How to Renew Your Minnesota Vehicle Registration and Tabs

Minnesota vehicle registration renewal happens through the state Department of Public Safety, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a deputy registrar office

Minnesota calls vehicle registration stickers "tabs" — the decals you place on your license plate. Tabs expire on the last day of the month printed on them, and Minnesota allows you to renew starting 60 days before expiration. The fastest route is the online system at mn.gov/dvs, which processes most renewals in minutes and lets you print a temporary registration while your physical tabs arrive by mail. If you cannot renew online, you can mail your renewal notice to the address printed on it, or visit any deputy registrar office in your county.

Each renewal method has a different timeline and works best in different situations. Online renewal takes about five minutes but requires your information to be current. Mail renewal is free of extra fees but takes 2 to 3 weeks. Deputy registrar offices give you tabs the same day but require a trip in person. Understanding which method fits your timeline and situation helps you avoid driving with expired tabs.

Key Takeaways

You can renew Minnesota tabs online at mn.gov/dvs starting 60 days before expiration, and the process takes about five minutes if your vehicle information has not changed.
Online renewal requires your current registration card, driver's license number, and a payment method; you will receive a temporary registration when ready and physical tabs within 7 to 10 business days.
If you renew by mail, send your renewal notice with payment to the address on the notice; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, so mail early if your tabs expire soon.
Deputy registrar offices can renew tabs on the spot and accept cash, check, or card; you can find the nearest office and hours at mn.gov/dvs.
If your vehicle information changed — address, ownership, or vehicle details — you may need to renew in person or contact the Department of Public Safety before renewing online.

Renewing online at mn.gov/dvs

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety website is the fastest renewal method for most vehicle owners. Go to mn.gov/dvs, select "Register a Vehicle" or "Renew Registration," and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration number. The system will pull up your registration record and show you the renewal fee, which varies by vehicle weight and type.

You will need your current registration card, your driver's license number, and a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check. After you pay, the system generates a temporary registration that you can print when ready. This temporary registration is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while your physical tabs are in transit. Actual tabs arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases.

Online renewal works only if your registration information is current and unchanged. If you moved, changed your name, added or removed a vehicle owner, or the vehicle itself changed (new engine, different body style), the online system may reject your renewal. In that case, you will need to renew in person at a deputy registrar office or contact the Department of Public Safety to update your record first.

Renewing by mail

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail 30 to 45 days before your tabs expire. The notice includes a payment coupon and an address where you mail it. Write a check or money order for the amount shown, include the coupon, and mail everything to the address on the notice. Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the Department of Public Safety receives your envelope. If your tabs expire in fewer than three weeks, mail renewal is too slow — use the online system or visit a deputy registrar office instead. Keep a copy of your renewal notice or take a photo of it for your records in case the mail is delayed. The postmark date on your envelope serves as proof that you renewed on time if there is any question later.

Renewing in person at a deputy registrar office

Every Minnesota county has deputy registrar offices that can renew your tabs on the spot. You bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and payment. Deputy registrars accept cash, check, or card. You walk out with your new tabs the same day, so this is the best option if your tabs expire within days or if you need tabs when ready for another reason.

Find the nearest deputy registrar office and hours at mn.gov/dvs under "Find a Deputy Registrar." Many offices are in city halls, county courthouses, or standalone licensing centers. Hours vary by location — some are open evenings or Saturdays, but many close by 4 or 5 p.m. on weekdays. Call ahead if you are unsure about wait times or whether they accept the payment method you plan to use.

What happens if your tabs expire before you renew

Driving with expired tabs is a violation in Minnesota. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a citation. However, if you can show proof that you submitted a renewal process before the expiration date — a printed confirmation from the online system, a postmarked envelope, or a receipt from a deputy registrar — you may not be cited, depending on the officer's judgment.

If your tabs have already expired and you have not yet renewed, renew when ready using whichever method is fastest for you. Online renewal and deputy registrar offices both process same-day or next-day, so you can be legal again quickly. If you were cited, you can contest the citation in traffic court and present proof of timely renewal as a defense.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Minnesota registration fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and whether it is a passenger car, truck, motorcycle, or other type. A typical passenger car weighing under 4,000 pounds costs less to renew than a truck or SUV weighing more. The renewal notice you receive in the mail shows the exact fee for your vehicle.

If you have unpaid parking tickets, toll violations, or other outstanding fines related to your vehicle, the Department of Public Safety may hold your renewal until those are resolved. If the online system or a deputy registrar tells you there is a hold, contact the agency that issued the fine to pay it or set up a payment plan before you can complete renewal.

Temporary registration and what to do if your tabs do not arrive

When you renew online, you receive a temporary registration good for 30 days. Print it and keep it in your vehicle. If your physical tabs do not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Department of Public Safety at the phone number on your temporary registration or visit mn.gov/dvs to check the status.

In rare cases, tabs are lost in the mail. If that happens, you can request a replacement set from the Department of Public Safety. There is usually a small fee for replacement tabs. Your temporary registration remains valid while you wait for the replacement, so you are not driving illegally during that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs if my vehicle registration is suspended?

No. If your registration is suspended due to unpaid tickets, insurance lapses, or other violations, you must resolve the suspension first. Contact the Department of Public Safety or the agency that suspended your registration to find out what is required. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew.

What if I moved and did not update my address before renewal?

If you moved, update your address with the Department of Public Safety before renewing online. You can update your address at mn.gov/dvs or by visiting a deputy registrar office. Once your address is current, you can renew online or by mail. If you renew in person at a deputy registrar, bring proof of your new address.

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

No. When you sell your vehicle, you should notify the Department of Public Safety so your registration ends. You can do this online at mn.gov/dvs or by mail. Do not renew tabs for a vehicle you no longer own.

Can someone else renew my tabs for me?

Yes, if you give them your registration card and payment, they can renew in person at a deputy registrar office on your behalf. For online renewal, you would need to give them access to your information or renew it yourself. Mail renewal can be done by anyone — just mail the notice and payment to the address on it.

What if my registration notice did not arrive in the mail?

You can still renew online at mn.gov/dvs without the notice — just enter your VIN and registration number. If you do not know your registration number, contact the Department of Public Safety or visit a deputy registrar office with your vehicle identification and driver's license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.