Renewing your Minnesota registration tabs online or by mail

Minnesota sends you a renewal notice 30 to 45 days before your tabs expire. You can renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, by mail using the notice they sent you, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Online renewal takes minutes and is the fastest route. By mail, you mail the notice with payment and your tabs arrive in 7 to 10 business days. In person, you walk out with new tabs the same day.

You do not need to pass an inspection to renew tabs in Minnesota unless your vehicle is over 10 years old or you have a commercial registration. If you do need an inspection, you must complete it before renewing. Your tabs expire on the last day of the month printed on them, and driving with expired tabs is a violation.

Key Takeaways

  • The Minnesota Secretary of State sends renewal notices 30 to 45 days before expiration, and you can renew online, by mail, or at a Deputy Registrar office.
  • Online renewal through the Secretary of State website is the fastest method and takes only a few minutes.
  • Vehicles over 10 years old must pass a safety inspection before you can renew tabs.
  • New tabs arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can get them when ready by renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar.
  • Your registration expires on the last day of the month shown on your current tabs, and you should renew before that date.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

Go to mn.gov/secretary-of-state and select the vehicle registration renewal option. You will need your current registration number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method—credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The system will show your renewal fee, which varies based on your vehicle's weight and type. You pay the fee when ready, and the system generates a confirmation number.

After you renew online, your new tabs are mailed to the address on your registration within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on your old tabs until the new ones arrive. Print or save your confirmation for your records.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

The renewal notice Minnesota sends you includes a payment stub and instructions. Fill out the stub, write a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include your current registration card if you want it returned with your new tabs.

Mail processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State receives your envelope. Your new tabs arrive separately by mail. To avoid delays, mail your renewal at least two weeks before your tabs expire. If you are close to the expiration date, renewing in person or online is faster.

Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office

Minnesota has Deputy Registrar offices throughout the state where you can renew tabs and walk out with new ones the same day. Find the office nearest you on the Secretary of State website by entering your city or ZIP code. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. Payment methods vary by office—most take cash, check, and card, but call ahead to confirm.

Processing at a Deputy Registrar usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You pay the renewal fee and receive your new tabs before you leave. This is the best option if your tabs are expiring soon or you need them when ready.

Inspection requirements for older vehicles

If your vehicle is over 10 years old, you must pass a safety inspection before renewing tabs. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield, wipers, horn, and other safety equipment. You can have the inspection done at any Minnesota inspection station—many auto repair shops, tire shops, and gas stations perform them. The inspection costs vary but typically run $15 to $30.

After you pass inspection, you receive an inspection certificate. You must show this certificate when you renew your registration, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew online, you may need to upload a photo of the certificate or provide the inspection number. Check the renewal form for specific instructions.

What to do if your tabs have already expired

If you are driving with expired tabs, you should renew when ready. Expired registration is a traffic violation and can result in a citation. Renew online or at a Deputy Registrar office as soon as you can. You can still renew even after the expiration date has passed—there is no grace period, but the process is the same.

If you receive a citation for expired tabs, you may be able to show proof of renewal to the court or the officer who issued the ticket. Keep your confirmation number from online renewal or your receipt from a Deputy Registrar office. Some citations can be dismissed if you show that you renewed within a certain timeframe after the stop.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Minnesota registration renewal fees depend on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and registration type. A standard passenger vehicle typically costs between $150 and $200 to renew, but the exact amount varies. Trucks, trailers, and commercial vehicles have different fee schedules. The renewal notice you receive shows your specific fee before you pay.

Some vehicles may may have access to for reduced fees—for example, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles have lower registration costs in Minnesota. If you believe your vehicle qualifies for a reduced fee, mention it when you renew or contact the Secretary of State office to confirm before paying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew online anytime using your registration number and VIN, even if you have not received the notice yet. The notice is a reminder, not a requirement. Renewing early means your new tabs arrive before your current ones expire.

What happens if I renew online but do not receive my tabs by the expiration date?

Contact the Secretary of State office with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your tabs and reissue them if needed. In the meantime, keep your online confirmation as proof that you renewed, in case you are stopped by law enforcement.

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

No. When you sell your vehicle, the new owner must register it in their name. You should remove your tabs and return them to the Secretary of State or a Deputy Registrar office, though this is not always required. Contact the office to confirm what to do with your old tabs.

Can someone else renew my tabs for me?

Yes. If you renew by mail, anyone can mail in your renewal notice and payment. If you renew in person, the person must bring your registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. Online renewal requires your registration number and VIN but does not require you to be present.

What if my address has changed since my last registration?

Update your address before renewing. You can change your address online through the Secretary of State website or at a Deputy Registrar office. Your renewal notice will be mailed to your old address if you do not update it first, which can delay receiving your new tabs.