What Minnesota license tabs are and when you need to renew them

Minnesota license tabs are the stickers or decals you display on your vehicle's license plate to show that your registration is current. The tab shows the month and year your registration expires. When that date arrives, you must renew your tabs before you can legally drive—driving with expired tabs is a traffic violation that can result in a fine.

Your tabs expire on the last day of the month printed on them. If your tab says "12/25," your registration expires on December 31, 2025. You can renew starting the first day of the month before expiration—so for a December expiration, you could renew starting November 1. Many people renew in the month before expiration to avoid the rush and may support they have the new tab before the old one expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota tabs expire on the last day of the month shown on the sticker, and you can renew starting the first day of the month before.
  • You can renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office without visiting the main office.
  • Renewal requires your current registration card, proof that your vehicle passed its most recent safety inspection (if required), and proof of insurance.
  • Online renewal takes minutes and your new tab arrives by mail within one to two weeks; in-person renewal is when ready.
  • If your vehicle has a lien or loan against it, the lienholder must be listed on your registration before you can renew.

Renewing online through the Minnesota Secretary of State

The fastest way to renew is online at the Minnesota Secretary of State website (sos.state.mn.us). You will need your current registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and your driver's license number. The site will ask you to verify your vehicle information and confirm that your insurance is still active. You pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card.

After you complete the online renewal, your new tab is mailed to the address on your registration. Delivery typically takes one to two weeks. You should receive it before your current tab expires, but if you are renewing close to the expiration date, consider renewing earlier or using an in-person option to get your tab when ready.

Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office

You do not have to visit the Secretary of State office itself. Minnesota has Deputy Registrar locations throughout the state—usually in city halls, county offices, or private businesses—where you can renew your tabs on the spot. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and your driver's license. If your vehicle requires a safety inspection, bring proof that it passed.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you leave with your new tab in hand. This is the best option if your current tab is about to expire and you want to avoid any gap. You can find Deputy Registrar locations on the Secretary of State website by entering your city or county.

Renewing by mail

You can also renew by mail. Request a renewal form from the Secretary of State website or call the office to have one sent to you. Fill out the form, include your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person—typically two to three weeks for processing, plus mailing time both ways. Use this option only if you are renewing well in advance of your expiration date and do not need your tab when ready.

What documents and fees you need

For any renewal method, you will need your current registration card and proof of insurance. If your vehicle is subject to a safety inspection (most vehicles over a certain age or with certain equipment), you must provide proof that it passed. The inspection must be current—it cannot be older than 12 months.

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type. Passenger cars typically cost between $35 and $50, but trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicle types have different rates. The Secretary of State website shows the exact fee for your vehicle once you enter its information. Some counties add a local tax on top of the state fee. You pay by credit card (online), check or money order (mail), or cash or card (in person).

If your vehicle has a lien or loan

If you financed your vehicle through a bank, credit union, or dealership, the lender (called a lienholder) is listed on your registration. Before you can renew, the lienholder's name and address must still be correct on your registration. If you have paid off the loan, contact the lender to request a lien release, then submit that release to the Secretary of State before renewing.

If the lienholder information is outdated or missing, your renewal will be rejected. Contact the Secretary of State office or a Deputy Registrar to update your registration before attempting to renew your tabs.

What happens if your tabs expire

Driving with expired tabs is a traffic violation. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine. The amount varies but typically ranges from $50 to $100 for a first offense. If you are stopped, you can show proof that you have already renewed (such as a confirmation email from online renewal) to potentially avoid a ticket, but this is not may provide.

If your tabs have expired and you have not yet renewed, do so when ready. If you are waiting for your new tab to arrive by mail, keep your renewal confirmation with you while driving as evidence that you have renewed. In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office is the fastest way to get a valid tab if you are in a hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs if my vehicle failed its safety inspection?

No. You must have a current, passing safety inspection before you renew. If your vehicle failed, you have 10 days to have it repaired and re-inspected. Once it passes, you can renew your tabs. If you do not repair it within the allowed time, your registration will be suspended.

What if I move to a different address before my tabs expire?

Update your address with the Secretary of State before renewing. You can do this online, by mail, or at a Deputy Registrar office. Your new tab will be mailed to your updated address. If you renew before updating your address, the tab will go to your old address.

Can someone else renew my tabs for me?

Yes. If you authorize someone to renew on your behalf, they can do so online (using your information), by mail (with your signed form), or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. In person, they will need your registration card, proof of insurance, and a signed authorization from you.

How much does it cost to renew Minnesota tabs?

The fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type. Passenger cars typically cost $35 to $50. You can see the exact fee on the Secretary of State website by entering your vehicle information. Some counties add a local tax on top of the state fee.

What if I lost my registration card?

You can still renew online or in person at a Deputy Registrar office using your VIN and driver's license number. If you renew in person, bring your driver's license and proof of insurance. You can request a replacement registration card at the same time.