You can renew your Minnesota tabs online through the Secretary of State website without visiting an office

Minnesota lets you renew your vehicle registration (tabs) online at sos.mn.gov using the Secretary of State's online system. You'll need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new tabs arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

Online renewal works for most passenger vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles. If your vehicle has a lien, if you're registering a vehicle for the first time in Minnesota, or if your registration has been suspended, you'll need to visit a Deputy Registrar office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to sos.mn.gov and select the vehicle registration renewal option to start the process online.
  • You'll need your current registration card, VIN, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or e-check).
  • The state charges a $2.50 online transaction fee in addition to your registration renewal cost.
  • Your new tabs arrive by mail within one to two weeks; you can display your receipt as proof of renewal until they arrive.
  • If your vehicle has a lien or your registration is suspended, you must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office.

What information and documents you need before starting

Gather your current registration card before you begin. This card shows your vehicle's plate number, VIN, and current expiration date. You'll also need your VIN, which appears on your registration card, vehicle title, or the dashboard on the driver's side of the windshield.

Have a payment method ready: a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover card, or a bank account for e-check payment. The state charges a $2.50 online transaction fee on top of your renewal cost. Minnesota registration fees vary by vehicle weight and type, so the total amount due will appear on screen before you confirm payment.

Step-by-step process on the Secretary of State website

Go to sos.mn.gov and look for the vehicle registration renewal section on the homepage. Click on the online renewal option and select "Renew a Vehicle Registration." You'll be asked to enter your plate number and VIN to pull up your vehicle record.

Review the vehicle information displayed to make sure it matches your current registration. If your address has changed, you can update it during this step. Enter your payment information and confirm the total amount due, which includes the registration fee and the $2.50 transaction fee. After payment processes, you'll receive a confirmation number and receipt. Print or save this receipt—it serves as proof of renewal until your new tabs arrive.

When your new tabs will arrive and what to do while waiting

The Secretary of State mails new tabs to the address on your registration within one to two weeks of online payment. During this time, you can legally drive with your current tabs and your receipt as proof that renewal is in progress. If you need the tabs sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal; you would need to visit a Deputy Registrar office in person.

If your tabs don't arrive within three weeks, contact the Secretary of State at 651-296-6911 or check the status through sos.mn.gov. Keep your confirmation number handy when you call.

Situations where you must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar

Online renewal is not available if your vehicle has a lien (the lender holds the title), if you're registering a vehicle in Minnesota for the first time, or if your registration has been suspended or revoked. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your vehicle's plate type or if you're adding or removing a co-owner.

To renew in person, find your nearest Deputy Registrar office through the Secretary of State's office locator at sos.mn.gov. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and your payment method. Processing times vary by location but typically take 15 to 30 minutes.

How to check the status of your online renewal

If you need to verify that your renewal went through, return to sos.mn.gov and select the option to check your registration status. Enter your plate number and VIN. The system will show whether your renewal was processed and when your new tabs are expected to arrive.

You can also call the Secretary of State's office at 651-296-6911 with your confirmation number. Have your registration card available when you call.

What happens if your online payment fails

If your payment is declined during the online process, the system will display an error message and will not process your renewal. Check that your card number, expiration date, and billing address are correct, then try again. If the same card continues to be declined, try a different payment method or use an e-check instead.

If you're unable to complete payment online, you can renew in person at any Deputy Registrar office. Your registration is not yet renewed, so do not delay—renewing after your tabs expire can result in a late fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs online if my registration has already expired?

Yes, you can renew online even if your tabs are expired. However, once your registration expires, you should not drive the vehicle except to a Deputy Registrar office or directly home. Renew as soon as possible to avoid a late fee, which Minnesota charges for registrations renewed after the expiration date.

What if I don't have my current registration card?

You'll need your plate number and VIN to renew online. If you don't have your registration card, you can find your VIN on your vehicle title, insurance card, or the dashboard. If you cannot locate your plate number, visit a Deputy Registrar office in person.

Do I need to print my receipt or can I just show it on my phone?

You can show your receipt on your phone or print it—either works as proof of renewal while you wait for your new tabs. Keep the confirmation number in case you need to contact the Secretary of State about your order.

Can I renew my tabs online if I just bought a used car in Minnesota?

No, first-time registrations in Minnesota must be done in person at a Deputy Registrar office. You'll need your title, proof of insurance, and a bill of sale or purchase agreement. Once your vehicle is registered and you receive your first tabs, you can renew online in future years.

What if I move before my new tabs arrive?

Contact the Secretary of State at 651-296-6911 with your confirmation number and new address. They can redirect your tabs to your new address if they haven't already been mailed. If the tabs are already in the mail, you may need to pick them up at your local post office or have them forwarded.