What you need to do to renew your Minnesota registration

Minnesota lets you renew your vehicle registration online, by mail, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. The online option is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home, and your new registration sticker arrives by mail within two weeks. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail in a renewal form or visit a Deputy Registrar in your county, though both take longer.

You'll need your current registration card, proof that your vehicle passed its most recent safety inspection (if required), and proof of insurance. The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type — a standard passenger car costs less than a truck or SUV. Minnesota charges the same fee whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes.
  • You must have proof of a current safety inspection and active insurance before you renew, regardless of which method you choose.
  • The renewal fee is based on your vehicle's weight and type, and you pay the same amount online, by mail, or in person.
  • Your new registration sticker arrives by mail within two weeks of online renewal, or within three to four weeks if you mail in your form.
  • If you visit a Deputy Registrar office in person, you can receive your sticker the same day.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

The Minnesota Secretary of State website has an online renewal portal where you can renew most registrations without leaving home. Go to sos.state.mn.us, find the vehicle registration section, and select "Renew Registration." You'll enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration number to pull up your account.

The system will show you the renewal fee based on your vehicle's weight and type. You'll upload proof of your current safety inspection and proof of insurance — both must be dated within the timeframe Minnesota requires. Then you'll pay by credit card or debit card. Once your payment processes, you'll receive a confirmation number by email.

Your new registration sticker and card will arrive by mail. The Secretary of State estimates two weeks, though it sometimes takes longer during busy periods. You can use your confirmation number as proof of renewal if you're stopped by law enforcement before the physical sticker arrives.

Renewing by mail

If you prefer to mail in your renewal, you'll need to request a renewal form from the Minnesota Secretary of State or pick one up at a Deputy Registrar office. Fill out the form completely, including your vehicle information and current mileage. Attach copies of your safety inspection proof and insurance proof, then mail everything to the address listed on the form along with your payment.

Mail renewal takes three to four weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your envelope. There's no way to track whether your form arrived, so consider mailing it at least a month before your registration expires. If your registration lapses while your renewal is in the mail, you could face a late fee or be unable to legally drive the vehicle.

Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office

Every Minnesota county has Deputy Registrar offices where you can renew your registration the same day. Bring your current registration card, proof of a current safety inspection, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. The Deputy Registrar will verify your information, collect your fee, and hand you your new sticker and registration card before you leave.

Deputy Registrar locations and hours vary by county. You can find the office nearest you on the Secretary of State website by entering your county or city. Some offices are in county courthouses, others in city halls or private businesses. Call ahead if you're unsure about hours or whether you need to wait in line.

Safety inspection requirements

Minnesota requires most vehicles to pass a safety inspection every two years. Your inspection must be current — it cannot have expired before you renew your registration. If your inspection is expired, you'll need to take your vehicle to a licensed inspection station before you can renew, whether you're renewing online, by mail, or in person.

Inspection stations are independent businesses throughout Minnesota. The inspection itself costs around $15 to $20 and takes about 15 minutes. The inspection station will give you a paper form or digital proof showing the inspection date and expiration date. Keep this proof until your next renewal.

Insurance proof and what documents work

You must show proof that you have active insurance on the vehicle you're registering. Minnesota accepts a current insurance card, a declaration page from your insurance company, or a digital proof from your insurer's app or website. The proof must show your name, the vehicle's VIN or license plate number, and a current effective date.

If you're renewing online, you'll upload an image or PDF of your insurance proof. If you're renewing by mail, you'll mail a copy. If you're renewing in person, bring the original or a copy — the Deputy Registrar will look at it and return it to you. Your insurance must be active on the day you renew; a lapsed policy will cause your renewal to be rejected.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Minnesota registration fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not what it actually weighs. A standard passenger car typically costs between $150 and $200 to renew, while a pickup truck or SUV costs more. Vehicles over 10,000 pounds have higher fees. The exact amount depends on your vehicle's specific weight class.

Some vehicles may have access to for reduced fees — electric vehicles, for example, have lower registration costs in Minnesota. If you own a vehicle that might may have access to for a discount, the online renewal system will show you the reduced fee before you pay. You pay the same fee regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

What happens if your registration expires

If your registration expires before you renew, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads. Law enforcement can stop you and issue a citation. If you're caught driving with an expired registration, you may face a fine. The fine is separate from the cost of renewing your registration.

If your registration has been expired for more than a few months, you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The longer the lapse, the higher the late fee can be. Renewing before your expiration date avoids these extra costs and keeps you legal on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my vehicle failed its safety inspection?

No. You must have a passing safety inspection before you renew. If your vehicle failed, you'll need to have it repaired and pass a new inspection at a licensed station. Then you can proceed with your registration renewal.

What if I lose my registration card before renewal?

You can still renew online or by mail using your VIN and registration number. If you don't have your registration card, call the Minnesota Secretary of State to confirm your registration number. In person, bring your VIN and a valid ID, and the Deputy Registrar can look up your account.

How long can I drive after my registration expires while waiting for the new sticker?

You cannot legally drive with an expired registration, even if you've submitted your renewal. If you renew online, use your confirmation number as proof of renewal until your sticker arrives. If you're concerned about timing, renew at least a month before your expiration date.

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

No. When you sell a vehicle, the new owner will register it in their name. You should notify the Secretary of State that you've sold the vehicle so you're not liable for it anymore. The new owner will handle the first registration in their name.

Can someone else renew my registration for me?

Yes, if you're renewing in person, someone else can bring your documents and complete the renewal at a Deputy Registrar office. For online or mail renewal, you can have someone else submit the form on your behalf, but you'll need to provide them with your registration information and payment method.