Minnesota car tabs renew through the Secretary of State's office, and you can do it online, by mail, or in person at a deputy registrar

Minnesota calls vehicle registration stickers "tabs," and they expire on the last day of the month printed on your current tab. You renew before that date to keep your registration current. The state offers three main routes: online through the Secretary of State website (the fastest option), by mail if you prefer paper, or in person at a deputy registrar office in your county.

You'll need your current registration card, proof of insurance, and payment. If your vehicle has changed ownership, passed inspection, or has outstanding violations, some routes may not work for you—in-person renewal handles complications that the online system cannot.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website takes minutes and works if your vehicle information hasn't changed and you have no violations or inspection issues.
  • You must have a current proof of insurance card or policy number before you renew, because Minnesota requires continuous coverage.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your form, so send it at least a month before your tabs expire.
  • Deputy registrar offices handle renewals the same day and can process vehicles with title issues, recent ownership changes, or inspection holds that block online renewal.
  • Renewing after your tabs expire results in a late fee added to your renewal cost, so renew before the expiration date on your current tab.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

The Minnesota Secretary of State's online renewal system is the fastest route if your vehicle record is clean. Go to mn.gov/sos, find the vehicle registration section, and select "renew registration." You'll enter your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and current registration card information. The system will pull up your vehicle record and show you the renewal fee.

Online renewal works only if your vehicle has no outstanding inspection holds, no title issues, and no violations flagged in the state system. If the system rejects your renewal, it will tell you why—usually because an inspection is overdue or because the vehicle was recently purchased and the title transfer hasn't cleared. In those cases, you'll need to renew in person or by mail.

Payment is by credit or debit card. Once approved, the Secretary of State mails your new tabs and registration card to the address on file. Tabs typically arrive within five to seven business days. You can drive legally while waiting if you print the online confirmation and keep it in your vehicle.

Renewing by mail with the Secretary of State

Mail renewal uses the form STAT 108, which you can read from the Secretary of State website or request by phone at 651-296-6911. Fill out the form with your vehicle information, current registration card details, and insurance information. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee (do not send cash) and a copy of your proof of insurance.

Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the form—it varies by region. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope, so send it at least a month before your tabs expire. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Like online renewal, mail renewal will be rejected if your vehicle has inspection holds or title issues. The Secretary of State will return your form with an explanation if that happens, and you'll need to resolve the issue before trying again.

Renewing in person at a deputy registrar

Deputy registrars are county offices authorized to handle vehicle registration. They can renew your tabs the same day and handle situations that the online and mail systems cannot—recent ownership transfers, inspection holds, title corrections, and vehicles with violations. Find your county's deputy registrar office through the Secretary of State website or by searching "[your county] deputy registrar."

Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and payment (cash, check, or card—policies vary by office). If your vehicle was recently purchased, bring the title or bill of sale. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll receive your new tabs and registration card on the spot.

Deputy registrars charge the same state renewal fee as online and mail, but some offices add a small service fee. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether they accept the payment method you plan to use.

What happens if your tabs expire before you renew

Driving with expired tabs is a violation in Minnesota. If you're stopped, you'll receive a citation. More importantly, your vehicle is not legally registered, which means your insurance may not cover an accident. Renew before the expiration date on your current tab.

If your tabs have already expired, you can still renew through any of the three routes, but the Secretary of State will add a late fee to your renewal cost. The amount varies but is typically $25 to $50 depending on how long the tabs have been expired. Renew as soon as possible to avoid additional fines if you're stopped.

Insurance requirements and what the Secretary of State checks

Minnesota requires continuous auto insurance, and the Secretary of State verifies this during renewal. You must provide proof of insurance—either your current insurance card or your policy number. The state checks this information against records from insurance companies, so gaps in coverage will block your renewal.

If you recently switched insurance companies, make sure your new policy is active before you renew. If you let your insurance lapse, you'll need to restore coverage and then renew your registration. Some people discover coverage gaps during renewal—if that happens to you, contact your insurance company when ready to confirm your policy is in force, then try renewing again.

Inspection requirements and when you need one before renewing

Minnesota requires a vehicle safety inspection every two years. Your registration card shows the inspection expiration date. If your inspection has expired or will expire before your new tabs do, you must pass a new inspection before the Secretary of State will renew your registration.

Any licensed inspection station can perform the inspection—you don't have to use a specific one. The inspection checks brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and steering. It costs around $15 to $20 depending on the station. Once you pass, the station gives you a certificate. You can then renew your registration online, by mail, or in person using that certificate as proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs if I just bought the vehicle?

Not online or by mail until the title transfer clears in the state system, which usually takes one to two weeks. Go to a deputy registrar in person with your bill of sale or title document, and they can renew your registration the same day. Bring proof of insurance and payment.

What if I moved and my address changed?

Update your address with the Secretary of State before renewing, or do it during renewal. Online renewal lets you change your address on the same screen. By mail, include a note with your new address. At a deputy registrar, bring a utility bill or lease as proof of your new address.

How much does it cost to renew tabs in Minnesota?

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and age. Most passenger cars cost between $135 and $180 per year. The Secretary of State website shows the exact fee for your vehicle when you start the renewal process. If your tabs are expired, add the late fee on top.

Can someone else renew my tabs for me?

Yes, if you authorize them. They can renew online if they have your VIN and registration card information, or in person at a deputy registrar with a signed note from you and a copy of your registration card. Mail renewal requires your signature on the form.

What if the online system says my vehicle has an inspection hold?

Your inspection has expired or is overdue. Schedule a safety inspection at any licensed station, pass it, and get the certificate. Then try renewing online again, or go to a deputy registrar with the certificate and they'll process it when ready.