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

Minnesota sends you a renewal notice 30 to 60 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal fee, which varies based on your vehicle's age and type. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive — you can renew as soon as 90 days before expiration. The fastest route is online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, which takes about 10 minutes and processes when ready. If you renew online or by mail, your new registration tabs arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

Your registration expires on the last day of the month shown on your current tabs. Driving with expired registration is illegal in Minnesota and can result in a citation. If you miss the important date, you can still renew, but you may face a late fee on top of your regular renewal cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota registration renews every two years, and you can renew online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or at a Deputy Registrar office.
  • You will receive a renewal notice 30 to 60 days before expiration, but you can renew up to 90 days early if you want to.
  • Online renewal is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes; your new tabs arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
  • Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection (for vehicles over four years old) and emissions testing (in the Twin Cities metro area) before you can renew.
  • If you renew after the expiration date, you will owe a late fee in addition to your regular renewal fee.

What you need to renew online

To renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, you will need your current registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method. The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. You do not need to create an account — you can renew as a guest using your registration number and VIN to look up your vehicle.

If your address or vehicle information has changed since your last renewal, you will need to update it during the online process. If you have a lienholder (a bank or lender that holds the title), their information must match what the Secretary of State has on file, or the renewal may be delayed.

Safety and emissions inspections before renewal

Vehicles registered in Minnesota that are more than four years old must pass a safety inspection before renewal. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, and steering. You can get this inspection at any repair shop, service station, or inspection station licensed by the state — it costs between $15 and $25 depending on the shop. The inspection is valid for one year, so you can complete it up to 12 months before your registration expires.

If you live in the Twin Cities metro area (Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Washington, Scott, Carver, or Anoka County), your vehicle must also pass an emissions test. The test measures your vehicle's exhaust to may support it meets state pollution standards. Emissions testing stations are located throughout the metro area and cost around $15 to $20. Vehicles that are model year 1996 or newer are subject to testing; older vehicles are exempt. Like the safety inspection, an emissions test is valid for one year.

If your vehicle fails either inspection, you have 30 days to fix the problem and retest at no additional charge. You cannot renew your registration until both inspections pass.

Renewing by mail or in person

If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail your renewal notice and payment to the address printed on the notice. Mail renewal takes longer — allow two to three weeks for processing, plus mail delivery time. Include a check or money order made out to the State of Minnesota. Do not send cash through the mail.

You can also renew in person at any Deputy Registrar office in Minnesota. Deputy Registrars are located in city halls, county offices, and some retail locations throughout the state. They accept cash, checks, and card payments. In-person renewal is processed when ready, and you can drive home with your new tabs the same day. Wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead can help you avoid a long wait.

What happens if your registration expires

Driving with expired registration is a violation in Minnesota. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you will receive a citation, which carries a fine. The amount varies but typically ranges from $50 to $200 depending on how long your registration has been expired and whether you have prior violations.

You can still renew after the expiration date, but you will owe a late fee in addition to your regular renewal fee. The late fee is typically $10 to $25, depending on how many days past the expiration date you renew. If your registration has been expired for more than one year, you may need to reapply for registration rather than straightforward renew, which involves additional paperwork and fees.

Changes to your vehicle or registration

If you have made changes to your vehicle — such as adding a trailer, changing the body style, or modifying the engine — you must report these changes when you renew. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. Some changes may affect your registration fee or require additional documentation.

If you have sold your vehicle or it has been damaged beyond repair, you should cancel your registration rather than renew it. You can cancel online through the Secretary of State website or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Canceling stops you from being billed for future renewals and removes the vehicle from your record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my vehicle hasn't passed inspection yet?

No. Your vehicle must pass both the safety inspection and the emissions test (if you live in the metro area) before you can complete renewal. You can schedule the inspections anytime during the year, but they must be finished and passed before you submit your renewal.

What if I move to a different state before my registration expires?

You should cancel your Minnesota registration and register your vehicle in your new state. Contact the Secretary of State to cancel, or do it in person at a Deputy Registrar office. You will not receive a refund for the unused portion of your registration.

Do I need to renew my registration if I'm not driving the vehicle?

Yes. Registration is tied to the vehicle, not to whether you are using it. If you plan not to drive the vehicle for an extended period, you can cancel the registration to avoid paying renewal fees. You can re-register it later if you want to drive it again.

How much does Minnesota car registration renewal cost?

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's age, weight, and type. Passenger cars typically cost between $150 and $250 per two years. Trucks, vans, and specialty vehicles may cost more. Your renewal notice will show the exact fee for your vehicle.

What if I lose my registration tabs before renewal?

You can request replacement tabs from the Secretary of State website or at a Deputy Registrar office. There is a small fee for replacements, usually around $5 to $10. You will need your registration number and VIN.