military plates) may have higher renewal fees. Commercial vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles have their own fee schedules. The renewal notice you receive will show the exact fee for your vehicle.

If you are unsure of your vehicle's GVWR, check your vehicle's door jamb label or your owner's manual. The renewal notice will also list the fee, so you can verify it before paying. If you believe the fee is incorrect, contact the Department of Public Safety before renewing.

Renewing early and planning ahead

You can renew your tabs up to one year before they expire. Renewing early is useful if you know you will be traveling, if you want to avoid the rush near the expiration date, or if you prefer to handle it when it is convenient. Early renewal does not shorten the life of your new tab — your new tab will still be valid for two years from the renewal date.

If you renew online or by mail, plan to complete the process at least three weeks before your current tab expires. This gives the state time to process your renewal and mail your new tab. If you wait until the last week, you risk driving with an expired registration while waiting for the new tab to arrive. In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office is the only method that guarantees same-day completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs if I have moved to a different address?

Yes, but you must renew by mail or in person. Online renewal does not work if your address has changed. When you renew, provide your new address, and the state will mail your new tab to that address. Bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease) if you renew in person.

What if I sold my vehicle or no longer own it?

Do not renew the registration. Instead, contact the Department of Public Safety to cancel the registration. If you sold the vehicle, the new owner should register it in their name. If you let the registration expire without canceling, you may receive renewal notices for a vehicle you no longer own.

Do I need to renew my tabs if my vehicle inspection sticker expired?

No — tabs and inspection stickers are separate. You can renew your tabs even if your inspection is expired, but you cannot legally drive the vehicle without a current inspection. Renew your inspection at a licensed inspection station before or at the same time as your tab renewal.

How long does it take to receive my new tab in the mail?

The state typically mails new tabs within 7 to 10 business days of processing your online renewal. Mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks from the time the state receives your packet. In-person renewals at Deputy Registrar offices are completed the same day or within a few hours.

What if I never received my renewal notice?

Call the Department of Public Safety at 651-297-2126 to request a duplicate notice, or read the renewal form from the state website. You can also renew online if your information has not changed, or visit a Deputy Registrar office in person with your registration card and VIN.