Minnesota license tabs renew every two years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a deputy registrar office

Minnesota calls vehicle registration stickers "tabs" — the decals that go on your license plate to show your registration is current. Your tabs expire on the last day of the month printed on them, usually two years from when you first registered or last renewed. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about a month before expiration. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety handles renewals, but you can complete most of them without visiting an office.

The fastest route is online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website. You can also renew by mail using the notice you receive, or visit any deputy registrar office in your county if you prefer to handle it in person. The fee depends on your vehicle type and weight, and you'll pay it when you renew — there's no separate charge for the tabs themselves.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota tabs expire every two years on the last day of the month shown on your current sticker, and you can renew online starting about a month before that date.
  • Online renewal through the Secretary of State website is the fastest method and requires your vehicle identification number, current registration number, and a payment method.
  • If you renew by mail, use the renewal notice you receive and mail it with payment to the address listed on the form — allow two to three weeks for processing.
  • Deputy registrar offices can renew your tabs in person, and you'll receive new stickers when ready, though wait times vary by location.
  • You must renew before your tabs expire or you risk a traffic stop and citation for expired registration.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

Online renewal is available through mn.gov/sos starting about 30 days before your tabs expire. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN), your current registration number (found on your renewal notice or registration card), and a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The process takes about 10 minutes.

After you complete the transaction, the Secretary of State mails your new tabs to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days. You can print a temporary registration receipt to carry in your vehicle if your tabs expire before the new stickers arrive, though this is not required by law — your online confirmation serves as proof of renewal.

If your vehicle information has changed since your last renewal (a new address, for example), update it before you renew online. You can do this on the same website or contact your county registrar's office to make changes first.

Renewing by mail using your renewal notice

The renewal notice you receive in the mail includes a form and payment instructions. Fill out the form, include your payment (check or money order), and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include the renewal notice itself with your payment — it has your registration number and vehicle information already filled in.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal. Allow two to three weeks for the Secretary of State to receive your form, process it, and mail your new tabs back to you. If your tabs expire before the new stickers arrive, you're still covered during the processing period as long as you mailed your renewal before the expiration date. Keep a copy of the mailed form or a photo of the postmark as proof if you're stopped during this window.

If you don't receive a renewal notice 30 days before expiration, contact your county registrar's office. You can still renew by mail — you'll just need to request a renewal form.

Renewing in person at a deputy registrar office

Every Minnesota county has deputy registrar offices where you can renew your tabs and receive new stickers the same day. Bring your current registration card or renewal notice, proof of insurance, and a valid payment method. Some offices accept cash, checks, and cards; others may have different payment options, so call ahead if you have a preference.

Wait times vary widely depending on the office and time of day. Offices in smaller towns often have shorter lines than those in cities. Many offices are busiest on weekday mornings and during the last week before expiration, so plan accordingly. You can find your county registrar's office location and hours on the Minnesota Secretary of State website.

If your vehicle information has changed, bring proof of the change (a new insurance card for address changes, for example) so the registrar can update your record before issuing new tabs.

What happens if your tabs expire

Driving with expired tabs is a traffic violation in Minnesota. A law enforcement officer can stop you and issue a citation. The fine for expired registration is typically $135 to $235, depending on how long your tabs have been expired and whether you have prior violations. The citation may also require you to show proof of renewal to the court or a police station within a set time.

If you're stopped with expired tabs, you can show the officer your online renewal confirmation or a photo of your mailed renewal receipt if you renewed before expiration. This may prevent a citation, though the officer has discretion. Renewing when ready after expiration doesn't erase a citation you've already received, but it does prevent additional stops.

Renewal fees and what they cover

Minnesota registration fees are based on your vehicle's type and weight. A standard passenger car typically costs between $150 and $200 for a two-year renewal, but trucks, trailers, and commercial vehicles have different rates. The exact fee appears on your renewal notice before you pay.

The fee covers your registration and the tabs themselves. There's no separate charge for the stickers. If you renew online or by mail, the fee is the same as renewing in person. Some deputy registrar offices may charge a small service fee on top of the state registration fee — usually $2 to $5 — so ask when you call.

If your vehicle is financed or leased, your lender or leasing company may require you to renew before the expiration date. Check your loan or lease agreement, and if required, renew early to avoid a breach of contract.

Renewing early or handling late renewals

You can renew your tabs up to 90 days before they expire. Renewing early doesn't cost extra — you pay the standard two-year fee and your new tabs will be valid for two years from the expiration date of your current tabs, not from the date you renew. This means if you renew three months early, your new tabs will still expire two years from the original expiration date.

If your tabs have already expired, you can still renew when ready through any of the three methods. Online and in-person renewal are fastest. Renewing late doesn't add a penalty fee beyond the standard registration cost, but you risk a citation if you drive before renewing. If you've received a citation for expired tabs, renew as soon as possible and bring proof of renewal to the court date listed on the citation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs if my vehicle has a lien or loan on it?

Yes, you can renew regardless of a lien. The lender doesn't have to approve the renewal. However, some loan agreements require you to keep registration current, so check your paperwork. If your lender has a requirement, renewing on time protects you from a breach of contract claim.

What if I moved and my renewal notice went to my old address?

Contact your county registrar's office to update your address on file. You can then renew online, by mail to your new address, or in person. If your tabs are about to expire and you haven't received a notice, renew online when ready — you don't need the notice to renew online.

Do I need to renew my tabs if I'm selling my vehicle?

No. When you sell a vehicle, the new owner registers it and receives new tabs. You don't need to renew tabs for a vehicle you no longer own. If you sell before your tabs expire, you can request a refund from your county registrar for the unused portion of your registration.

How long do new tabs take to arrive if I renew online?

The Secretary of State typically mails new tabs within five to seven business days of your online renewal. If your tabs expire before the new stickers arrive, your online confirmation serves as proof of current registration. If stickers don't arrive within two weeks, contact the Secretary of State to check the status.

Can someone else renew my tabs for me?

Yes. A family member or authorized person can renew your tabs online using your VIN and registration number, or in person at a deputy registrar office with your registration card or renewal notice. They don't need a power of attorney for routine renewal. By mail, anyone can mail your renewal form on your behalf.