Where to renew your Minnesota tabs online or by mail

You can renew your Minnesota vehicle registration through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a deputy registrar office. The online option at mn.gov/dvs is the fastest route — you can complete it in minutes and print your temporary registration when ready. If you prefer mail, send your renewal notice and payment to the address printed on the notice itself. In-person renewal at a deputy registrar takes about 15 minutes and works if you need new plates or have questions about your vehicle record.

You do not need to visit an office for a standard renewal. Online and mail renewals both work for vehicles with no title or registration holds, no address changes that need verification, and no changes to vehicle information. If your renewal notice does not arrive or you cannot find it, you can start a renewal on the DPS website using your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota tabs renew online at mn.gov/dvs, by mail using your renewal notice, or in person at any deputy registrar office.
  • Online renewal is fastest and lets you print a temporary registration to drive legally while you wait for physical tabs.
  • Your renewal notice arrives about 30 days before expiration and includes the mailing address and fee amount.
  • Renewal costs vary by vehicle type and weight, and you may owe back registration fees if your tabs have been expired for more than 60 days.
  • If your tabs are already expired, you can still renew online or by mail, but driving with expired registration is illegal and can result in a ticket.

What you need to renew online

To renew through the DPS website, have your renewal notice, current registration card, and a payment method ready. The notice shows your renewal fee and any outstanding amounts. You will enter your vehicle information, confirm your address, and choose whether to renew for one or two years. Minnesota allows two-year registrations, which some owners prefer to reduce the number of times they renew.

After you pay online, the system generates a temporary registration number that you can print or save to your phone. This temporary registration is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while your physical tabs are mailed to you. The actual tabs arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not have your renewal notice, you can look up your vehicle using your VIN and plate number, though you may need to call DPS at 651-297-2126 if the system cannot locate your record.

Renewing by mail and what to expect

Mail renewal requires your renewal notice, a signed check or money order, and an envelope. Write your plate number on the back of the check. The notice itself tells you where to send the payment — typically to a DPS processing center. Mail renewal takes longer than online because of postal delays and processing time; expect two to three weeks from when DPS receives your payment before tabs arrive.

Keep a copy of your renewal notice or take a photo of it before mailing. If your payment gets lost in the mail, you will have proof of what you sent and when. If your tabs expire before your mailed renewal arrives, you are driving illegally, even though you have already paid. To avoid this, mail your renewal at least three weeks before expiration, or use online renewal instead.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Minnesota registration fees depend on your vehicle's type, weight, and fuel type. A standard passenger car costs less to renew than a truck or SUV. Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles may have different fee structures. Your renewal notice shows the exact amount you owe for your specific vehicle. If you have not renewed in more than 60 days past expiration, you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard registration cost.

The state also charges a $5 service fee for online renewals. This fee does not explore to mail or in-person renewals. If you renew for two years instead of one, you pay the full two-year fee upfront, which is usually less per year than renewing annually. Check your renewal notice to see the cost difference between one-year and two-year options.

When your tabs are already expired

If your registration has been expired for 60 days or less, you can renew online or by mail at the standard fee. If it has been expired for more than 60 days, Minnesota charges a late penalty on top of your registration fee. Driving with expired tabs is illegal and can result in a traffic ticket, which carries a fine and may affect your insurance rates.

Renew as soon as you notice your tabs are expired, even if you have to pay the late fee. The penalty is usually less than a ticket. If you cannot renew when ready, do not drive the vehicle on public roads. If you were stopped with expired tabs, you can still renew the registration, but the ticket itself must be handled separately through the court system.

Renewing at a deputy registrar office

Minnesota has deputy registrar offices throughout the state where you can renew in person. These are not DMV offices — they are private businesses licensed by the state to handle registration transactions. You can find the nearest office on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Bring your renewal notice, current registration card, and payment (cash, check, or card, depending on the office).

In-person renewal is useful if you need new plates, have questions about your vehicle record, or prefer to handle everything face-to-face. Some offices charge a small transaction fee on top of the state registration fee. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment. Most offices can complete your renewal in 15 minutes, and you can drive home with your new tabs the same day.

What to do if your renewal notice does not arrive

Renewal notices are mailed about 30 days before your tabs expire. If you do not receive yours, check that your address on file with DPS is correct. You can still renew without the notice by going to mn.gov/dvs and starting a renewal using your VIN and plate number. The system will pull up your vehicle record and show you the renewal fee.

If the online system cannot find your vehicle, call DPS at 651-297-2126 to verify your information and get your renewal fee. Do not wait for a notice to arrive if your tabs are about to expire. Renewing online takes only a few minutes, and you can print a temporary registration when ready to stay legal while your physical tabs arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs if my vehicle has a lien or loan on it?

Yes, you can renew your registration even if you owe money on the vehicle. The lender does not need to approve the renewal. However, if there is a title hold or registration hold on your account, you may need to contact DPS or the lienholder to clear it before renewing online. Call 651-297-2126 if you are unsure whether a hold exists.

What happens if I renew online but do not receive my physical tabs within 10 days?

Contact DPS at 651-297-2126 with your temporary registration number. They can track your tabs and reissue them if they were lost in the mail. Your temporary registration remains valid for 30 days, so you can continue driving legally while a replacement is sent.

Can I renew my tabs if I just moved to Minnesota?

If you recently moved to Minnesota and your vehicle is registered in another state, you must first register it in Minnesota before you can renew. Visit a deputy registrar office with your out-of-state registration, proof of residency, and proof of ownership. Once registered in Minnesota, you can renew online or by mail like any other vehicle.

Do I have to renew for a full year, or can I renew for just a few months?

Minnesota only offers one-year or two-year renewals. You cannot renew for a partial year. If your tabs are expiring soon and you plan to sell the vehicle, you can renew for one year and then transfer the registration to the new owner, who will get a prorated credit.

What if I renew online but my payment does not go through?

The system will tell you when ready if your payment failed. Try a different payment method or card. If the problem persists, renew by mail or visit a deputy registrar office instead. Do not attempt to drive with expired tabs while troubleshooting a payment issue.