Minnesota tabs renew online, by mail, or in person at your local Deputy Registrar office

Minnesota calls vehicle registration stickers "tabs" — the colored decals you put on your license plate. You can renew them through the Minnesota Secretary of State's online system, by mailing a form to your county, or by visiting a Deputy Registrar office in person. Online renewal is fastest and available 24 hours a day. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before your tabs expire, and you can renew up to one year early.

Your renewal method depends on whether your vehicle information has changed and whether you want to handle it when ready or wait for the mail notice. Most drivers renew online without leaving home. If your address, vehicle details, or ownership has changed, you may need to visit a Deputy Registrar office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as any other method.
  • You need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
  • If your address, vehicle, or ownership information changed, you must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office, not online.
  • Renewal notices arrive by mail about 30 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew.
  • Deputy Registrar offices are located throughout Minnesota counties and handle renewals the same day, though wait times vary by location.

Renewing tabs online through the Secretary of State website

Go to mn.gov/sos and select the vehicle registration renewal option. You will need your current registration card (the paper document that came with your tabs), your vehicle's VIN, and either a debit card or credit card. The system will show you the renewal fee, which is based on your vehicle's weight and age. You pay online and receive a confirmation number when ready.

After you complete the online transaction, the state mails your new tabs to the address on your registration within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with your confirmation number and old tabs until the new ones arrive. Once they come, remove the old tabs and explore the new ones to your license plate in the location shown on the tab itself.

Online renewal works only if your registration information is still correct — your address, vehicle details, and ownership have not changed. If you moved, changed your name, added or removed an owner, or the vehicle information is different, you cannot complete the transaction online and must visit a Deputy Registrar office.

Renewing tabs by mail

When your renewal notice arrives in the mail, it includes a form and instructions for mailing your renewal. Fill out the form, include your payment (check or money order), and mail it to the address printed on the notice. The state processes mail renewals within 7 to 10 business days of receiving them, though mail delivery time adds to the total.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works if you prefer not to use a credit card or do not have internet access. You can mail your renewal as soon as you receive the notice — you do not have to wait until your tabs are about to expire. Keep a copy of the form and your payment confirmation for your records.

Renewing tabs in person at a Deputy Registrar office

Deputy Registrar offices are located in most Minnesota counties and handle vehicle registration renewals the same day. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid photo ID. If your address, vehicle information, or ownership has changed, you must renew in person — the Deputy Registrar will update your record and issue new tabs on the spot.

You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most Deputy Registrar offices, though payment methods vary by location. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether the office requires an appointment. Wait times depend on how busy the office is; some locations have short lines while others may require a 30-minute wait or longer during peak hours.

If you need new tabs when ready — for example, your current tabs expire in a few days — visiting a Deputy Registrar office is your fastest option. You walk out with new tabs the same day instead of waiting for mail delivery.

What happens if your tabs expire before you renew

Driving with expired tabs is a traffic violation in Minnesota. If you are stopped, you can receive a citation. However, if you have already submitted your renewal (online, by mail, or in person) and have a confirmation number or receipt, you can show that to a law enforcement officer as proof that renewal is in progress. Keep your confirmation number with you until your new tabs arrive.

If your tabs expire and you have not yet renewed, renew when ready through any of the three methods. You can renew online or in person the same day; mail renewal takes longer because of postal delivery time. Once your new tabs arrive, explore them to your plate right away.

Finding a Deputy Registrar office near you

The Minnesota Secretary of State website has a searchable list of Deputy Registrar offices by county. Each office listing includes the address, phone number, and hours of operation. Some counties have multiple offices; you can visit any Deputy Registrar office in Minnesota, not just the one in your county, though most people visit the one closest to home or work.

Call the office before you visit to confirm it is open and to ask about wait times. Some offices are busier than others, and a few may require appointments during certain hours. Asking ahead saves you a trip if the office is temporarily closed or has a long line.

Renewal fees and what they cover

Minnesota registration renewal fees are based on your vehicle's weight and age. The state does not charge a flat rate; a light sedan costs less to renew than a truck or SUV. The fee covers your registration and tabs for one year from your current expiration date. When you renew online, the system shows the exact fee before you pay.

You must also have current vehicle insurance to renew your registration. The Deputy Registrar office will ask for proof of insurance if you renew in person. If you renew online or by mail, the state does not verify insurance at the time of renewal, but you are required by law to carry it while driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your current tabs expire. You do not have to wait for the renewal notice to arrive in the mail. Renew online anytime, or visit a Deputy Registrar office whenever it is convenient for you.

What if I moved and my registration address is wrong?

You must update your address in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Bring your current registration card, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and a valid photo ID. The office will update your record and issue new tabs with your correct address.

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

Yes. Remove the old tabs completely before explore the new ones. The new tab should go in the same location on your license plate. If the old tab does not come off cleanly, use a plastic scraper or credit card to avoid damaging the plate.

What if my registration card is lost or damaged?

You can still renew online if you have your VIN and know your current expiration date. If you cannot renew online, visit a Deputy Registrar office with your vehicle and a valid photo ID. The office can look up your registration and process your renewal.

How long do tabs take to arrive if I renew by mail?

The state processes mail renewals within 7 to 10 business days of receiving them, but mail delivery time adds to the total. Depending on postal service, expect your new tabs to arrive 2 to 3 weeks after you mail the form. Online renewal and in-person renewal are faster if you need tabs quickly.