What you need to do to renew Minnesota tabs

Minnesota tabs (the registration sticker on your license plate) expire on the last day of the month printed on them. You can renew starting 90 days before that expiration date. The state offers three ways to renew: online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Online renewal is the fastest—you'll get your new tabs in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar gets you tabs the same day, but you'll need to bring documents and wait in line.

The cost varies depending on your vehicle type and weight. Passenger cars typically cost between $135 and $180 per year, but trucks, trailers, and commercial vehicles have different rates. Minnesota charges based on the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not just what you own. You'll pay the same amount whether you renew online, by mail, or in person—the method only changes how fast you get your tabs and how much time you spend on it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your tabs online, by mail, or at a Deputy Registrar office starting 90 days before expiration.
  • Online renewal is fastest (7 to 10 business days) and requires only your vehicle identification number and driver's license number.
  • In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar gives you tabs the same day but requires proof of insurance and your vehicle title or registration card.
  • The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating, not the renewal method, and ranges from roughly $135 to $180 for most passenger vehicles.
  • Driving with expired tabs is a violation; Minnesota law requires tabs to be current before you operate the vehicle on public roads.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State

Online renewal is available at mn.gov/sos under the vehicle registration section. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN), driver's license number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current registration and show you the renewal fee based on your vehicle's weight class. You pay by credit card or debit card during the transaction.

After you complete the online renewal, the Secretary of State mails your new tabs to the address on file. This takes 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances. You should not drive with expired tabs while waiting for the new ones to arrive—Minnesota law requires current tabs before you operate the vehicle. If your tabs expire before the new ones arrive, you risk a traffic stop and a citation. Plan ahead and renew at least two weeks before expiration to give the mail time to reach you.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, you'll need to send a check or money order to the Minnesota Secretary of State along with your current registration card. The address is on the back of your registration card or on the Secretary of State website. Include a note with your name, address, and vehicle information so the office can match your payment to your account. Mail renewal takes longer than online—typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time the office receives your envelope.

Mail renewal works best if you renew early, at least a month before expiration. The postal service adds time on both ends, and the Secretary of State office processes mail renewals in the order received. If you're close to your expiration date, mail is not a reliable option. Keep a copy of your check or money order number in case you need to track the renewal or dispute a payment later.

Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar

Minnesota has Deputy Registrar offices throughout the state—these are local offices (often in city halls, county buildings, or private businesses) authorized to handle registration renewals. You can find the nearest office on the Secretary of State website by entering your city or ZIP code. In-person renewal gives you new tabs the same day, which is the fastest option if you're close to expiration.

Bring your current registration card or vehicle title, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. The Deputy Registrar will verify your information, calculate the renewal fee, and issue your new tabs on the spot. You pay cash, check, or card depending on the office. Some offices take appointments; others work on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead to ask about wait times and whether you need an appointment, especially during busy seasons like month-end or after holidays.

What happens if your tabs expire before you renew

Driving with expired tabs is a traffic violation in Minnesota. A law enforcement officer can stop you for expired tabs alone, and you can receive a citation. The fine varies but typically ranges from $50 to $150 depending on how long the tabs have been expired and whether you have prior violations. More importantly, an expired registration can complicate insurance claims—some insurers will not cover damage or liability if the vehicle was not properly registered at the time of an accident.

If you realize your tabs have expired, stop driving the vehicle and renew when ready. If you're stopped before you renew, be honest with the officer about the oversight. Some officers issue warnings for tabs that expired very recently, but you cannot count on this. The safest approach is to renew before expiration, even if you're only a few days early. The renewal window opens 90 days before expiration specifically to give you time to plan.

Understanding tab renewal fees and weight-based pricing

Minnesota calculates registration fees based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is the maximum safe weight the vehicle can carry including passengers and cargo. This number is printed on a label inside the driver's door jamb or in your owner's manual. A passenger car with a GVWR under 4,000 pounds costs less than a truck or SUV with a GVWR over 6,000 pounds. The state publishes a fee schedule each year, and fees can change slightly from year to year.

You cannot reduce your fee by removing weight from the vehicle or claiming you don't use it fully. The fee is based on the vehicle's design capacity, not how you actually use it. If you've modified your vehicle significantly (added a heavy camper, for example), the GVWR may have changed, and you should contact the Secretary of State to verify the correct weight class. Paying the wrong fee can result in an invalid registration, so accuracy matters.

Renewing a vehicle with a lien or loan

If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, the lender or leasing company may hold the title. You can still renew your tabs online or by mail without the physical title in your possession—the Secretary of State's system will show the lien holder's information. If you renew in person at a Deputy Registrar, bring your registration card instead of the title; the registration card is sufficient proof of ownership for renewal purposes.

Some lenders require you to notify them before renewing, though this is uncommon. Check your loan documents or call your lender if you're unsure. The renewal process itself does not change based on whether you own the vehicle outright or owe money on it. The lender's interest in the vehicle does not affect your ability to renew tabs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs if my insurance has lapsed?

Online renewal does not verify insurance status, so you can technically complete the transaction. However, driving without current insurance is illegal in Minnesota, and you cannot legally operate the vehicle even with valid tabs. If you renew in person, the Deputy Registrar will ask to see proof of insurance. Restore your insurance before renewing in person.

What if I move to a different address before my tabs expire?

Update your address with the Secretary of State before renewing. You can do this online, by mail, or at a Deputy Registrar office. When you renew, your new tabs will be mailed to your updated address. If you renew before updating your address, the tabs will go to your old address, and you'll need to contact the Secretary of State to have them reissued to the correct location.

Do I need to renew tabs if I sell my vehicle?

No. When you sell a vehicle, the new owner becomes responsible for renewing the tabs. You should transfer the title and registration to the new owner as soon as possible. If the tabs expire while the vehicle is still in your name, you remain liable for the violation, so complete the sale paperwork promptly.

Can I renew tabs for a vehicle I haven't driven in months?

Yes. The vehicle does not need to be in use for you to renew tabs. However, if the vehicle is not insured, you cannot legally drive it, even with valid tabs. If you're storing a vehicle long-term, you may want to look into a storage or non-operation registration option, which costs less than a standard renewal. Contact the Secretary of State to ask whether this applies to your situation.

What if I lose my registration card before renewal?

You can still renew online using your VIN and driver's license number—the registration card is not required. If you need to renew in person, call the Deputy Registrar office ahead of time to ask what documents they'll accept as a substitute. You may be able to use your vehicle title, insurance card, or a bill of sale instead.