Minnesota tabs renew by mail, online, or in person — and you must renew before your current tabs expire

Minnesota calls vehicle registration stickers "tabs." Your tabs expire on the last day of the month printed on them, and you cannot legally drive after that date. You can renew through the Minnesota Secretary of State's online system, by mail, or at any Deputy Registrar office. The online method is fastest — most renewals process within minutes — and costs the same as renewing in person.

You will need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method. If your vehicle's information has changed (owner, address, or title status), you cannot use the quick renewal path and must go to a Deputy Registrar in person or contact the Secretary of State directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Renew online at mn.gov/secretary-of-state using your registration card and VIN to get new tabs within minutes.
  • Your tabs expire on the last day of the month shown on your current registration, and driving with expired tabs is illegal.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks, so send your renewal notice at least three weeks before expiration if you choose this route.
  • Deputy Registrar offices handle same-day renewals and are the only option if your vehicle ownership or address has changed.
  • Minnesota tabs cost between $180 and $290 depending on vehicle weight and type; the fee does not change based on renewal method.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State

The Minnesota Secretary of State website lets you renew most vehicle registrations without leaving home. Go to mn.gov/secretary-of-state, select "Vehicle Registration" from the menu, and choose "Renew Registration." You will enter your registration card number, VIN, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or tax identification number. The system will show your vehicle's current information and the renewal fee.

Payment is by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Once you pay, the system generates a temporary registration document you can print when ready. Your physical tabs arrive by mail within five to seven business days. You can drive legally on the printed temporary document until the tabs arrive, but you must display them on your vehicle once they do.

Online renewal works only if your vehicle information has not changed. If you have moved, changed the vehicle's title status, or updated ownership, the system will direct you to a Deputy Registrar or the Secretary of State office.

Mailing in your renewal notice

Minnesota sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before your tabs expire. The notice includes a payment envelope and instructions. Fill out the form, include your payment (check or money order only — no credit cards by mail), and mail it back in the provided envelope. Address the envelope to the Minnesota Secretary of State, Vehicle Registration Section.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before expiration to avoid driving with expired tabs. If your renewal notice was lost or you cannot find it, you can still renew by mail — contact the Secretary of State at 651-296-6911 to request a renewal form.

Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal, but you cannot print a temporary registration document. If your tabs expire before your renewal arrives, you are driving illegally. For this reason, online renewal is safer if your mail is slow or unreliable.

Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office

Minnesota has Deputy Registrar offices in most cities and towns. These are not DMV offices — they are local government agencies, often located in city halls, county offices, or licensed private businesses. You can find the nearest office by searching "Deputy Registrar" on mn.gov/secretary-of-state or calling 651-296-6911.

Bring your current registration card, proof of vehicle inspection (if required), and a valid ID. Payment is by cash, check, debit card, or credit card — methods vary by office, so call ahead if you have a preference. Most offices issue tabs on the spot or within one business day. There is no appointment system; offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

In-person renewal is required if your vehicle information has changed: new owner, new address, title transfer, or lien changes. It is also the fastest option if you are renewing close to your expiration date and cannot wait for mail or online processing.

When your vehicle needs an inspection before renewal

Minnesota requires a vehicle inspection every two years for most vehicles. Your registration card shows the month and year your inspection expires. If your inspection has expired or will expire before your new registration takes effect, you must have a new inspection before you can renew your tabs.

Inspections are performed at any station displaying the Minnesota inspection sign — gas stations, repair shops, and some auto parts stores offer them. The inspection takes about 15 minutes and costs around $15 to $20. You will receive an inspection certificate that you must bring to a Deputy Registrar office or include with a mail renewal. Online renewal will not process if your inspection is expired.

Some vehicles are exempt from inspection: vehicles less than four years old, motorcycles, and certain other types. Check your registration card or call the Secretary of State to confirm whether your vehicle needs inspection.

What happens if your tabs expire

Driving with expired tabs is a violation in Minnesota. Law enforcement can stop you, and you may receive a citation. The fine for expired tabs is typically $135 to $180, though the exact amount depends on the officer's jurisdiction. You must renew your registration before you can legally drive again.

If you are stopped with expired tabs, you can show the officer a printed temporary registration from online renewal or proof that you have mailed in a renewal notice. These do not prevent a citation, but they may reduce the fine or allow the officer to issue a warning instead. Once your tabs arrive, keep them on your vehicle at all times.

If your tabs have been expired for more than 60 days, you may need to renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office rather than by mail or online. Contact the Secretary of State to confirm your options.

Tab costs and what affects the price

Minnesota tab renewal costs between $180 and $290 per year, depending on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and type. Passenger cars typically cost $180 to $200. Pickup trucks and vans cost more — usually $220 to $250 — based on weight. Commercial vehicles and trailers have different rates.

The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Some Deputy Registrar offices charge a small service fee on top of the state fee, usually $2 to $5. This fee is set by the local office and is not controlled by the state.

If your vehicle's weight classification has changed (for example, you added a permanent camper or cargo box), the fee may increase. The Secretary of State system will calculate the new fee when you renew. You cannot renew online if your weight classification has changed; you must visit a Deputy Registrar office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs before they expire?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to 60 days before your current tabs expire. Renewing early does not cost extra and does not change your expiration date — your new tabs will expire on the same month and day as your current ones would have. Early renewal is useful if you are traveling or want to avoid a last-minute rush.

What if I lost my registration card?

You can still renew online if you have your VIN and the last four digits of your Social Security number or tax ID. If you cannot access the online system, visit a Deputy Registrar office with your vehicle and a valid ID. They can look up your registration and process the renewal. You can also request a replacement registration card at the same time.

Do I need to remove my old tabs before putting on new ones?

Yes. Peel off your old tabs completely before explore the new ones. Old tabs left on the vehicle can be seen from behind and may cause confusion during traffic stops. explore new tabs to the same location on your license plate, usually the lower right corner.

What if I move to a different address?

You must update your address with the Secretary of State before or at the same time as renewing your tabs. If you have already moved, you cannot renew online — you must visit a Deputy Registrar office in person with proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). Bring your current registration card and valid ID.

Can someone else renew my tabs for me?

Yes, if you renew by mail or online. For mail renewal, sign the renewal notice and have someone mail it for you. For online renewal, you can authorize someone to complete it on your behalf if they have your registration card number and VIN. For in-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office, the person renewing must bring a signed power of attorney or your written authorization along with your registration card.