What you need to do to renew your Minnesota tabs

Minnesota sends you a renewal notice 30 days before your tabs expire. You can renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at any Deputy Registrar office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing by mail or in person — there is no extra fee for choosing the faster method.

You will need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method. If you renew online, your new tabs are mailed to you within 5 to 7 business days. If you renew by mail or in person, the timeline is similar. You can drive legally on your old tabs until the new ones arrive, as long as you have proof of the renewal transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota mails a renewal notice 30 days before expiration, and you can renew online, by mail, or at a Deputy Registrar office without paying extra.
  • Online renewal through the Secretary of State website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes from your computer.
  • You need your current registration card, VIN, and a payment method to renew, whether you choose online, mail, or in-person renewal.
  • New tabs arrive within 5 to 7 business days by mail, and you can legally drive on your old tabs until the new ones reach you.
  • If your registration has lapsed more than 60 days, you may need to renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office instead of online.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State

The Minnesota Secretary of State website has a vehicle registration renewal portal. Go to mn.gov/sos, find the vehicle services section, and select "Renew Registration." Enter your vehicle information, current registration number, and VIN. The system will pull up your vehicle record and show you the renewal fee.

Payment is by credit card, debit card, or e-check. Once you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — it serves as proof of renewal if you are stopped before your new tabs arrive. Your new tabs will be mailed to the address on file within 5 to 7 business days.

Renewing by mail or at a Deputy Registrar office

If you prefer not to renew online, mail your renewal notice and payment to the address printed on the notice itself. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail processing takes longer than online renewal — typically 2 to 3 weeks from the time the office receives your envelope.

You can also renew in person at any Deputy Registrar office in Minnesota. Bring your renewal notice, current registration card, and payment. In-person renewal is processed when ready, and you can drive home with your new tabs the same day. Deputy Registrar offices are located in most cities and towns; you can find the nearest one on the Secretary of State website.

What happens if your tabs have already expired

If your registration has lapsed fewer than 60 days, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process. You will owe the renewal fee plus a late fee. The late fee amount depends on how long the registration has been expired; Minnesota charges a penalty that increases with time.

If your registration has lapsed more than 60 days, you must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Bring your current vehicle title, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. The office will process your renewal and collect the renewal fee plus the late fee. You cannot legally drive the vehicle until the new tabs are issued.

Understanding the renewal fee and what it covers

The Minnesota vehicle registration renewal fee varies by vehicle weight and type. A standard passenger car typically costs between $150 and $200 to renew, but the exact amount depends on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The renewal notice you receive will show the exact fee for your vehicle.

The renewal fee covers your registration for one year from the expiration date of your current tabs. It does not include any late fees if your registration has lapsed, and it does not cover any other services like title transfers or address changes. If you need to change your address or vehicle information, you may need to visit a Deputy Registrar office in person.

Keeping your registration current between renewals

Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder for 30 days before your tabs expire. This gives you time to renew before the important date without rushing. If you move, update your address with the Secretary of State as soon as possible so your renewal notice reaches you on time.

If you do not receive a renewal notice in the mail, do not wait until your tabs expire to act. Contact the Secretary of State or visit a Deputy Registrar office to confirm your registration status and renew if needed. Driving with expired tabs can result in a citation, even if you intended to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew online or in person at any time during the month before your tabs expire. You do not have to wait for the renewal notice to arrive. Have your current registration card and VIN ready when you renew early.

What if I moved and did not update my address?

Contact the Secretary of State to update your address on file. If your renewal notice was mailed to an old address, you can still renew online or in person at a Deputy Registrar office using your registration number and VIN. Update your address as soon as possible to avoid missing future notices.

Do I have to display the new tabs right away when they arrive?

Yes. Once your new tabs arrive, remove the old ones and display the new ones on your license plate. You are legally required to display current tabs. Keep the old tabs for your records but do not display them alongside the new ones.

What if I lost my registration card?

You can still renew online if you have your VIN and know your registration number. If you do not have this information, visit a Deputy Registrar office with a valid ID and proof of vehicle ownership. They can look up your registration and process your renewal in person.

Is there a difference in cost between renewing online versus in person?

No. The renewal fee is the same regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There are no extra charges for choosing one method over another. The only difference is how long it takes to receive your new tabs.