You can renew your Minnesota vehicle registration online through the Secretary of State's website without visiting an office

Minnesota lets you renew your vehicle registration online at sos.state.mn.us using the online registration renewal system. You'll need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new registration is typically mailed to you within one to two weeks.

Online renewal is available if your vehicle passed its most recent safety inspection and you have no outstanding violations or liens on the title. If your registration has been expired for more than two years, or if you need to change ownership information, you'll need to renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota's online renewal system is at sos.state.mn.us and works for most standard vehicle registrations that are current or only recently expired.
  • You'll need your registration card, VIN, and a debit or credit card to complete the renewal in about 10 minutes.
  • Your new registration card arrives by mail in one to two weeks; you can drive legally during this time if your old registration is still valid.
  • Online renewal is not available if your registration expired more than two years ago, if you have a lien on the vehicle, or if you need to change the registered owner.

What you need before you start

Gather your current registration card, your vehicle's VIN (found on the card, your insurance documents, or the driver's side dashboard), and the odometer reading. Have a debit or credit card ready for the renewal fee, which varies by vehicle weight and type but typically ranges from $35 to $200 for a standard passenger vehicle.

If your registration card is lost or damaged, you can still renew online if you know your vehicle's VIN and license plate number. If you don't have either, contact a Deputy Registrar office before attempting online renewal.

Steps to renew online

Go to sos.state.mn.us and select "Register a Vehicle" or "Renew Registration" from the main menu. You'll be directed to the online registration system. Enter your license plate number and VIN when prompted, then verify the vehicle information displayed matches your records.

Review the renewal fee amount, which the system calculates based on your vehicle's weight and type. Enter your current odometer reading. Provide your payment information and confirm your mailing address for the new registration card. Review all details one final time before submitting.

After submission, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save or print this number. Your new registration card will arrive by mail; Minnesota law allows you to drive with your old registration until the new one arrives.

When online renewal is not available

You cannot renew online if your registration expired more than two years ago. You also cannot use the online system if there is a lien on your vehicle title, if you need to add or remove a registered owner, or if your vehicle failed its most recent safety inspection.

If your vehicle requires a new safety inspection sticker, you must complete that inspection before renewing your registration. Visit a licensed inspection station, then return to the online system once the inspection is recorded in the state database, which typically takes one business day.

Fees and payment methods

Minnesota charges a base registration fee plus a weight-based fee. A typical passenger vehicle weighing 3,000 to 4,000 pounds costs between $35 and $50 for a two-year renewal. Heavier vehicles and commercial registrations cost more. The online system shows your exact fee before you pay.

The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. It does not accept checks, money orders, or cash. If you pay by card, the charge appears on your statement within one to three business days.

What happens after you submit

Your confirmation number proves you've renewed. Keep it until your new registration card arrives. If you need to drive before the card arrives, your old registration remains valid. The new card is mailed to the address on file, so update your address before renewing if you've moved recently.

If your new registration doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact the Secretary of State's office at 651-296-6911 or visit a Deputy Registrar office with your confirmation number. They can print a temporary registration or investigate the delay.

If your renewal is rejected

The system will reject your renewal if it detects an outstanding violation, an unpaid parking ticket, or a safety inspection failure. The error message will specify the reason. You must resolve the issue before you can renew online.

For violations or tickets, contact the court or agency listed in the rejection message. For inspection failures, visit an inspection station and have the vehicle re-inspected. Once resolved, return to the online system and try renewing again. If the system continues to reject your renewal, visit a Deputy Registrar office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if it's already expired?

Yes, as long as it expired less than two years ago. Minnesota allows online renewal for registrations that are current or recently expired. If it's been more than two years, you must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office.

How long does it take to get my new registration card?

The card is mailed within one to two weeks of submission. You can drive legally with your old registration until the new one arrives. If three weeks pass without receiving it, contact the Secretary of State's office with your confirmation number.

What if I enter the wrong odometer reading?

Contact the Secretary of State's office at 651-296-6911 with your confirmation number. They can correct the odometer reading on your registration record. Odometer fraud is a crime, so always enter the actual mileage.

Can I renew online if I have a lien on my vehicle?

No. If your vehicle has a lien, you must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Bring your registration card, proof of insurance, and the lienholder's information. The lienholder may need to sign off on the renewal.

What if my address changed since my last registration?

Update your address in the online system before you submit your renewal. Your new registration card will be mailed to the updated address. If you forget to update it, contact a Deputy Registrar office to correct it after renewal.