What you need to know about Minnesota tab renewal

Minnesota calls vehicle registration stickers tabs. You renew them through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, and you can do it by mail, online, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. The state sends renewal notices 30 to 45 days before your tabs expire — that notice tells you exactly what to do and where to send payment. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your tabs expire on the last day of the month printed on them. If you drive after that date, you are operating with expired registration, which can result in a traffic citation. The renewal process itself takes a few minutes if you have your renewal notice and a payment method ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota sends renewal notices 30 to 45 days before your tabs expire; check your mail around that time or log into your online account.
  • You can renew online at mn.gov/dvs, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at any Deputy Registrar office — online is fastest.
  • You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or check by mail).
  • New tabs arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you renew; you must display them on your license plate before the expiration date.
  • If you miss the expiration date, you can still renew, but you may face a late fee and should not drive until the new tabs arrive.

Renewing online through the Minnesota DVS website

The fastest way to renew is through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DVS) website at mn.gov/dvs. Go to the vehicle registration section and select "Renew Registration." You will need your VIN, current registration number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or tax identification number. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show you the renewal fee.

Pay with a credit card or debit card, and you will receive a confirmation number when ready. The new tabs will be mailed to the address on file, arriving within 7 to 10 business days. You can print the confirmation as proof of renewal if you are stopped before the physical tabs arrive, though you should still display the new tabs on your plate as soon as they come.

If you do not have online access or prefer not to use it, the renewal notice that arrives in your mail includes a barcode you can use to renew by phone. Call the number on the notice and follow the prompts — this also takes a few minutes and costs the same as online renewal.

Renewing by mail using your renewal notice

Your renewal notice includes everything you need to mail in your payment. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (do not send cash), and mail it to the address printed on the notice. The state processes mail renewals, and your new tabs will arrive within 10 to 14 business days of receipt.

Mail renewal is slower than online or phone renewal, so send it at least two weeks before your tabs expire. If your renewal notice is lost or damaged, you can request a duplicate by calling the DVS at 651-297-2126 or visiting a Deputy Registrar office in person.

Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office

Minnesota has Deputy Registrar offices throughout the state — these are not DMV offices but rather authorized agents that handle registration services. You can find the office nearest you on the DVS website by searching your city or county. Bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and a payment method (cash, check, credit card, or debit card, depending on the office).

Processing in person is when ready or nearly so — you will walk out with your new tabs the same day in most cases. This is useful if your tabs are expiring very soon or have already expired. Some offices are busier than others; calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.

What happens if your tabs expire

Driving with expired tabs is a traffic violation in Minnesota. A law enforcement officer can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine. If you realize your tabs have expired but you have already started the renewal process, do not drive the vehicle until the new tabs arrive. If you must drive, renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office so you can get the tabs the same day.

If your tabs expired more than 60 days ago, you may need to pass a vehicle inspection before you can renew. This is to may support the vehicle is still roadworthy and has not been significantly altered. The DVS website will tell you whether an inspection is required when you attempt to renew.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type. A standard passenger car typically costs between $135 and $180 to renew, but this varies. The renewal notice you receive will show the exact fee for your vehicle. Some vehicles, such as electric or hybrid cars, may may have access to for a lower fee — the notice will indicate this if it applies to you.

If you renew late (after the expiration date), you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost. The amount varies but is typically $10 to $25. Renewing before the expiration date avoids this extra charge.

Scam alert: Fake renewal notices

Be cautious of emails or text messages claiming to be from the Minnesota DVS asking you to renew your tabs or verify your information. The state does not contact people by email or text to request renewal — they send notices by mail. If you receive an electronic message about your registration, do not click any links or provide personal information. Instead, go directly to mn.gov/dvs or call 651-297-2126 to verify whether you actually need to renew.

Scammers sometimes send fake renewal notices that look like official mail but direct you to a fraudulent website or phone number. Check the address on any renewal notice against the official DVS mailing address listed on the state website. If something looks off, call the DVS directly using the number on their official website, not a number from the notice itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew online at mn.gov/dvs anytime using your VIN and current registration number — you do not need to wait for the notice. Renewing early does not cost extra and does not change your expiration date; your new tabs will still expire on the same month they would have if you had waited for the notice.

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

Update your address with the DVS as soon as possible. You can do this online at mn.gov/dvs, by mail, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. If you have already missed your renewal notice, you can still renew online or by phone using your VIN and registration number. Future notices will go to your new address.

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

No. When you sell a vehicle, you should notify the DVS of the sale so you are not responsible for registration or violations on that vehicle going forward. You can report a sale online at mn.gov/dvs or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Do not renew the registration of a vehicle you no longer own.

How long do new tabs take to arrive after I renew online?

New tabs arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. If you do not receive them within two weeks, contact the DVS at 651-297-2126. Do not drive with expired tabs while waiting; if the tabs are taking longer than expected, visit a Deputy Registrar office to renew in person and receive them when ready.

Can someone else renew my tabs for me?

Yes, if you give them your renewal notice and authorization. They can renew by mail or in person at a Deputy Registrar office on your behalf. For online renewal, you would need to provide your VIN and registration number, but the person renewing would need to be able to access your account or complete the transaction using that information. It is simpler to renew yourself online or by phone if you are able.