Minnesota lets you renew your vehicle registration online through the Secretary of State's website, and you can do it from home without visiting an office.

You can renew online if your vehicle is registered in Minnesota and your registration has not expired more than two years ago. The process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method — Minnesota accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.

The renewal fee varies depending on your vehicle type and weight. Passenger cars typically cost between $175 and $225, but trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicle classes have different rates. You can see the exact fee before you complete payment.

Key Takeaways

  • Renew online at mn.gov/secretary-of-state by entering your registration number, VIN, and personal information.
  • You need your current registration card and a credit card, debit card, or bank account information to pay the renewal fee.
  • Your new registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal.
  • If your registration expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online and must visit a Deputy Registrar office in person.
  • You can renew up to 12 months before your registration expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

Steps to Renew Online

Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and select the vehicle registration renewal option. You will be asked to enter your registration number (found on your current registration card) and your VIN. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show you the renewal fee.

Enter your personal information, including your name, address, and date of birth. Review the information on screen to make sure it matches your records. If your address has changed, update it during this step — your new registration card will be mailed to the address you provide.

Choose your payment method and complete the transaction. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic checks drawn from a U.S. bank account. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.

When Your New Registration Card Arrives

After you complete the online renewal, your new registration card is printed and mailed to you. Most cards arrive within 7 to 10 business days, though delivery times can vary depending on mail service in your area. You do not need to do anything while you wait — the card will come automatically.

You can legally drive with your old registration card until the new one arrives. If you need proof of renewal before the card reaches you, your confirmation email serves as temporary proof. Keep that email or print it and carry it with you.

If your new registration card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State office. They can verify the status of your renewal and reissue the card if needed.

Who Cannot Renew Online

Your registration must not be expired by more than two years. If it has been expired longer than that, the online system will not allow you to renew, and you must visit a Deputy Registrar office in person. You can find the nearest office on the Secretary of State website by entering your city or ZIP code.

You also cannot renew online if your vehicle has a lien (meaning a lender or bank holds the title). In that case, you will need to visit an office in person so staff can verify the lien status with your lender.

If your registration card is lost or damaged and you cannot read your registration number, you will need to contact the Secretary of State or visit an office to look up your information before you can renew online.

Renewing Early and Setting Reminders

Minnesota allows you to renew your registration up to 12 months before it expires. This means you can renew as soon as you receive your renewal notice in the mail, or even earlier if you know your expiration date. Renewing early does not cost extra — you pay the same fee regardless of when you renew.

The Secretary of State typically mails renewal notices about 30 days before your registration expires. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew online using your registration number and VIN. Set a calendar reminder for a month before your expiration date so you do not forget.

What Happens If You Miss the Expiration Date

If your registration expires and you continue to drive, you can be stopped by law enforcement and cited for driving with an expired registration. The fine varies but is typically between $25 and $100, plus court costs. Your vehicle may also be subject to impound in some situations.

You can still renew online as long as your registration has not been expired for more than two years. If it has been expired longer than two years, you must visit a Deputy Registrar office and may face additional penalties or requirements.

If you realize your registration has expired, renew as soon as you can. The online process is faster than visiting an office, and you can complete it when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if I just moved to Minnesota?

If your vehicle is already registered in Minnesota, you can renew online and update your address during the process. If you are registering a vehicle in Minnesota for the first time, you must visit a Deputy Registrar office in person with your title, proof of residency, and proof of insurance.

What if my registration card is damaged and I cannot read the number?

Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State office or visit a Deputy Registrar office with your VIN and ID. They can look up your registration number and provide you with a replacement card. Once you have the number, you can renew online.

Do I need to have insurance to renew online?

Minnesota requires all registered vehicles to have active insurance, but the online renewal system does not verify your insurance status. However, you must have valid insurance to legally drive. If you do not have insurance, obtain it before or at the same time you renew your registration.

Can I renew if my vehicle has a lien on it?

No, you must visit a Deputy Registrar office in person if your vehicle has a lien. The office will verify the lien status with your lender before processing the renewal.

How long is my registration valid after I renew online?

Your new registration is valid for one year from the expiration date of your previous registration. Your new registration card will show the new expiration date.