Minnesota vehicle registration renews every two years, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person at your local Deputy Registrar office
Minnesota sends you a renewal notice 30 to 45 days before your registration expires. That notice tells you the fee amount and your registration number. You can renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, by mail using the notice itself, or by visiting a Deputy Registrar office in person. The online route is fastest — you'll get your new registration the same day if you pay by credit or debit card. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar is when ready if you bring the right documents.
Your registration expires on the last day of the month shown on your current registration sticker. Renewing before that date keeps you legal on the road. If you miss the important date, you can still renew, but you'll owe a late fee on top of the standard renewal cost. The late fee varies depending on how long you've been expired.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota sends a renewal notice 30 to 45 days before expiration; use that notice to renew by mail or bring it to a Deputy Registrar office.
- Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest option and gives you a new registration the same day.
- You need your current registration, proof of insurance, and a valid ID to renew in person; mail and online renewal use the same documents you already have.
- Late fees explore if you renew after your registration expires, so renewing before the expiration date saves you money.
- Your registration is valid for two years from the renewal date, and Minnesota will send you a new notice before it expires again.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State vehicle services portal and select the renewal option. You'll need your registration number (from your current sticker or the renewal notice), your vehicle identification number (VIN), and your date of birth. The system will pull up your vehicle record and show you the renewal fee. Pay by credit or debit card, and you're done — your new registration prints when ready and arrives by mail within a few days.
Online renewal works only if your vehicle information hasn't changed since your last registration. If you've moved, changed your name, or added or removed a vehicle owner, you'll need to update that information first. The Secretary of State website will tell you if changes are needed before you can complete the renewal.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
The renewal notice Minnesota sends you has a payment stub on the back. Fill in the stub with the amount due, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include your current registration or a copy of it so the office can match your payment to your vehicle record.
Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the office receives your payment. If you're close to your expiration date, mail renewal cuts it close — consider renewing online or in person instead. If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail: contact your local Deputy Registrar office and ask them to send you a new notice, or pay online instead.
Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office
Minnesota has Deputy Registrar offices in most cities and towns. You can find the one nearest you on the Secretary of State website by entering your city or zip code. Bring your current registration, proof of insurance (your insurance card or a letter from your insurer), and a valid ID. The Deputy Registrar will process your renewal on the spot, and you'll leave with your new registration sticker.
In-person renewal is useful if you're renewing late, if your vehicle information has changed, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. Some Deputy Registrar offices take walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check the office's hours and appointment policy before you go. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
What happens if you renew late
If your registration expires and you don't renew before you drive again, you're driving with an expired registration. A police officer can stop you for this, and you'll receive a citation. You can still renew after expiration, but Minnesota charges a late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost. The late fee depends on how many days past expiration you are when you renew.
If you're pulled over with an expired registration, renewing when ready doesn't erase the citation — you'll still have to deal with the ticket. The best approach is to renew before the expiration date. If you realize your registration has expired, renew as soon as you can to avoid driving illegally and to stop the late fees from growing.
Proof of insurance requirements
Minnesota requires you to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times, and you need to show it when you renew your registration. Your insurance card or a letter from your insurer counts as proof. The proof must show your vehicle's VIN, your policy number, and the policy dates. If you're renewing online, you don't need to upload or mail proof of insurance — the Secretary of State assumes you have it. If you're renewing in person or by mail, bring the proof with you or include a copy.
If your insurance lapses between renewals, your registration remains valid, but you're breaking the law by driving without insurance. If you cancel your insurance or let it lapse, contact your insurance company to reinstate it before you drive. When you renew your registration next time, you'll need current proof again.
Changing vehicle information during renewal
If you've moved, changed your name, added or removed an owner, or changed your address since your last registration, you need to update that information before or during renewal. Online renewal will flag any mismatches and tell you what needs to be corrected. If you're renewing in person, the Deputy Registrar can update your information while they process the renewal. If you're renewing by mail, contact your local Deputy Registrar office first to find out whether you can make changes by mail or need to visit in person.
Some changes, like adding a co-owner or removing an owner, may require additional documents — for example, a bill of sale or a court order. The Deputy Registrar office can tell you what you need. It's worth calling ahead if you know changes are coming, so you have the right paperwork ready when you renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration before the renewal notice arrives?
Yes. You can renew online or in person anytime during the two-year registration period. You don't have to wait for the renewal notice. If you renew early, your new registration will be valid for two years from the date you renew, not from the date your old one expired.
What if I move out of state before my registration expires?
You don't need to renew your Minnesota registration if you're moving to another state. Register your vehicle in your new state instead. If you're moving but keeping your Minnesota address on file, you can renew normally when the time comes.
How much does registration renewal cost in Minnesota?
The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type. The renewal notice you receive will show the exact amount you owe. Fees range but are typically between $100 and $300 for standard passenger vehicles. Late fees are added if you renew after expiration.
Can someone else renew my registration for me?
Yes, if you renew by mail or online. For in-person renewal, the Deputy Registrar may allow a family member or authorized person to renew on your behalf, but policies vary by office. Call ahead to ask. You'll need to sign the renewal notice or authorize the person in writing.
What if my vehicle is financed or leased?
If your vehicle is financed, you own it and renew normally. If it's leased, the leasing company typically handles registration renewal as part of the lease agreement. Check your lease paperwork or contact the leasing company to confirm who's responsible for renewal.