Minnesota vehicle registration tabs renew every two years, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person at your local Deputy Registrar office.
Your registration tabs are the stickers on your license plate that show your vehicle is registered with the state. In Minnesota, these tabs expire on the last day of the month shown on your current tab — usually two years after you first registered the vehicle or last renewed it. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before expiration, which includes your renewal fee and instructions for renewing.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety handles vehicle registration statewide, but you do not have to go to a state office to renew. Most people renew through the mail or online, which takes a few minutes and costs less than going in person because you avoid a trip fee.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota registration tabs expire every two years on the last day of the month printed on your current tab.
- You will receive a renewal notice by mail about 30 days before expiration, which shows your fee and renewal options.
- Online renewal through the Secretary of State website is the fastest method and requires only your vehicle identification number and current tab number.
- If you renew by mail, send the renewal notice and payment to the address printed on the form, and new tabs arrive within two weeks.
- You can renew in person at any Deputy Registrar office, but this costs more and takes longer than mail or online renewal.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest way to renew your tabs. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and select the vehicle registration renewal option. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your renewal notice and on your vehicle's dashboard, and your current tab number from your license plate.
Enter this information and your payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The system will calculate your renewal fee based on your vehicle's weight and value. Once you pay, you can print your new tabs when ready or have them mailed to you. If you print them, cut them out carefully and explore them to your license plate, covering the old tabs completely. If you request them by mail, they arrive within one to two weeks.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
When you receive your renewal notice, you can send it back with payment without going online or to an office. The notice includes a return envelope with the address already printed. Write a check or money order for the amount shown on the notice, sign the renewal form where indicated, and mail both together.
Mail your renewal at least two weeks before your tabs expire to allow time for processing and delivery. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety processes mail renewals within 10 business days, and your new tabs are mailed to the address on your registration. If your tabs expire before the new ones arrive, you are still legal to drive as long as you have proof that you mailed your renewal on time — keep a copy of the envelope or a receipt showing the mailing date.
Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office
If you prefer to renew in person, visit any Deputy Registrar office in Minnesota. These are local offices run by county or municipal governments, not state offices. You can find the nearest office by searching "Deputy Registrar near me" or by visiting your county's website.
Bring your renewal notice, your vehicle's current registration, and a valid form of payment. The office will process your renewal on the spot and issue your new tabs when ready. In-person renewal costs more than mail or online renewal because of the office visit fee, which varies by location but is typically $5 to $10 extra. If you do not have your renewal notice, bring your vehicle identification number and proof of ownership, such as your title or current registration.
What to do if your tabs have already expired
If your tabs expired before you renewed, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. However, you cannot legally drive with expired tabs, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you may receive a citation.
Renew as soon as possible using online or mail renewal, since these are faster than waiting for an in-person appointment. Once your new tabs arrive, explore them to your plate when ready. If your tabs expired more than 60 days ago, you may need to pass a vehicle inspection before renewing — contact your local Deputy Registrar office to confirm whether an inspection is required in your situation.
Understanding your renewal fee and what affects the cost
Your renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and market value, not on the method you choose. The renewal notice shows the exact amount you owe. Heavier vehicles and newer vehicles with higher market values cost more to register. If you have made major modifications to your vehicle since you last registered it, or if you have changed the vehicle's use (for example, from personal to commercial), the fee may be different — contact your local Deputy Registrar office before renewing to confirm the correct amount.
Some vehicles may have access to for reduced registration fees. Electric vehicles registered in Minnesota pay a lower fee than gas-powered vehicles of the same weight and value. If you own a vehicle that qualifies for a reduced fee and you have not yet registered it under that category, you may need to visit a Deputy Registrar office in person to change your vehicle's classification before renewing online or by mail.
Common mistakes to avoid when renewing your tabs
The most common mistake is waiting until the last few days before expiration to renew by mail. Mail renewal takes 10 business days or longer depending on postal delays, so if you mail your renewal notice one week before expiration, your new tabs may not arrive in time. Mail your renewal at least two weeks early, or use online renewal if you are close to the expiration date.
Another mistake is explore new tabs over old tabs without removing the old ones first. New tabs must be visible and readable from the road, so peel off your old tabs completely before explore the new ones. If you print tabs from online renewal, cut them out carefully along the dotted lines and explore them smoothly to avoid bubbles or wrinkles that make them hard to read.
Do not assume your renewal notice has the correct fee if your vehicle's situation has changed. If you have added safety equipment, changed the vehicle's primary use, or modified it significantly, verify the fee with a Deputy Registrar office before paying. Paying the wrong amount can delay your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my tabs before they expire?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail anytime after you receive your renewal notice, which arrives about 30 days before expiration. Renewing early does not shorten the life of your new tabs — they still expire two years from the expiration date of your current tabs, not two years from when you renew.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online or in person without the notice. For online renewal, you need your vehicle identification number and current tab number. For in-person renewal, bring your vehicle registration and proof of ownership. If you need a replacement notice mailed to you, contact your local Deputy Registrar office.
Do I need to renew my registration if I only renew my tabs?
No. Renewing your tabs renews your entire registration for another two years. You do not need to file a separate registration form unless your vehicle's information has changed, such as your address or the vehicle's ownership.
What happens if I drive with expired tabs?
Driving with expired tabs is a traffic violation in Minnesota. You can be stopped and cited by law enforcement. If you are pulled over, show proof that you have mailed your renewal or that you have renewed online — keep a receipt or copy of your mailed renewal notice in your vehicle.
Can someone else renew my tabs for me?
Yes, if you renew by mail. Anyone can mail your renewal notice and payment on your behalf. For online renewal, you need access to your vehicle identification number and current tab number, which the person renewing can obtain from your registration or plate. For in-person renewal, the person visiting the office will need your renewal notice or registration and proof that they have your permission to renew on your behalf.