What happens when your registration tags expire

Your vehicle registration tags are the stickers or decals on your license plate that show your registration is current. When they expire, you are no longer legally permitted to drive the vehicle on public roads. The expiration date is printed on your registration card and on the tag itself.

Most states send a renewal notice 30 to 60 days before your tags expire. This notice includes the renewal fee amount and instructions for renewing. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew — the notice is a reminder, not a requirement to renew.

Renewing before the expiration date keeps you from driving with expired tags, which can result in a traffic citation and fine. Some states allow a grace period of a few days after expiration, but this varies by state and is not may provide protection.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your tags by mail, online, or in person at your DMV, depending on your state and whether your vehicle passed inspection.
  • Most renewals require your current registration card, proof of insurance, and payment of the renewal fee.
  • Online and mail renewals are faster than in-person visits and do not require you to take time off work.
  • If your vehicle failed inspection or has outstanding violations, you must renew in person or contact your DMV before attempting to renew by mail or online.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is the slowest method but requires no trip to the DMV. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail that includes a prepaid envelope and a form to sign. Fill out the form, include your payment (by check or money order), and mail it back in the envelope provided.

Processing time for mail renewals is typically two to four weeks from the date your DMV receives it. Your new tags will be mailed to the address on your registration. Do not drive with expired tags while waiting for your renewal to process — mail renewal should be started at least four weeks before your expiration date.

Mail renewal is not available in all states and may not be available if your vehicle failed inspection, if you have unpaid violations, or if your address has changed since your last registration. Check your renewal notice or your state DMV website to confirm mail renewal is an option for you.

Renewing online

Online renewal is the fastest method and is available in most states. You will need your current registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check). Log into your state DMV website, enter your information, and complete the transaction.

Online renewals are processed when ready or within one business day. Your new tags are mailed to your address and usually arrive within five to ten business days. You can print a temporary registration receipt to carry in your vehicle while you wait for the physical tags to arrive.

Online renewal is not available if your vehicle failed inspection, if you have outstanding violations or fines, or if your registration has been suspended. Some states also require that your address and vehicle information match exactly what is on file — if you have moved or changed your vehicle, you may need to renew in person.

Renewing in person at the DMV

In-person renewal at your local DMV office is required if your vehicle failed inspection, if you have unpaid violations, or if you cannot renew by mail or online. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, a valid photo ID, and payment for the renewal fee.

Processing time at the DMV varies by location and how busy the office is. Some offices issue tags on the spot; others mail them to you. Ask the staff member when you can expect to receive your tags, and request a temporary registration receipt if you need to drive before the physical tags arrive.

To reduce wait time, check your state DMV website to see if you can schedule an appointment. Many states now allow online appointment booking. If appointments are not available, arrive early in the day or on a weekday when the office is less crowded.

What to bring and what it costs

For any renewal method, you will need your current registration card and proof that your vehicle has passed inspection (if your state requires it). Proof of insurance is required in most states — bring your insurance card or a letter from your insurance company showing your policy is active.

Renewal fees vary by state and by vehicle type. Most states charge between $50 and $200 for a standard passenger vehicle registration renewal. Some states charge additional fees for specialty plates, commercial vehicles, or vehicles over a certain age. Check your renewal notice or your state DMV website for the exact fee.

Payment methods depend on how you renew. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders. Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, credit cards, and debit cards — call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.

If your vehicle failed inspection

If your vehicle did not pass inspection, you cannot renew your registration tags until the vehicle passes. You must have the vehicle repaired, take it back for a retest, and obtain a passing inspection report. Only then can you renew your tags.

You must renew in person at the DMV and bring the passing inspection report with you. Mail and online renewal are not available until your vehicle has passed inspection. If your tags have already expired while you are waiting for repairs, do not drive the vehicle on public roads — have it towed or transported on a trailer.

If you missed the expiration date

If your tags have already expired, you can still renew them at any time. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle with expired tags. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you may receive a citation and fine.

Renew as soon as possible using the method available to you (mail, online, or in person). There is no penalty for renewing late beyond the standard renewal fee — you do not pay extra for late renewal in most states. However, if your vehicle failed inspection or you have unpaid violations, those must be resolved before you can renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tags before they expire?

Yes. Most states allow you to renew your tags up to six months before they expire. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new tags will expire six months or one year after the date you renew, depending on your state's registration cycle.

What if I move to a different state?

You must register your vehicle in your new state within a set time frame, usually 30 to 90 days. You cannot renew your old state's tags once you move. Contact your new state's DMV for information about registering your vehicle there.

Do I need to take my vehicle to the DMV to renew tags?

No. For mail and online renewal, you do not need to bring your vehicle. For in-person renewal, you also do not need to bring the vehicle — you only need your registration card and other documents. The vehicle itself does not need to be present.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew your tags. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using just your registration card and other required documents. If you need a replacement renewal notice, contact your state DMV.

How long can I drive with expired tags?

You cannot legally drive with expired tags. Some states have a grace period of a few days, but this is not may provide and varies by state. Renew your tags before the expiration date to avoid the risk of a citation.