What Minnesota registration tabs are and how to renew them
Minnesota registration tabs are the stickers you place on your license plate to show your vehicle registration is current. They display the month and year your registration expires. When your tabs expire, you must renew your registration before you can legally drive — driving with expired tabs can result in a traffic citation.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety handles vehicle registration. You can renew your tabs through the mail, online, in person at a Deputy Registrar office, or by phone. Most people renew before their current tabs expire, though you can renew up to one month early.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew Minnesota registration tabs online through the state website, by mail using the renewal notice, at a Deputy Registrar office, or by phone with a credit or debit card.
- The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and you receive your new tabs by mail within one to two weeks.
- You need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and payment method ready before you start.
- If you renew online or by phone, you must still wait for the physical tabs to arrive by mail before placing them on your plate.
- Deputy Registrar offices can issue tabs when ready in person, but wait times vary by location.
Renewing online through the Minnesota state website
Online renewal is the fastest way to complete the process from home. Go to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website and select the vehicle registration renewal option. You will need your current registration card, which shows your vehicle information and registration number.
Enter your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and registration number exactly as they appear on your card. Provide your current mailing address and choose your payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The fee varies depending on your vehicle type and weight, but the website shows the exact amount before you pay.
After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new tabs will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. You cannot drive with expired tabs while waiting for the new ones to arrive, so renew before your current tabs expire.
Renewing by mail using your renewal notice
Minnesota sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before your tabs expire. The notice includes a form you can fill out and mail back with payment. Write a check or money order for the amount shown on the notice — do not send cash through the mail.
Mail the completed form and payment to the address printed on the notice. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your envelope, so send it at least three weeks before your tabs expire. Include your current registration card or a copy of it with your payment.
Once processed, your new tabs will be mailed to you. If you did not receive a renewal notice or lost it, you can still renew online or in person instead of waiting for a replacement notice.
Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office
Deputy Registrar offices are located throughout Minnesota and can issue new tabs when ready. Bring your current registration card, proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid photo ID. Some offices also accept vehicle insurance documentation as proof of residency.
The staff will verify your information, collect payment, and issue your new tabs on the spot. You can place them on your plate the same day. Wait times vary by location — busy offices in urban areas may have longer lines, while rural offices often move faster. Call ahead to ask about current wait times.
Deputy Registrar offices are run by local businesses and government offices, not state offices. You can find the nearest one by searching the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website for "Deputy Registrar" and your city or county name.
Renewing by phone with a credit or debit card
You can renew by phone by calling the Minnesota Department of Public Safety during business hours. Have your current registration card ready and a credit or debit card for payment. The staff member will verify your vehicle information and process your payment over the phone.
After the call, your new tabs will be mailed to your address on file within one to two weeks. This method works well if you prefer speaking to someone but do not want to visit an office in person. Phone lines can be busy during peak times, so consider calling early in the morning or mid-week.
What to do if your tabs have already expired
If your tabs are already expired, you cannot legally drive your vehicle until you renew. Do not drive to a Deputy Registrar office or mail in a renewal — you risk a traffic citation. Instead, renew online or by phone first, then wait for your tabs to arrive by mail, or go directly to a Deputy Registrar office if you need tabs the same day.
If you receive a citation for expired tabs, you may be able to show proof of renewal (such as a confirmation number from online renewal or a receipt from a Deputy Registrar) to reduce or dismiss the citation. Contact the court listed on the citation for information about your specific case.
Understanding registration fees and what affects the cost
Minnesota registration fees depend on your vehicle's type, age, and weight. Passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, and trailers each have different fee structures. The state website shows your exact fee before you pay during online renewal, and the renewal notice mailed to you also lists the amount.
Some vehicles may have access to for reduced fees — for example, electric vehicles may have lower registration costs in certain years. If you believe your fee is incorrect, contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety or ask a Deputy Registrar to review your registration record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my tabs more than one month early?
Minnesota allows you to renew up to one month before your current tabs expire. If you try to renew more than one month early, the system will not accept the renewal. Wait until the month before expiration to renew.
What happens if I move to a new address before renewing?
Update your address with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety before renewing. You can update your address online, by mail, or at a Deputy Registrar office. Provide your new address during renewal so your tabs are mailed to the correct location.
Do I need to inspect my vehicle before renewing tabs?
Minnesota does not require a vehicle inspection to renew registration tabs. You only need a current registration card and payment. However, your vehicle must still meet state safety and emissions standards to be legally registered.
How long do new tabs take to arrive if I renew online?
New tabs typically arrive within one to two weeks of online renewal. Mail delivery times vary by location. If your tabs do not arrive within three weeks, contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to check the status of your renewal.
Can someone else renew my tabs for me?
Yes, another person can renew your tabs in person at a Deputy Registrar office if they bring your current registration card and payment. For online or phone renewal, you must provide your own registration information, though someone can help you complete the process.