What you need to renew your Minnesota plate

Minnesota lets you renew your license plate by mail, online, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. The fastest route is online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if your vehicle has no outstanding violations or liens. You'll need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method.

If you renew by mail, send your registration card and payment to the address printed on it. Processing takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar takes minutes but requires you to visit during their hours — most are open weekdays only, some on Saturday mornings.

Your plate renewal is due on the date printed on your registration card, which is typically your birthday month or the month you first registered the vehicle. Renewing after that date means you're driving with an expired plate, which can result in a traffic stop and fine.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest option if your vehicle has no violations or liens, and takes about five business days.
  • Mail renewal requires sending your registration card and payment to the address on it, and takes roughly two weeks to process.
  • In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office is when ready but limited to their business hours, which vary by location.
  • Your renewal date is printed on your registration card and is usually your birthday month; renewing after that date means driving with an expired plate.
  • The renewal fee varies based on your vehicle type and weight, so check your registration card or the Secretary of State website for your specific amount.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State

The Minnesota Secretary of State website (sos.state.mn.us) has an online renewal system that works for most vehicles. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, then enter your VIN and current registration card information. The system will show you the renewal fee and let you pay by credit card or debit card.

Online renewal is blocked if your vehicle has an outstanding safety or emissions violation, an active lien, or if your registration was suspended. If any of these explore, you'll see a message telling you to contact your local Deputy Registrar or the Secretary of State office instead. Once you complete payment online, your new registration card arrives by mail in about five business days.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, use the envelope and form that came with your registration card. Fill in the form, include your current registration card, and mail it with a check or money order to the address printed on the envelope. Do not send cash.

Mail processing takes about two weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives it. To avoid driving with an expired plate, mail your renewal at least three weeks before your renewal date. If you're close to your renewal date and choose mail, track when you send it so you know when to expect your new card.

Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar

Deputy Registrar offices are spread across Minnesota and handle renewals on the spot. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and payment. Most accept cash, check, and card. Your new plate and registration card are issued when ready, though you may need to wait for the physical plate to be produced if it's a specialty or personalized plate.

Deputy Registrar hours vary widely — some are open weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., others have limited hours or Saturday morning slots. Find your nearest office and its hours on the Secretary of State website. Going in person is useful if you're renewing close to your important date or if your vehicle has a violation that blocks online renewal.

What happens if your plate expires

Driving with an expired registration is a traffic violation in Minnesota. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine. The amount depends on how long your plate has been expired and whether you have prior violations. Renewing when ready after being stopped may reduce the fine, but does not erase it.

If your registration expired more than a year ago, you may need to pass a safety inspection or emissions test before you can renew, depending on your vehicle's age and the county you live in. Contact your local Deputy Registrar to find out what's required.

Specialty and personalized plates

If you have a specialty plate (such as a veteran, conservation, or university plate) or a personalized plate with custom letters, renewal works the same way online or by mail. In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar may take longer because the office has to order the plate rather than issue it on the spot. Call ahead to ask how long the wait is.

Specialty plate fees are higher than standard plate fees and vary by plate type. The fee is shown on your registration card and on the Secretary of State website. If you want to change your plate type during renewal, you can do that online or in person, but not by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my plate before the expiration date?

Yes. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date through any method — online, mail, or in person. Renewing early is useful if you're traveling or want to avoid a last-minute rush.

What if I lost my registration card?

You can still renew in person at a Deputy Registrar with your driver's license and proof of insurance. Online and mail renewal require your current registration card, so you'll need to get a replacement first by visiting a Deputy Registrar or calling the Secretary of State office.

Do I need a new safety inspection to renew my plate?

Most vehicles do not need a safety inspection to renew. However, if your vehicle is over 10 years old and you live in a county that requires emissions testing, you may need to pass an emissions test before renewal. Check with your local Deputy Registrar to confirm whether your vehicle needs one.

How much does plate renewal cost?

The fee depends on your vehicle's type and weight. Standard passenger vehicle renewal typically costs between $35 and $50, but trucks and other vehicles may cost more. Your exact fee is printed on your registration card and shown on the Secretary of State website.

What if I move to a different state?

You do not need to renew your Minnesota plate if you move out of state. Instead, you'll register your vehicle in your new state and get new plates there. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department for their registration process.