Minnesota vehicle registration renews every two years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at your local Deputy Registrar office

Minnesota sends you a renewal notice 30 to 60 days before your registration expires. That notice includes your renewal fee, which depends on your vehicle's weight and type. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive — you can renew as soon as you know your expiration date, which appears on your current registration card.

The fastest route is online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and a payment method. The online system processes most renewals the same day, and you can print a temporary registration when ready while you wait for your new card by mail.

If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail your renewal notice and payment to the address printed on it, or visit a Deputy Registrar office in person. Deputy Registrars are scattered throughout Minnesota — your county assessor's office or city hall can tell you the nearest one. Processing by mail takes about two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota registration renews every two years, and you can renew online at the Secretary of State website, by mail using your renewal notice, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office.
  • Online renewal is the fastest option and lets you print a temporary registration the same day while your new card arrives by mail.
  • Your renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type, and the amount appears on your renewal notice.
  • You can renew up to 60 days before your registration expires, so you do not have to wait for your notice to arrive.
  • If your registration has already expired, you can still renew through any of these methods, but you may face a late fee.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State

The Minnesota Secretary of State website has a registration renewal portal that works on desktop and mobile. Go to the Secretary of State's main website, find the vehicle services section, and look for the renewal option. You will enter your VIN, current registration number, and the last four digits of your vehicle identification number to pull up your account.

Once you confirm your vehicle information and address, you will see your renewal fee. Payment is by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. After you pay, the system generates a temporary registration that you can print or save to your phone — this is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while your permanent card is mailed to you.

Your new registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to renew before your current registration expires, you can do that online as well — the new expiration date will be two years from your current expiration, not from the date you renew.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

Minnesota mails renewal notices to the address on file about 30 to 60 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal fee, a payment stub, and instructions. You sign the back of the notice, include your payment (check or money order), and mail it to the address printed on the form.

Processing by mail takes about two weeks from the time the office receives your payment. You can mail your renewal as soon as you receive the notice — you do not have to wait until close to your expiration date. If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail by calling your county assessor's office to request a new one, or you can renew online instead.

Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office

Deputy Registrars are county offices authorized to handle vehicle registration renewals. Every Minnesota county has at least one, and many have several. You can find the nearest office by searching "Deputy Registrar" plus your county name, or by calling your county assessor's office.

Bring your renewal notice, current registration card, and payment (cash, check, or card — accepted methods vary by office). The Deputy Registrar will process your renewal on the spot and issue you a temporary registration. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. This option is useful if you need to renew quickly or prefer to handle it in person.

What happens if your registration expires

If your registration expires before you renew, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. However, you can still renew through any of the three methods above — online, by mail, or in person. Minnesota does charge a late fee if you renew after your expiration date. The amount of the late fee varies, so ask when you renew.

If you are pulled over while your registration is expired, you may receive a citation. Renewing as soon as you realize your registration has lapsed helps you avoid driving unregistered and facing a ticket.

Understanding your renewal fee

Your renewal fee is based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and its type — passenger car, truck, motorcycle, or other. The GVWR is listed in your vehicle's manual and on the driver's side door jamb. Heavier vehicles cost more to renew than lighter ones.

Your renewal notice shows the exact fee you owe. If you renew online or in person, you will see the fee before you pay. If you have questions about why your fee changed from the previous renewal, the Deputy Registrar or your county assessor's office can explain what factors affected it.

Renewing a vehicle with a lien or loan

If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, the lender or leasing company may hold the title. You can still renew your registration — the lender's interest in the vehicle does not affect registration renewal. Renew using any of the three methods above, and use the VIN and registration number from your current card.

If your lender requires you to carry specific insurance or has other conditions, those are separate from registration renewal. Check your loan documents if you are unsure what is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to 60 days before your expiration date through any method — online, by mail, or in person. Your new registration will be valid for two years from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew.

What if I moved and my renewal notice went to my old address?

Update your address with the Minnesota Secretary of State or your county assessor's office as soon as possible. You can renew online without the notice by using your VIN and registration number. If you prefer to use the mail method, call your county assessor to request a new notice sent to your current address.

How long does it take to get my new registration card after I renew?

By mail or in person, your permanent card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal lets you print a temporary registration when ready that is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent card.

What if I renew online but do not receive my card in the mail?

Contact your county assessor's office with your registration number. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if needed. Keep your printed temporary registration until your permanent card arrives.

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

No. When you sell your vehicle, the new owner must register it in their name. You do not renew a registration for a vehicle you no longer own. Notify the Secretary of State that you sold the vehicle to avoid receiving renewal notices.