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 renewal notices 30 to 45 days before your registration expires. The notice shows your current registration number, expiration date, and the fee amount. You do not have to wait for the notice to renew — you can renew up to one year early if you want to.

The three renewal paths are online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Online is the fastest and costs nothing extra. By mail takes about two weeks. In-person renewal is when ready but requires a trip to an office during business hours.

Your registration expires on the last day of the month shown on your current registration card. Driving with an expired registration is a violation in Minnesota, even if you have already paid the renewal fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota registration renews every two years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office.
  • Online renewal through the Secretary of State website is free and takes minutes, but you need your current registration number and a valid payment method.
  • Mail renewal uses the notice Minnesota sends you and takes about two weeks from the time you mail it back.
  • In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office is when ready but requires proof of insurance and a valid ID.
  • Your registration expires on the last day of the month printed on your card, and you cannot legally drive after that date.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State

Online renewal is available at mn.gov/sos under the vehicle registration section. You will need your current registration number, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The renewal fee varies by vehicle weight and type, but the online system shows the exact amount before you complete payment.

After you submit payment online, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can print a temporary registration receipt from the confirmation page if you need proof of renewal before the physical card arrives.

Online renewal is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you run into an error during the process, the Secretary of State website has a help section, or you can call the vehicle registration line at 651-296-6911.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

Use the renewal notice Minnesota mails you to renew by mail. The notice includes a payment stub with your registration number and the amount due. Write a check or money order for the amount shown, sign the back of the notice where indicated, and mail both together to the address printed on the notice.

Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Do not mail cash. If you are renewing close to your expiration date, mail renewal may not arrive in time — online or in-person renewal is safer if your expiration date is within two weeks.

Keep a copy of the notice or take a photo of it before you mail it. If your payment is lost in the mail, you will have proof of what you sent and when.

Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office

Deputy Registrar offices are located throughout Minnesota and handle registration renewals on the spot. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Secretary of State website. Bring your current registration card, a valid photo ID, and proof of insurance. Payment methods vary by office — most take cash, check, and card, but call ahead if you want to confirm.

In-person renewal takes 10 to 20 minutes, and you receive your new registration card when ready. There is no wait for mail delivery. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.

If you have moved since your last registration, bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. If your vehicle information has changed (new engine, different color, or major repairs), tell the Deputy Registrar when you renew.

Registration fees and what affects the cost

Minnesota registration fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not its actual weight. A passenger car typically costs between $145 and $175 for a two-year renewal, but trucks, vans, and commercial vehicles cost more. The exact fee depends on the GVWR listed on your vehicle's registration.

You may owe additional fees if you have unpaid parking tickets, outstanding vehicle-related fines, or if your vehicle is registered to a business with tax issues. The renewal system flags these during online renewal or when you visit a Deputy Registrar office. You must resolve them before your registration can renew.

If your vehicle is financed, your lender may require that you renew before the expiration date. Check your loan documents or contact your lender if you are unsure.

What to do if your registration has already expired

If your registration expired and you have not yet renewed, you can still renew when ready using any of the three methods above. Driving with an expired registration is a violation, and you can be stopped by law enforcement. Renew as soon as you can.

If you were stopped for an expired registration, you may receive a citation. Some citations can be dismissed if you show proof that you renewed within a certain number of days after the stop. Keep your renewal confirmation or new registration card to show if you are asked.

If your registration expired more than a year ago, you may need to re-register rather than renew. Contact a Deputy Registrar office or call 651-296-6911 to find out whether you can renew or must start over with a new registration.

Renewing a vehicle with a lien or loan

If your vehicle is financed, your lender holds a lien on the title. You can still renew your registration — the lien does not affect the renewal process. Your registration card will show your name as the registered owner, and the lender's interest is recorded separately on the title.

Some lenders require that you renew before the expiration date as part of your loan agreement. Check your loan documents or contact your lender to see whether they have a important date. If your lender has a important date and you miss it, they may report the vehicle as unregistered, which can affect your credit.

When you renew online or by mail, the system does not ask about the lien. Renew normally, and the lien will remain on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew up to one year early using the online system or by visiting a Deputy Registrar office. You will need your current registration number and VIN. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new registration will expire two years from your current expiration date, not two years from the renewal date.

What happens if I renew online but do not receive my new card within two weeks?

Contact the Secretary of State at 651-296-6911 with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if needed. In the meantime, you can print your temporary registration receipt from the online confirmation page as proof of renewal.

Do I need to renew my registration if I sell my vehicle?

No. When you sell a vehicle, the registration transfers to the new owner or expires. You do not renew a registration for a vehicle you no longer own. The new owner must register the vehicle in their name.

Can I renew my registration if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

Yes. Vehicle registration and driver's license status are separate. You can renew your registration even if your license is suspended or expired. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle unless your license is valid.

What if my vehicle's information changed since the last registration?

Tell the Deputy Registrar office when you renew in person, or call 651-296-6911 if you are renewing online or by mail. Changes like a new engine, color, or major repairs may require documentation. The office will tell you what you need to bring.