What Minnesota License Tabs Are and When You Renew Them

Minnesota license tabs are the small stickers you place on your vehicle's license plate to show that your registration is current. The tab displays the month and year your registration expires. You renew your tabs every year (or every two years if you have a two-year registration), and the renewal happens on your vehicle's registration anniversary — the month shown on your current tab.

The tab itself is not your registration; it is proof that you have registered your vehicle with the state. Your actual registration document stays in your vehicle. The tab is what a police officer can see from behind your car to confirm you are legal to drive.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota tabs renew every year on your vehicle's registration anniversary month, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office.
  • Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes if your vehicle information has not changed.
  • You will need your current registration document, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check) to renew.
  • The renewal fee varies based on your vehicle's weight and type, and you must affix the new tab to your license plate within 10 days of receiving it.
  • If your tabs have already expired, you can still renew online or by mail, but driving with expired tabs is illegal and can result in a citation.

Renewing Your Tabs Online Through the Secretary of State

The Minnesota Secretary of State website allows you to renew your tabs without leaving home. Go to mn.gov/sos, select the vehicle registration section, and choose the option to renew your registration. You will enter your license plate number or VIN, and the system will pull up your vehicle's record.

The online process asks you to confirm that your vehicle information (make, model, year, VIN) and your address have not changed. If everything matches, you pay the renewal fee using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The system generates a confirmation number when ready. Your new tab will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal works best if you renew before your current tab expires. If your tabs are already expired, you can still renew online, but you should do so as soon as possible to avoid driving illegally.

Renewing by Mail or at a Deputy Registrar Office

If you prefer not to use the website, you can renew by mail. The Minnesota Secretary of State sends renewal notices to vehicle owners about 30 days before the registration expires. The notice includes a form you can fill out, sign, and mail back with a check or money order. Mail your renewal to the address shown on the notice. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the office receives your envelope.

You can also renew in person at any Deputy Registrar office in Minnesota. These are local offices run by county or city governments, not state offices. You will need your current registration document and a valid ID. The staff will verify your information, collect the fee, and give you your new tab on the spot. This is the only method that gives you the tab when ready.

To find a Deputy Registrar near you, search "Minnesota Deputy Registrar" plus your city name, or call your county auditor's office for the nearest location and hours.

What Information and Documents You Need

Have your current registration document in front of you before you start. This document shows your vehicle's VIN, license plate number, and the current expiration date. You will also need your vehicle's VIN if you are renewing online and do not have the registration handy.

If your address has changed since your last registration, you will need to update it during renewal. Some online systems ask you to confirm your address; if it is wrong, you may need to update it first through the Secretary of State's address change form, or do it in person at a Deputy Registrar office.

If your vehicle's information has changed — for example, you repainted it a different color, or you added or removed equipment — you should update that information when you renew. Changes to the vehicle itself (not just cosmetic) may affect your registration type or fee.

Understanding the Renewal Fee and What It Covers

Minnesota registration fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not on its age or condition. The GVWR is the maximum weight the vehicle is designed to carry, including passengers and cargo. A heavier vehicle costs more to register than a lighter one.

Fees also vary by vehicle type. Passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, and trailers each have different fee schedules. The Secretary of State website shows the current fee for your vehicle type and weight class before you pay, so you will know the exact amount.

Your registration fee covers the cost of maintaining the registration system and issuing your tab. It does not cover vehicle inspections, emissions testing, or insurance. Some counties or cities may charge an additional local fee at a Deputy Registrar office, but online and mail renewals do not include local fees.

Affixing Your New Tab and Handling Expired Tabs

When your new tab arrives in the mail, you must place it on your license plate within 10 days. The tab goes on the lower right corner of your rear license plate. Remove the backing and press it firmly so it sticks. The tab should be visible and not covered by dirt, snow, or anything else.

If your old tab is still on the plate, peel it off before explore the new one. Do not layer tabs on top of each other. If the old tab does not come off cleanly, use a plastic scraper or credit card edge to lift it gently.

Driving with an expired tab is a violation in Minnesota. A police officer can cite you for an expired registration, which carries a fine. If your tabs have expired and you have not yet renewed, do so when ready — online renewal is the fastest way if you cannot get to a Deputy Registrar office today.

What to Do If Your Tab Does Not Arrive or You Lose It

If you renewed online or by mail and your tab does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State's office. You can call their vehicle registration line or use the contact form on mn.gov/sos. Have your confirmation number or registration document ready.

If your tab arrives but you lose it or it falls off your plate, you can request a replacement. Go to a Deputy Registrar office in person with your registration document and ID. They can issue a replacement tab on the spot for a small fee (usually a few dollars). Do not drive with a blank or missing tab; affix the replacement as soon as you receive it.

If you receive a duplicate renewal notice or bill after you have already renewed, do not pay it. Contact the Secretary of State to confirm your renewal was processed. Duplicate notices sometimes arrive due to mail delays, not because your renewal failed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs before the expiration month?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to 30 days before your current tab expires. Renewing early does not change your registration anniversary; your new tab will still expire in the same month next year. Early renewal is a good idea if you want to avoid the rush near the expiration date.

What happens if I drive with expired tabs?

Driving with an expired registration tab is illegal in Minnesota. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine. The fine amount depends on how long the tabs have been expired and whether you have prior violations. Renew as soon as you realize your tabs are expired.

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

No. When you sell your vehicle, the new owner becomes responsible for registration. You should notify the Secretary of State that you no longer own the vehicle so you do not receive renewal notices. The buyer will register the vehicle in their name and receive their own tabs.

Can I renew tabs for a vehicle registered to someone else?

You can renew online if you have the registration document and can access the Secretary of State website. If the vehicle is registered to a spouse or family member, you can renew on their behalf online. For in-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office, the person whose name is on the registration should be present, or you may need a signed authorization form.

What if my vehicle information changed since my last registration?

If you changed your address, you should update it before or during renewal. If you changed your vehicle (repainted it, added equipment, or modified it), tell the Deputy Registrar or note it on your mail renewal form. Some changes may affect your registration type or fee, so it is important to report them accurately.