Minnesota tabs renew every two years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at your county's deputy registrar office

Minnesota calls vehicle registration stickers "tabs." Your tabs expire on the last day of the month shown 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 statewide registration, but you renew through your county's deputy registrar, which is often located at the same office where you pay property taxes or at a local vehicle services center.

The fastest method is online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website if your vehicle has a clean title and no liens. By mail takes about two weeks. In person is when ready — you walk out with new tabs the same day. All three methods cost the same: the registration fee varies by vehicle weight and type, plus a $7.25 processing fee for online or mail renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota tabs expire on the last day of the month printed on your current sticker and must be renewed every two years.
  • You can renew online at the Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at your county deputy registrar office without visiting a state office.
  • Online renewal is fastest if your vehicle has no liens and the title is clear; you'll receive tabs by mail within five to seven business days.
  • In-person renewal at a deputy registrar gives you new tabs when ready, but you need your current registration, proof of insurance, and a valid ID.
  • The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type, plus a $7.25 processing fee, and does not change based on which renewal method you choose.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

Online renewal is the most common method in Minnesota because it requires no waiting and no trip to an office. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State's vehicle services portal and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration number. The system will pull up your vehicle record and show the renewal fee based on weight and type. You'll pay by credit or debit card.

Online renewal works only if your vehicle has no liens and the title is free and clear. If a lender or finance company holds the title, you must renew by mail or in person. After you complete the online transaction, the Secretary of State mails your new tabs to the address on file. Tabs typically arrive within five to seven business days. You can renew online up to 90 days before your tabs expire.

Renewing by mail with a paper form

Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. The renewal notice you receive in the mail includes a form you can fill out and send back with a check or money order. Do not send cash. Include your current registration card and proof of insurance with the form. Mail everything to the address listed on your renewal notice — this is usually your county's deputy registrar office, not a state office.

Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks from the time your county office receives your envelope. Mail can add another week on either end, so plan to renew at least three weeks before your tabs expire. If you lose your renewal notice, you can request a form from your county deputy registrar or read one from the Secretary of State's website. You'll need your VIN and current registration number to get a replacement form.

Renewing in person at a deputy registrar office

In-person renewal is the only method that gives you new tabs the same day. Find your county's deputy registrar office by searching "Minnesota deputy registrar" plus your county name, or call your county assessor's office for the location and hours. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance (an insurance card or declaration page), and a valid photo ID. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Call ahead to check.

The deputy registrar will verify your vehicle information, confirm your insurance, and collect the renewal fee. You'll leave with your new tabs in hand. If your vehicle has a lien, bring the lienholder's information or a lien release document. If you've moved since your last registration, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill or lease works.

What happens if your tabs expire before you renew

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 tabs is typically $110 to $140, depending on how long they've been expired. If your tabs expired more than 90 days ago, you cannot renew them — you must re-register the vehicle as if it were new, which costs more and requires an inspection.

If your tabs are about to expire and you're waiting for renewal materials by mail, renew in person or online instead. If you've already missed the expiration date by a few days, renew when ready at a deputy registrar office. Bring your current registration card even though it's technically expired — the office will accept it as proof of prior registration and process your renewal without penalty.

Renewing a vehicle with a lien or outstanding loan

If a bank or finance company holds the title to your vehicle, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. When you renew by mail, include a letter from your lender stating they hold the title, or include a copy of your loan documents showing the lien. When you renew in person, bring the same documentation or ask the deputy registrar what proof they need.

Some lienholders send renewal notices directly to the owner, and some send them to themselves. Check your loan documents or call your lender to confirm where your renewal notice was mailed. If the lender received it, contact them and ask them to forward it to you or to authorize you to renew on your behalf. Once your loan is paid off and the title is clear, you can renew online for future renewals.

Renewing after a move or address change

If you've moved since your last registration, update your address before renewing. You can update your address online through the Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at a deputy registrar office. When you renew, your new tabs will be mailed to your updated address. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you renew before updating your address, your tabs will be mailed to your old address. You can still pick them up in person at a deputy registrar office if you provide proof of your new address and your old registration. To avoid delays, update your address first, then renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to 90 days before your tabs expire. You'll need your VIN and current registration number. In person, you can renew anytime before expiration with your registration card and proof of insurance.

What if I lose my registration card before renewal?

Request a duplicate registration card from your county deputy registrar office or through the Secretary of State's website. You'll need your VIN and proof of ownership. A duplicate card costs a small fee and takes a few days by mail or is available when ready in person.

Do I need a vehicle inspection to renew my tabs?

No. Minnesota does not require a safety or emissions inspection for tab renewal. You only need proof of insurance and your current registration. An inspection is required only if your tabs have been expired for more than 90 days and you're re-registering the vehicle.

What proof of insurance do I need to show?

An insurance card, declaration page, or email confirmation from your insurer showing your policy number and coverage dates is acceptable. The insurance must be active on the date you renew. If you're renewing online, you don't need to show proof — the system assumes your insurance is current.

Can someone else renew my tabs for me?

Yes, by mail or in person. If renewing by mail, sign the form and have the other person mail it with your registration card and proof of insurance. In person, they'll need a signed power of attorney or your registration card plus a note authorizing them to renew on your behalf. Online renewal requires your VIN and registration number but no signature.