Where to renew your Minnesota vehicle tabs

You can renew your Minnesota vehicle registration and tabs through three routes: online at mn.gov/secretary-of-state, by mail, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your payment. In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar is when ready — you walk out with new tabs the same day.

Deputy Registrar offices are scattered across Minnesota in city halls, county offices, and private businesses. You can find the one nearest you by searching "Deputy Registrar near me" on mn.gov/secretary-of-state or by calling your county assessor's office. Not all Deputy Registrars handle all transaction types, so confirm they do tab renewals before you drive there.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal at mn.gov/secretary-of-state is fastest and requires your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration, and a payment method.
  • You need proof of insurance dated within 30 days of your renewal date, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks, so send your payment at least three weeks before your tabs expire to avoid driving with expired registration.
  • Deputy Registrar offices issue new tabs when ready in person, but hours and locations vary — call ahead to confirm they are open and handle renewals.
  • If your vehicle fails a safety inspection or emissions test, you cannot renew until you fix the problem and pass the test again.

What documents and information you need

For any renewal method, you must provide your current vehicle registration (the card that came with your tabs), your vehicle identification number (VIN), and proof of current insurance. The insurance proof must be dated within 30 days before or after your renewal date. A photo of your insurance card, a letter from your insurance company, or a digital copy from your insurer's website all work. If you do not have proof of insurance, you cannot renew.

If your vehicle is financed or leased, the lienholder or leasing company may be listed on your registration. Some lienholders require notice before you renew. Check your loan or lease paperwork or call your lender to ask whether they need to approve the renewal first. This step is rare but can delay your renewal if you skip it.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State

Go to mn.gov/secretary-of-state and select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from the homepage. You will enter your VIN, current registration number, and the last four digits of your vehicle identification number. The system will pull up your vehicle record and show you the renewal fee, which varies by vehicle weight and type. You then upload or enter your insurance information and pay by credit card or debit card.

After you submit payment, the Secretary of State mails your new tabs and registration card to the address on file. Tabs arrive within five to seven business days. You can drive legally with your old tabs until the new ones arrive, as long as you have proof that you renewed (print the confirmation email or take a screenshot). If you need tabs before the mail arrives, you can pay an extra fee for expedited shipping or visit a Deputy Registrar in person.

Renewing by mail

Request a renewal form by calling the Minnesota Secretary of State at 651-296-6181 or read the form from mn.gov/secretary-of-state. Fill out the form completely, including your VIN, current registration number, and vehicle information. Attach a copy of your insurance proof and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.

The Secretary of State processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Processing takes two to three weeks after they receive your envelope. Your new tabs and registration card arrive by mail after processing is complete. To avoid driving with expired tabs, mail your renewal at least three weeks before your expiration date. If your renewal arrives after your tabs expire, you are driving illegally and can be cited.

Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar

Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a form of payment (cash, check, or card — policies vary by location). The Deputy Registrar will verify your information, confirm your insurance is current, and collect the renewal fee. They will then issue your new tabs and registration card on the spot. The entire process takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Deputy Registrar hours and locations vary widely. Some are open only certain days or have limited hours. Call ahead or check their website before you go. If the office is closed or does not handle renewals, you will have wasted a trip. Bring your phone number and proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) in case the Deputy Registrar asks for it — requirements differ by location.

What happens if your vehicle fails inspection or emissions

Minnesota requires all vehicles to pass a safety inspection and, in the Twin Cities metro area, an emissions test before you can renew. If your vehicle fails either test, you cannot renew your tabs until you fix the problem and pass the test again. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, tires, and steering. The emissions test checks your engine's pollution output.

You can have the inspection and emissions test done at any inspection station licensed by the state. Find one near you on mn.gov/secretary-of-state. After you pass, the inspection station sends the results to the Secretary of State electronically. You can then renew your tabs online, by mail, or in person. If you fail, the inspection station will tell you what needs to be fixed. You do not have to use the same station for the retest.

If your tabs expire before you renew

Driving with expired tabs is illegal in Minnesota. If you are stopped, you can be cited and fined. If your renewal is delayed in the mail or you missed your expiration date, you have a few options. You can visit a Deputy Registrar in person to get new tabs when ready. You can also call the Secretary of State at 651-296-6181 to ask about a temporary registration permit, which allows you to drive legally for a short time while your renewal is being processed.

If you are cited for expired tabs, bring proof that you submitted your renewal before the expiration date (a confirmation email, a receipt from the Deputy Registrar, or a mailed envelope with a postmark). The citation may be dismissed if you can show you renewed on time and the delay was not your fault.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renew tabs in Minnesota?

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type. Most passenger cars cost between $35 and $50. Trucks, vans, and heavier vehicles cost more. The exact fee appears when you start your online renewal or when you call the Secretary of State at 651-296-6181. There is no difference in cost between online, mail, and in-person renewal.

Can I renew my tabs if my registration is suspended?

No. If your registration is suspended for unpaid tickets, unpaid taxes, or other violations, you must resolve the suspension first. Contact the Secretary of State at 651-296-6181 to find out why your registration is suspended and what you need to do to clear it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew.

What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?

You can update your address online at mn.gov/secretary-of-state before you renew, or you can update it during the renewal process. If you renew by mail or in person, bring a proof of residence document (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) so the Deputy Registrar can verify your new address. Your new registration card will be mailed to the updated address.

Do I need to renew my tabs every year?

Yes. Minnesota vehicle tabs expire every 12 months on the date shown on your current registration card. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before your expiration date. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew — the notice is a reminder, not a requirement.

Can someone else renew my tabs for me?

Yes, if you give them your registration card, proof of insurance, and payment. They can renew online using your information, renew by mail on your behalf, or visit a Deputy Registrar with your documents. You do not need to be present for any of these methods. Make sure the person you trust has all the documents they need before they go.