Where to renew your tabs in Minnesota
You can renew your vehicle registration tabs at any Deputy Registrar office in Minnesota, at the Minnesota Secretary of State's office in St. Paul, or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if your vehicle meets certain requirements. The online option is fastest if you are may be able to access — it takes minutes and you can print a temporary registration while you wait for your tabs to arrive by mail.
Deputy Registrar offices are scattered throughout the state in county courthouses, city halls, and private businesses. These handle the same transactions as the main Secretary of State office and often have shorter wait times. You can find the office nearest you on the Secretary of State website by entering your city or county.
If you renew online, your new tabs will be mailed to the address on file with your registration. If you renew in person, you can walk out with your tabs the same day.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online, at a Deputy Registrar office, or at the Secretary of State office in St. Paul.
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your vehicle is may be able to access, and you can print a temporary registration when ready.
- In-person renewal takes your tabs home the same day, but you will wait in line.
- You will need your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID to renew in person.
- Renewal fees vary based on your vehicle's weight and type; the Secretary of State website shows the exact amount before you pay.
What you need to bring for in-person renewal
Bring your current registration card, a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of current auto insurance. The insurance document must show your vehicle's VIN or license plate number and a current effective date. A printed insurance card, a letter from your insurer, or a digital image on your phone all work.
If someone else is renewing the registration on your behalf, bring a signed power of attorney form or a letter authorizing them to act for you. The Deputy Registrar or Secretary of State office can provide this form if you do not have one.
Bring payment in cash, check, or card — accepted methods vary by office, so call ahead if you have a strong preference. Most offices accept all three.
Online renewal requirements and process
You can renew online only if your vehicle has a valid Minnesota title, your registration is not expired by more than two years, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. You also cannot renew online if your vehicle is commercial, if you are adding or removing owners, or if your tabs are personalized or special-issue plates.
To renew online, go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website, select "Renew Vehicle Registration," and enter your license plate number and registration card number. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show you the renewal fee. Pay by debit or credit card, and the system will generate a temporary registration you can print when ready. Your permanent tabs will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a Deputy Registrar office or the Secretary of State office in person.
Renewal fees and what affects the cost
Minnesota registration fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not on its age or make. A passenger car typically costs between $35 and $50 to renew, while a truck or SUV may cost more depending on weight. The exact fee for your vehicle appears on the Secretary of State website when you enter your license plate number — you do not have to guess or call.
Some vehicles pay an additional fee: electric vehicles get a $75 credit (lowering the total cost), while commercial vehicles and vehicles registered as for-hire pay higher rates. If you have personalized plates, you pay an extra $25 on top of the standard registration fee.
The fee you pay covers registration for one year from your current expiration date. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before your tabs expire, but you can renew early if you want to.
When your tabs expire and how to check
Your registration tabs expire on the last day of the month shown on your tab — the two-digit number in the upper right corner of your tab. If your tab shows "06," your registration expires on June 30. You can renew anytime during the month your tabs expire, or up to two years after expiration.
Check your current expiration date by looking at the tab on your license plate or by calling a Deputy Registrar office with your license plate number. The Secretary of State website also lets you look up your registration status if you enter your plate number and registration card number.
Driving with expired tabs is a violation. If you are pulled over, you may receive a citation. Renew as soon as you notice your tabs are about to expire.
What to do if your registration is expired by more than two years
If your tabs expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online and you cannot straightforward renew at a Deputy Registrar office. You will need to visit the Secretary of State office in St. Paul or contact them by phone to restart your registration. The office may require you to provide proof that your vehicle passed inspection and that you have current insurance.
Bring your current registration card (even though it is expired), your vehicle title, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. The Secretary of State office will review your situation and tell you what additional documents you need. This process takes longer than a standard renewal, so plan for a longer visit or phone call.
If you have questions about whether your registration can be renewed or what documents you need, call the Secretary of State office at 651-296-6911 before you visit.
Temporary registration while you wait for your tabs
If you renew online, you can print a temporary registration when ready. This temporary registration is valid for 30 days and shows that your renewal is pending. Keep it in your vehicle along with your old tabs until your new tabs arrive.
If you renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office or the Secretary of State office, you will receive your new tabs on the spot — no temporary registration needed. You can install them right away.
If your tabs arrive damaged or do not arrive within two weeks of online renewal, contact the Secretary of State office. They can reissue your tabs or investigate the delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my tabs if my insurance has lapsed?
No. You must have current auto insurance to renew your registration. If your insurance lapsed, contact your insurer to reinstate it or find a new policy before you renew. Once you have a current policy, you can renew in person or online.
What happens if I renew online but my vehicle information is wrong?
If you notice an error after you have paid, contact the Secretary of State office right away. They can cancel the transaction and refund your fee if you call before your temporary registration expires. Do not install the tabs if the vehicle information is incorrect — get it fixed first.
Can I renew my tabs if I just bought the vehicle?
If you recently bought the vehicle and the title transfer is complete, you can renew the registration in your name. Bring your new title, proof of insurance, and a valid ID to a Deputy Registrar office. You cannot renew online until the title is fully transferred and appears in the state system, which takes a few days.
Do I need to renew my tabs if I sell my vehicle?
No. Once you sell the vehicle, the new owner is responsible for renewing the registration. You should notify the Secretary of State that you no longer own the vehicle so you do not receive renewal notices. You can do this online or by mail using a form available on the Secretary of State website.
What if I lost my registration card?
You can still renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office or the Secretary of State office. Bring your license plate number, a valid ID, and proof of insurance. The office will look up your registration using your plate number. You cannot renew online without your registration card number, but you can request a replacement card at the same time you renew your tabs.