Where to renew your Minnesota tabs and what you need

You can renew your Minnesota vehicle registration tabs through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), Division of Driver and Vehicle Services. The fastest route is online at mn.gov/dvs, where you can renew most passenger vehicles without leaving home. If you cannot renew online, you can visit a deputy registrar office in person or mail your renewal notice to the address printed on it.

To renew online, you will need your current registration renewal notice (the paper form mailed to you by the state), your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method. The state accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, and your new tabs will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not have your renewal notice, you can still renew online by entering your VIN and license plate number instead. The state will pull up your registration record and let you proceed. This works as long as your registration has not expired more than 60 days ago.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota tabs renew online at mn.gov/dvs using your renewal notice, VIN, and a credit or debit card.
  • New tabs arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days after you pay, so renew before your current tabs expire to avoid driving unregistered.
  • Deputy registrar offices throughout Minnesota handle in-person renewals if you cannot renew online, and some offer same-day tabs.
  • Your registration renewal notice arrives 30 to 60 days before expiration; if you lose it, you can still renew online using your VIN and plate number.
  • Late renewal fees explore if your tabs expire before you renew, so plan ahead rather than waiting until the expiration date.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Minnesota registration renewal fees depend on your vehicle's weight and age. The state charges a base registration fee plus a weight-based fee. For most passenger cars, the total ranges from roughly $180 to $240 per year, though the exact amount varies by vehicle specifications. Your renewal notice shows the exact fee you owe before you pay.

If your tabs have already expired, Minnesota adds a late fee on top of the standard renewal cost. The late fee is typically $20 for renewals completed within 60 days of expiration, and increases if you wait longer. Renewing before your expiration date avoids this penalty entirely.

Some vehicles may have access to for reduced fees. Vehicles registered as farm trucks, for example, pay lower registration fees than standard passenger vehicles. If you believe your vehicle qualifies for a reduced rate, check your renewal notice or contact a deputy registrar to confirm before paying.

In-person renewal at a deputy registrar office

Minnesota has deputy registrar offices in most counties and cities. These are local offices authorized by the state to handle registration renewals, title transfers, and other vehicle services. You can find the office nearest you by searching "Minnesota deputy registrar" plus your city name, or by visiting the DPS website and using their office locator tool.

Bring your renewal notice, proof of insurance, and a valid ID when you visit. Some deputy registrars offer same-day tab printing, meaning you can walk out with new tabs the same day you renew. Others mail tabs to you like the online process does. Call ahead to ask whether your local office prints tabs on-site, since this varies by location.

Deputy registrar offices charge a service fee in addition to the state registration fee—typically $5 to $10 depending on the office. This fee covers the local office's cost to process your renewal. If you renew online, you pay only the state fee with no additional service charge.

Renewing by mail

You can mail your renewal notice and payment to the address printed on the form itself. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee shown on your notice. Do not send cash through the mail. Mail your renewal at least two weeks before your tabs expire to account for postal delays.

Processing by mail takes longer than online or in-person renewal. The state typically receives your payment within 5 to 7 business days, processes it within 3 to 5 business days, and then mails your new tabs. In total, expect 2 to 3 weeks from the time you mail your renewal until your new tabs arrive. If you are close to your expiration date, online renewal or a deputy registrar visit is faster.

Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If your payment is lost in the mail, you will have proof of when you sent it. The state can look up your mailed renewal by the check number or money order number if needed.

What to do if your tabs have already expired

If your registration has expired, you can still renew online, by mail, or in person—but you cannot legally drive the vehicle until the new tabs arrive. Driving with expired tabs is a violation and can result in a fine. Renew as soon as you notice the expiration.

When you renew after expiration, the state will add a late fee to your bill. This fee is typically $20 if you renew within 60 days of expiration. The longer you wait, the higher the late fee may be. Your renewal notice or the online system will show the total amount due, including any late fees, before you pay.

If you need to drive before your new tabs arrive, some deputy registrars can issue a temporary registration permit that allows you to drive legally for a short period. Ask when you visit or call ahead to confirm this service is available at your location.

Renewing a vehicle with a lien or loan

If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, the lender or leasing company may hold the title. You can still renew your registration online or at a deputy registrar—the lienholder does not need to approve the renewal. Your registration and tabs belong to you; the lien is a separate financial matter.

However, some lenders require you to maintain continuous registration as part of your loan agreement. Check your loan documents or contact your lender if you are unsure. Renewing on time protects both your legal right to drive and your loan obligations.

If your vehicle is leased, the leasing company typically handles registration renewal as part of the lease agreement. Check your lease paperwork to confirm who is responsible. If you are responsible, follow the same online or in-person renewal process as any other vehicle owner.

Renewing out-of-state or after moving to Minnesota

If you recently moved to Minnesota from another state, you must register your vehicle in Minnesota within 60 days. You cannot straightforward renew your out-of-state registration. Visit a deputy registrar office with your out-of-state title, proof of insurance, and a valid ID to register your vehicle in Minnesota. This is a new registration, not a renewal, and the process is different from tab renewal.

If you are a Minnesota resident renewing a vehicle registered in another state, you will need to transfer the registration to Minnesota first. This requires a title transfer and a new Minnesota registration. Contact a deputy registrar for the specific steps and documents needed.

Military personnel stationed outside Minnesota can renew Minnesota registrations by mail or online if they maintain a Minnesota address on file. Contact the DPS directly if you are in this situation to confirm your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs before they expire?

Yes. Minnesota allows you to renew your registration up to 60 days before expiration. Renewing early avoids the rush and ensures your new tabs arrive before the old ones expire. Your renewal notice will show the earliest date you can renew.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online at mn.gov/dvs by entering your VIN and license plate number instead of your renewal notice. The state will pull up your registration record. You can also visit a deputy registrar office with your proof of insurance and ID, and they can look up your record and process the renewal.

Do I need proof of insurance to renew online?

No. Online renewal does not require proof of insurance at the time of payment. However, Minnesota law requires you to carry valid insurance on any registered vehicle. If you are stopped by police, you must show proof of insurance along with your registration and driver's license.

How long can I drive with expired tabs before I get a fine?

You cannot legally drive with expired tabs at all. Driving with expired registration is a violation and can result in a fine. Renew before your expiration date or as soon as you notice the expiration. If you need to drive before new tabs arrive, ask a deputy registrar about a temporary permit.

Will my new tabs come in the mail if I renew at a deputy registrar?

It depends on the office. Some deputy registrars print tabs on-site and you leave with them the same day. Others mail tabs to you like the online process. Call your local deputy registrar office ahead of time to ask whether they offer same-day printing, so you know what to expect.