Minnesota tabs renew every two years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a deputy registrar
Minnesota vehicle registration 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. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety handles registration renewals statewide, but you do not have to go to a state office. You can renew through the online system, mail a renewal notice to the state, or visit any of Minnesota's 90+ deputy registrar offices, which are spread across the state in county auditor offices, town halls, and private businesses.
You will need your current registration card, proof of a current safety inspection (if your vehicle requires one), and proof of insurance. The renewal notice arrives in the mail about a month before your tabs expire. If you have not received one, you can still renew — you just need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number to look up your account online.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota tabs expire on the last day of the month printed on your current tab, and you can renew up to 90 days before that date.
- Online renewal through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website is the fastest option and takes a few minutes if you have your registration card and proof of insurance.
- Deputy registrar offices throughout the state can renew your registration in person, and many have shorter wait times than state offices.
- You must show proof of a current safety inspection for most vehicles, and some counties require emissions testing as well.
- If your vehicle is financed, the lienholder must be listed on your registration before you can renew.
Renewing online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety
The fastest way to renew is through the state's online system at mn.gov/dvs. You will need your current registration card, your driver's license number, and proof of insurance. The system accepts digital copies of your insurance card or a screenshot from your insurance company's app. You pay the renewal fee by debit card or credit card, and your new tabs are mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal works for most vehicles, but not all. You cannot renew online if your vehicle is registered to a business, if you are adding or removing a registered owner, if your address has changed and you have not updated it with the state yet, or if your vehicle requires a safety inspection that you have not yet completed. If any of these explore to you, you will need to renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail or at a deputy registrar office
If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can return it with a check or money order and your proof of insurance. Mail it to the address printed on the notice. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the state receives it. If you did not receive a notice, you can still renew by mail — call the Minnesota Department of Public Safety at 651-297-2126 to request a renewal form, or visit a deputy registrar office in person.
Deputy registrar offices are often faster for in-person renewal than state offices, and many have walk-in hours. You will need your current registration card, proof of insurance, and proof of a current safety inspection. The office will collect your fee and issue your new tabs on the spot or mail them to you, depending on the office. To find the deputy registrar nearest you, search the state's office locator at mn.gov/dvs or call 651-297-2126.
Safety inspections and emissions testing requirements
Most Minnesota vehicles must pass a safety inspection before you can renew your registration. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, and other safety equipment. It does not check emissions. You can have the inspection done at any repair shop or service station that is licensed to perform them — you do not have to go to a specific state facility. The inspection is valid for one year from the date it is completed.
Seven Minnesota counties — Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington — also require emissions testing. If your vehicle is registered in one of these counties, you must pass an emissions test in addition to the safety inspection. Emissions testing is done at state-certified facilities and checks whether your vehicle's exhaust meets state pollution standards. You can find a testing location through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website.
Renewal fees and what they cover
Minnesota registration renewal fees depend on your vehicle's weight and type. Passenger cars typically cost between $135 and $180 for a two-year renewal, but the exact amount varies. Motorcycles, trucks, and recreational vehicles have different fee schedules. The state charges an additional fee if your vehicle requires a safety inspection or emissions test — these are paid separately to the inspection facility, not to the state.
Your renewal fee covers your registration and your tabs for two years. If you renew online, you pay by card when ready. If you renew by mail, you send a check or money order with your renewal notice. If you renew in person at a deputy registrar, you can pay by cash, check, card, or electronic transfer, depending on the office.
What to do if your tabs have already expired
If your tabs have expired, you can still renew, but you cannot legally drive the vehicle until the new tabs arrive. If you are stopped by police while driving with expired tabs, you may receive a citation. Renew as soon as possible through any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. The state does not charge a penalty for late renewal, but you cannot drive until your new tabs are in hand or on your vehicle.
If you are waiting for new tabs to arrive by mail and need to drive before they come, you can request a temporary permit from a deputy registrar office. The permit is valid for a limited time and allows you to drive legally while your new tabs are in transit. Call ahead to confirm that the office near you issues temporary permits.
Vehicles with liens and business registrations
If your vehicle is financed, the lender's name must appear on your registration as the lienholder. You cannot renew your registration online if the lienholder information is missing or incorrect. Contact your lender to confirm their name and address as it appears on the loan documents, then visit a deputy registrar office or call the state to update your registration before renewing. Once the lienholder is listed correctly, you can renew online or by mail.
Vehicles registered to a business or nonprofit cannot be renewed online. The registered owner must renew in person at a deputy registrar office or by mail. Bring the business registration certificate or nonprofit documentation along with proof of insurance and a current safety inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my tabs before they expire?
Yes. You can renew up to 90 days before your tabs expire. The renewal notice arrives about a month before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it. If you want to renew early, use the online system or visit a deputy registrar office with your current registration card and proof of insurance.
What happens if I move to a different state while my tabs are still valid?
Your Minnesota tabs remain valid until they expire. When you register your vehicle in the new state, you will need to surrender your Minnesota registration. If your tabs have not yet expired, you may be able to transfer the unused portion of your registration fee to your new state's registration, but this varies by state.
Do I need to renew my tabs if I sell my vehicle?
No. When you sell your vehicle, you should notify the Minnesota Department of Public Safety of the sale. You do not need to renew the registration. The new owner will register the vehicle in their name. If you do not notify the state of the sale and the new owner does not register it, you may receive renewal notices or be held liable for violations.
How long does it take to get new tabs in the mail?
If you renew online or by mail, new tabs are mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person at a deputy registrar office, some offices issue tabs on the spot, while others mail them. Ask the office when you visit whether they can issue tabs when ready or if you will need to wait for them by mail.
Can I renew my registration if my vehicle failed the safety inspection?
No. Your vehicle must pass the safety inspection before the state will renew your registration. If your vehicle failed, you have 30 days to have the repairs made and pass a new inspection. Once it passes, you can renew your registration. If you do not complete the repairs within 30 days, you will need to schedule a new inspection.