Minnesota lets you renew your vehicle tabs online through the Secretary of State website, without visiting a branch office

You can renew your Minnesota vehicle registration tabs online at mn.gov/sos using the online renewal system. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you'll receive your new tabs by mail within one to two weeks. You'll need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method — Minnesota accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-check.

Online renewal is available for most passenger vehicles, light trucks, and motorcycles. Some vehicle types — commercial vehicles, vehicles with special plates, or registrations with pending violations — may require an in-person visit to a Deputy Registrar office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Start your renewal at mn.gov/sos at least two weeks before your tabs expire to may support delivery before the important date.
  • You will need your current registration card, your vehicle's VIN, and a valid credit card, debit card, or bank account for payment.
  • The renewal fee varies by vehicle type and weight; check the fee schedule on the Secretary of State website before you pay.
  • Your new tabs arrive by mail in one to two weeks; if you need them faster, you can pick up temporary tabs at a Deputy Registrar office.

What you need before you start

Gather your current registration card before opening the renewal form. You'll enter your vehicle's license plate number and VIN, both of which appear on the card. If you've lost your registration card, you can still renew online — the system will ask you to verify your identity using your driver's license number and date of birth instead.

Have a payment method ready. Minnesota's online system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and debit cards. You can also pay by e-check if you have a checking account. The system will not process payment through PayPal or other third-party payment services.

Step-by-step: completing your renewal online

Go to mn.gov/sos and look for the vehicle registration renewal link on the homepage. Click it to open the renewal portal. Enter your license plate number and the last four digits of your VIN when prompted. The system will pull up your current registration information.

Review the information on screen to confirm it matches your vehicle and current address. If your address has changed, update it before you proceed — your new tabs will be mailed to the address you confirm here. Select your renewal term (one year or two years), then review the fee amount. Click through to the payment page, enter your card or bank details, and submit. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.

Print or save your confirmation for your records. You do not need to print anything to display in your vehicle — your new tabs will arrive by mail.

How long delivery takes and what to do if tabs are late

Standard mail delivery of new tabs takes one to two weeks from the date you complete your payment. Minnesota recommends renewing at least two weeks before your current tabs expire. If you're cutting it close and worried about delivery, you have two options: renew earlier, or visit a Deputy Registrar office to pick up temporary tabs while you wait for your permanent ones.

Temporary tabs are valid for 30 days and cost a small fee (usually $5 to $10, depending on the office). You can find Deputy Registrar locations and hours at mn.gov/sos. If your tabs expire before your new ones arrive and you have not obtained temporary tabs, you're driving with expired registration, which can result in a traffic stop and fine.

When online renewal is not available

Some registrations cannot be renewed online and require a visit to a Deputy Registrar office. These include commercial vehicles, vehicles registered under a business name, registrations with outstanding violations or holds, and vehicles with special plates (disabled, veteran, or personalized plates). If the online system rejects your renewal, it will tell you why and direct you to the nearest office.

You can also renew in person at any Deputy Registrar office if you prefer not to use the online system. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and payment. Processing usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you can drive home with your new tabs the same day.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Minnesota vehicle registration fees depend on your vehicle's type and weight. Passenger cars typically cost between $145 and $165 per year. Light trucks and SUVs may cost more depending on their gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The Secretary of State website lists the full fee schedule by vehicle class.

Your fee also includes a $5 deputy registrar service fee if you renew online (this fee is built into the total). If you renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office, the fee structure is the same. Some vehicles may may have access to for fee reductions — for example, electric vehicles have lower registration fees in Minnesota, and disabled veterans may may have access to for reduced fees. Check the fee schedule to see if your vehicle qualifies.

Keeping your registration current between renewals

After you renew online, keep your confirmation email and the registration card you receive by mail in a safe place. Minnesota law requires you to carry proof of registration in your vehicle at all times. If you're stopped by police, you must show either your physical registration card or a digital copy on your phone.

Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for two weeks before your tabs expire next time. This gives you enough time to renew online and receive your new tabs by mail without rushing or needing temporary tabs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs if my address has changed?

Yes. Update your address in the online renewal form before you pay. Your new tabs and registration card will be mailed to the address you confirm during renewal. If you've moved recently and haven't updated your address with the Secretary of State, do that first at mn.gov/sos.

What if I don't receive my new tabs within two weeks?

Contact the Secretary of State at 651-296-6911 with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your mailing. If there's a delay, you can visit a Deputy Registrar office to pick up temporary tabs while you wait for your permanent ones to arrive.

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

Yes. A lien does not prevent you from renewing your registration online. The lienholder's name will appear on your registration card, but you can still renew through the normal online process.

Do I need to renew my tabs if I'm selling my vehicle?

No. If you're selling your vehicle before your tabs expire, you do not need to renew them. Transfer the registration to the new owner instead. The new owner will renew the tabs on their own schedule.

What happens if my tabs expire while I'm waiting for my new ones?

If your new tabs haven't arrived by the expiration date, visit a Deputy Registrar office to get temporary tabs. Driving with expired tabs without temporary tabs is a violation and can result in a fine. Temporary tabs are valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent tabs to arrive by mail.