Minnesota lets you renew your vehicle tabs online through the Secretary of State website, and you can do it from home without visiting a branch office.
You can renew your registration online if your vehicle is registered in Minnesota and your tabs have not been expired for more than two years. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you pay by debit card or credit card. Your new tabs arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
You cannot renew online if you have unpaid parking tickets, unpaid traffic violations, or a lien on the vehicle. You also cannot renew online if your vehicle failed its last emissions test or if you need to change the vehicle's title information. In those cases, you must visit a branch office or mail in a renewal form.
Key Takeaways
- Renew online at the Minnesota Secretary of State website using your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration number.
- You need a valid payment method (debit or credit card) and will pay the full renewal fee plus any applicable taxes during checkout.
- Your new tabs arrive by mail in one to two weeks; you can drive legally with your old tabs until the new ones arrive.
- If you have unpaid violations, a lien, or emissions issues, you must renew in person or by mail instead of online.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather your current vehicle registration card and your vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN appears on your registration card, on the dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side, and in your vehicle's title documents. You will also need a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee.
Check your registration card to confirm your tabs have not been expired for more than two years. If they have, the online system will not accept your renewal, and you will need to renew by mail or in person instead. The Secretary of State website has a tool where you can look up your registration status before you start the renewal process.
Steps to Renew Online
Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State vehicle services website. Click the link for online registration renewal. Enter your VIN and your current registration number when prompted. The system will pull up your vehicle's record and show you the renewal fee, which includes registration and any applicable county taxes.
Review the information on the screen to make sure it matches your vehicle and current address. If your address has changed, you can update it during this step. Enter your payment information and complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.
Print or save your confirmation email. You do not need to print anything to drive legally — your old tabs remain valid until your new ones arrive — but keeping the confirmation helps if you need to contact the Secretary of State about your renewal.
When Your New Tabs Arrive
New tabs are mailed to the address on your registration and typically arrive within one to two weeks. You can legally drive with your old tabs until the new ones arrive. Once the new tabs come in, remove the old ones and place the new ones on your license plate in the upper right corner (for the month sticker) and lower right corner (for the year sticker).
If your tabs do not arrive within three weeks, contact the Secretary of State to check on the status. Have your confirmation number and VIN ready when you call.
Situations That Require In-Person or Mail Renewal
You cannot renew online if you have unpaid parking tickets, unpaid traffic violations, or a lien against the vehicle. The online system will reject your renewal and tell you to contact your local branch office. You also cannot renew online if your vehicle failed its most recent emissions test or if you need to change the registered owner's name, address, or other title information.
If your tabs expired more than two years ago, the online system will not process your renewal. You will need to renew by mail using form STAT 43 or visit a Secretary of State branch office in person. Some branch offices allow you to schedule an appointment online to reduce wait times.
Fees and Payment
The renewal fee varies based on your vehicle's weight and the county where it is registered. The online system shows you the exact amount before you pay. Most renewals cost between $150 and $300, but this varies. You pay by debit card or credit card only — the online system does not accept checks, cash, or electronic bank transfers.
The fee covers your registration and any county taxes owed. Some counties add a wheel tax, which is included in the total you see on screen. If you have questions about why your fee is higher or lower than expected, the Secretary of State website has a fee calculator you can use before you renew.
What to Do If the Online System Rejects Your Renewal
If you try to renew online and the system rejects your request, it will tell you why. Common reasons include unpaid violations, an expired registration that is more than two years old, or a lien on the vehicle. Write down the reason the system gives you.
Contact your local Secretary of State branch office or call the main office to find out what you need to do next. If the issue is unpaid violations, you may need to pay those first. If it is a lien, you may need to contact the lienholder. If your registration is too old, you will need to renew by mail or in person with additional documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my tabs if they expired last year?
Yes, as long as they expired less than two years ago. The online system will accept your renewal. If they expired more than two years ago, you must renew by mail or in person.
What if I move to a different address before my new tabs arrive?
Contact the Secretary of State to update your address on file. Your tabs will be mailed to the address you provide. You can update your address online through the Secretary of State website or by calling your local branch office.
Do I need to print my confirmation email?
No. Your old tabs remain valid until your new ones arrive, so you do not need to carry anything. Keeping the confirmation email or number is helpful if you need to contact the Secretary of State about your renewal status.
What happens if my credit card is declined during renewal?
The transaction will not go through, and you will not be charged. Try again with a different card or contact your bank to make sure the card is active. You can attempt the renewal as many times as needed.
Can I renew online if I have a vanity plate?
Yes. The online system handles vanity plates the same way as standard plates. Your new vanity plate tabs will arrive by mail with your renewal confirmation.