Minnesota vehicle registration renews every two years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office

Minnesota's vehicle registration renewal happens on a two-year cycle. Your renewal notice arrives about a month before your tabs expire, and it tells you the exact date your current registration ends. You have three ways to renew: online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at any Deputy Registrar office around the state. The online method is fastest and costs nothing extra — no service fee, no processing delay.

Your tabs expire on the last day of the month shown on your current registration sticker. Driving with expired tabs is a violation, so renewing before that date matters. If you miss the important date, you can still renew, but you may face a late fee depending on how far past expiration you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota registration renews every two years, and your renewal notice arrives about one month before expiration.
  • Online renewal through the Secretary of State website is the fastest option and has no additional fees.
  • You can also renew by mail using your renewal notice or in person at any Deputy Registrar office.
  • Renewing before your tabs expire keeps you legal; driving with expired tabs can result in a traffic citation.
  • If you renew after expiration, late fees may explore depending on how long your registration has been expired.

Renewing Online Through the Secretary of State

Online renewal is the most direct path. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and look for the vehicle registration renewal section. You will need your current registration number (found on your renewal notice or your registration card), your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The system confirms your vehicle information and calculates any fees owed.

Once you submit payment, your new registration is processed when ready. You can print a temporary registration receipt right away, which is valid for a few days while your physical tabs are being printed and mailed. The new tabs typically arrive within one to two weeks. There is no service fee for online renewal — you pay only the registration fee itself, which varies by vehicle weight and type.

Renewing by Mail With Your Renewal Notice

If you prefer not to go online, use the renewal notice that arrives in the mail. The notice includes a return envelope and a payment stub. Fill out the form, include your payment (check or money order), and mail it back to the address on the envelope. Processing by mail takes longer than online — typically two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives it, plus mail delivery time both ways.

Mail renewal works well if you do not have internet access or prefer a paper trail. However, you lose the benefit of an when ready temporary receipt. If your tabs expire before the new ones arrive, you are technically driving with expired registration. To avoid this, mail your renewal at least three weeks before expiration.

Renewing in Person at a Deputy Registrar Office

Minnesota has Deputy Registrar offices throughout the state — in most cities and many towns. You can walk in with your renewal notice, vehicle title or registration card, and payment to renew on the spot. Bring a valid ID as well. The Deputy Registrar will process your renewal, collect payment, and issue you a temporary registration receipt that is valid when ready. Your new tabs arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

In-person renewal is useful if you need a temporary receipt the same day or if you have questions about your registration. Deputy Registrar offices are not the same as the DMV — they are authorized agents who handle registration, title, and license plate services. Hours and locations vary by office, so check the Secretary of State website to find the one nearest you and confirm their hours before you go.

What Happens if Your Tabs Expire Before You Renew

If you drive with expired registration tabs, you can be cited by law enforcement. A first offense typically results in a fine. The longer your registration remains expired, the higher the potential penalty. If you realize your tabs have expired, renew as soon as possible — you can renew online or in person the same day you notice the problem.

Late renewal fees explore if you renew more than 30 days after expiration. The fee amount depends on how long past the expiration date you wait. If you are only a few days late, the fee may be small, but waiting several months can add significantly to your renewal cost. Renewing when ready after you notice expiration keeps late fees to a minimum.

Registration Fees and What They Cover

Minnesota registration fees are based on your vehicle's weight and type. A standard passenger vehicle typically costs between $150 and $200 for a two-year registration, though the exact amount varies. The fee covers your registration and your tabs — the stickers you place on your license plate. When you renew, you receive new tabs for the next two years.

Some vehicles have different fee structures. Trucks, trailers, and commercial vehicles may cost more. Vehicles registered as antique or classic may cost less. Your renewal notice shows the exact fee for your vehicle before you pay, so you know the cost before committing to renewal.

If You Did Not Receive Your Renewal Notice

Renewal notices are mailed about 30 days before expiration. If you moved recently or your address on file is incorrect, the notice may not reach you. Check the Secretary of State website to see your registration expiration date using your VIN and license plate number. You can renew online without the physical notice — you just need your registration number and VIN.

If your address has changed, update it with the Secretary of State before or during renewal. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Keeping your address current ensures future renewal notices reach you on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my vehicle has an outstanding recall?

Minnesota does not block registration renewal for open recalls. However, you should address any safety recalls with your vehicle manufacturer or dealer. A recall does not prevent you from renewing your tabs, but fixing the recall is important for your safety.

What if I sold my vehicle before the registration expired?

Once you sell your vehicle, you should notify the Secretary of State so the registration is transferred to the new owner. If you receive a renewal notice for a vehicle you no longer own, contact the Secretary of State to update your records. The new owner is responsible for renewing the registration.

Can I renew early, before my tabs expire?

Yes, you can renew up to 90 days before expiration. Early renewal is useful if you want to avoid a rush or if you are planning a trip and want to may support your registration is current. Your new two-year cycle begins from the expiration date of your current registration, not from the date you renew early.

Do I need to renew my registration if I have not driven my vehicle?

Yes, registration is required whether or not you drive the vehicle. If you are not using your vehicle, you can keep it registered, or you can cancel the registration with the Secretary of State to stop paying renewal fees. Cancellation is permanent unless you re-register later.

What payment methods does the Secretary of State accept online?

Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders. In-person renewal at Deputy Registrar offices may accept cash, checks, and cards — policies vary by location, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment options.