Michigan lets you renew your vehicle registration through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a branch office
You can renew your tabs (registration sticker) in Michigan through three routes: online at michigan.gov/sos, by mail using the renewal notice you receive, or by visiting a Secretary of State office in person. The online method is fastest — you pay the fee, print your temporary registration, and your new tabs arrive by mail within two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal at a branch office is when ready if you need tabs the same day.
You do not need to renew in person unless your vehicle information has changed significantly, your registration was suspended, or you are renewing a commercial or specialty plate. Most passenger vehicle owners can complete the entire process from home.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through michigan.gov/sos takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as mail or in-person renewal.
- You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- Your new registration tabs arrive by mail within two weeks of online renewal; you can print a temporary registration to use when ready.
- Mail renewal uses the renewal notice sent to your address on file and takes four to six weeks from the date you mail it.
- If your address, vehicle ownership, or lien holder information has changed, you may need to visit a Secretary of State office or submit a form before renewing.
Renewing online through the Michigan Secretary of State website
Go to michigan.gov/sos and select the vehicle registration renewal option. You will need your current registration number (found on your renewal notice or existing tabs), your vehicle identification number (VIN), and the last four digits of your Social Security number or federal employer identification number if the vehicle is registered to a business. Have a credit or debit card ready to pay the renewal fee.
The online system will display your current registration information and ask you to confirm it is correct. If your address, vehicle ownership, or lien holder has changed, you must update that information before completing the renewal. Once you submit payment, the system generates a temporary registration document you can print when ready. This temporary registration is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your new tabs are in transit.
Your permanent registration tabs and updated registration card arrive by mail within two weeks. If you do not receive them within that timeframe, contact the Secretary of State at 888-767-6424 to check the status.
Renewing by mail using your renewal notice
The renewal notice arrives at the address on file with the Secretary of State about 30 days before your registration expires. The notice includes a payment stub with your vehicle information, the renewal fee amount, and instructions for mailing. Write a check or money order for the amount shown, sign the stub, and mail both to the address printed on the notice.
Processing mail renewals takes four to six weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your payment. Your new tabs and registration card arrive separately by mail. If your registration expires before the new tabs arrive, you are driving illegally — mail renewal works best if you submit it at least six weeks before expiration.
Keep a copy of the mailed renewal notice for your records. If your tabs do not arrive within six weeks, contact the Secretary of State to verify the payment was received and request a replacement.
Renewing in person at a Michigan Secretary of State office
Visit any Secretary of State branch office with your current registration, proof of vehicle insurance, and a valid photo ID. Bring your vehicle title if your ownership or lien holder information has changed. You can find office locations and hours at michigan.gov/sos under the "Find a Branch" section.
In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on office traffic. You pay the renewal fee at the counter, and the office issues your new tabs and registration card on the spot. This is the only method that gives you tabs the same day, which matters if your current registration has already expired or will expire within days.
Bring cash, check, or debit card — not all offices accept credit cards. Call ahead if you are unsure about payment methods or office hours, especially during high-traffic periods like month-end.
What happens if your vehicle information has changed
If you have moved, changed the vehicle's ownership, added or removed a lien holder, or changed the vehicle's use (from personal to commercial, for example), you cannot complete renewal online or by mail without updating that information first. The online system will flag mismatches and prevent you from finishing the transaction.
For address changes only, you can update your address through the online system before renewing. For ownership changes, lien holder changes, or use changes, you must visit a Secretary of State office in person or submit the appropriate form by mail before renewing. The office staff can tell you which form you need based on what changed.
If you are unsure whether your situation requires a form or an office visit, call the Secretary of State at 888-767-6424. They can confirm what you need to do before you attempt to renew.
Registration fees and what they cover
Michigan registration renewal fees vary by vehicle weight and type. Passenger vehicles typically cost between $100 and $200 per year, but the exact amount depends on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The renewal notice shows your specific fee. Commercial vehicles, trailers, and specialty plates have different fee structures.
The renewal fee covers your registration for one year from the expiration date on your current tabs. It does not include any late fees if your registration has already expired. If you renew after expiration, you may owe a penalty in addition to the standard fee — the amount varies and the Secretary of State will calculate it during the renewal process.
Some counties offer a slight discount if you renew in person at a branch office, but most do not. Online and mail renewal cost the same as in-person renewal.
What to do if your renewal notice did not arrive
If you did not receive a renewal notice 30 days before expiration, check that the Secretary of State has your current mailing address on file. You can verify your address through the online system or by calling 888-767-6424. If your address is wrong, update it before attempting to renew.
You do not need the physical renewal notice to renew online — you only need your registration number and VIN. If you cannot find your registration number, look at your current tabs or registration card. If you have lost both, call the Secretary of State to request a duplicate registration card before renewing.
If your registration has already expired and you did not receive a notice, renew when ready to avoid driving with expired tabs. Expired registration can result in a traffic stop and a fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my tabs if my registration has already expired?
Yes, but you are driving illegally and may be stopped by police. Renew when ready through any method — online is fastest. You will owe a late penalty in addition to the standard renewal fee. The amount depends on how long your registration has been expired.
What is the temporary registration I print after online renewal?
It is a legal document valid for 30 days that allows you to drive while your permanent tabs are in the mail. Print it and keep it in your vehicle. Once your new tabs arrive, discard the temporary registration and place the new tabs on your license plate.
How long do tabs take to arrive after I renew online?
Typically two weeks, but up to three weeks in busy periods. If you do not receive them within three weeks, contact the Secretary of State at 888-767-6424 to check the status and request a replacement if needed.
Do I need to visit an office if I moved to a new address?
No. You can update your address through the online renewal system before completing the transaction. If you prefer to renew by mail, update your address first by calling 888-767-6424 or visiting an office, then mail your renewal notice to the address shown on the updated notice.
What if my vehicle title or ownership information is wrong?
Contact the Secretary of State before renewing. Ownership mismatches will block online and mail renewal. You will need to visit an office or submit a corrected title process. Call 888-767-6424 to confirm what documents you need.