What Minnesota registration tabs are and how to renew them
Minnesota registration tabs are the stickers you place on your vehicle's license plate to show that your registration is current. The tab displays the month and year your registration expires. When your registration is about to expire, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety sends you a renewal notice in the mail, usually 30 to 45 days before the expiration date.
You can renew your tabs through the mail, online, or in person at a deputy registrar office. The online option is the fastest — you can complete it in minutes and print your tab when ready, or have it mailed to you. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at a deputy registrar is when ready if you bring all required documents.
The cost of renewal varies based on your vehicle's weight and type. Most passenger vehicles cost between $135 and $180 per year, though this amount changes annually. Trucks, trailers, and commercial vehicles have different rates.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota sends renewal notices 30 to 45 days before your tabs expire, and you must renew before the expiration date or face a fine.
- Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest option and lets you print your tab when ready or receive it by mail.
- You can renew by mail using the notice you received, or in person at any deputy registrar office with your vehicle title and proof of insurance.
- Renewal costs depend on your vehicle's weight and type, and the state charges a small online processing fee if you renew through the website.
- If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew online or contact your county registrar to request a duplicate notice.
Renewing tabs online through the Secretary of State
The Minnesota Secretary of State website allows you to renew your tabs without visiting an office. Go to mn.gov/sos and select the vehicle registration renewal option. You will need your current license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the last four digits of your Social Security number or tax identification number.
After you enter this information and pay the renewal fee, you can print your tab when ready as a temporary sticker. The permanent tab will arrive by mail within two weeks. The online fee includes a small processing charge on top of the base registration cost. This route works only if your vehicle passed its most recent safety inspection and you have no outstanding violations or holds on your registration.
If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it usually means your vehicle failed inspection, your insurance lapsed, or there is a registration hold. Contact your county registrar to find out why and to resolve the issue before trying again.
Renewing tabs by mail
Use the renewal notice you received from the state to renew by mail. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include proof of current insurance — a copy of your insurance card or a letter from your insurance company showing your policy is active.
Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the state receives your envelope. Send your renewal at least three weeks before your tabs expire to avoid driving with expired registration. If your renewal notice is damaged or you cannot find it, you can request a duplicate from your county registrar or renew online instead.
Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If your renewal does not arrive by the expected date, contact your county registrar with the date you mailed it and ask them to check the status.
Renewing tabs in person at a deputy registrar
Deputy registrar offices are located throughout Minnesota and handle vehicle registration on behalf of the state. Bring your renewal notice, your vehicle title, and proof of current insurance. Some offices also accept payment by debit or credit card, though policies vary by location.
You will receive your new tab when ready and can place it on your plate the same day. This is the fastest option if you are close to your expiration date. Most deputy registrars are open during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
If you do not have your renewal notice, bring your vehicle title and proof of insurance, and the deputy registrar can look up your account and process the renewal. Bring a photo ID as well. Some offices charge a small fee for processing a renewal without the original notice.
What to do if your tabs expire before you renew
Driving with expired registration tabs is a violation in Minnesota. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a citation and a fine. The fine amount depends on how long your tabs have been expired and whether you have prior violations.
If your tabs expire before your renewal arrives, you can print a temporary tab from the online renewal system and display it on your plate until the permanent tab arrives. You can also contact your county registrar and ask them to issue a temporary registration permit, which is valid for a short period while you complete your renewal.
Do not ignore an expired registration. Renew as soon as you receive your notice, and if you are running late, use the online option to print a temporary tab or visit a deputy registrar in person.
Scam alert: Fake renewal notices and phishing emails
Scammers send fake renewal notices and emails that look like they come from the Minnesota Secretary of State. These fake notices ask you to click a link, call a phone number, or visit a website to "confirm" your information or pay a fee. The state does not contact you by email to renew your registration — only by mail.
If you receive an email claiming to be from the Secretary of State about vehicle registration, do not click any links or call any number in the email. Instead, go directly to mn.gov/sos in your web browser or call the Minnesota Secretary of State at the number listed on their official website. Real renewal notices arrive by U.S. mail and include your vehicle information already filled in.
Be especially cautious if an email or notice asks you to pay by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency. The state accepts payment by check, money order, debit card, or credit card only. If you think you received a scam notice, report it to the Minnesota Attorney General's office.
What happens if you miss your renewal important date
If your tabs expire and you do not renew within 30 days, your registration is considered lapsed. You cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads. To restore your registration, you must renew it and may have to pay a late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost. The late fee amount varies.
If you were stopped while driving with lapsed registration, you will need to show proof of renewal before the citation can be dismissed. Keep your renewal receipt or confirmation email as proof. Some courts will dismiss the citation if you show that you renewed within a certain time frame after being cited.
If your vehicle has been parked and unregistered for an extended period, contact your county registrar before attempting to renew. There may be additional requirements, such as a new safety inspection, before your registration can be restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my tabs if my vehicle failed the safety inspection?
No. Your vehicle must pass the most recent safety inspection before you can renew your registration. If your inspection failed, you must have the vehicle repaired and pass a new inspection. Once you have a passing inspection on file, you can renew your tabs online, by mail, or in person.
What if I moved and the renewal notice went to my old address?
Contact your county registrar and provide your new address. They can mail a duplicate renewal notice to your current address or help you renew over the phone. You can also renew online if you have your vehicle's VIN and license plate number, even without the original notice.
Do I have to renew my tabs every year?
Yes. Minnesota requires annual vehicle registration renewal. Your tabs expire on the last day of the month shown on the sticker. You must renew before that date to avoid driving with expired registration and facing a fine.
Can I renew my tabs if my insurance lapsed?
No. You must have current auto insurance to renew your registration. If your insurance lapsed, contact your insurance company to reinstate your policy or purchase a new one. Once your insurance is active, you can renew your tabs online, by mail, or in person.
How much does it cost to renew tabs for a commercial vehicle?
Commercial vehicle registration costs depend on the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating and type. The fee is higher than for passenger vehicles. Contact your county registrar or check the Minnesota Secretary of State website for the exact fee for your vehicle class.