How to Renew Your Minnesota Vehicle Registration Online

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

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

Online renewal works for most standard passenger vehicles and light trucks. You cannot renew online if your vehicle failed inspection, your registration was suspended, you're registering a vehicle for the first time in Minnesota, or your vehicle requires a special plate type (commercial, government, or disabled person plates). In those cases, you'll need to visit a Deputy Registrar office in person.

Key Takeaways

Visit sos.state.mn.us and use the online renewal system with your registration card, VIN, and payment method to renew in about 10 minutes.
Your new tabs arrive by mail within one to two weeks, so renew before your current tabs expire to avoid driving with expired registration.
Online renewal does not work if your vehicle failed inspection, your registration was suspended, or you need a special plate type.
The renewal fee varies by vehicle weight and type; check your current registration card or the Secretary of State website for your specific amount.
If you cannot renew online, find your nearest Deputy Registrar office through the Secretary of State's office locator tool.

What you need before you start

Gather your current registration card (the paper document that came with your tabs) and your vehicle's VIN before opening the renewal system. The VIN appears on your registration card, your vehicle's title, and on the dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side. You'll also need a valid payment method: a debit card, credit card, or electronic check.

Have your email address ready. The Secretary of State sends a confirmation email after you complete the renewal, and you may need it to track your new tabs if they don't arrive within the expected timeframe.

Step-by-step process on the Secretary of State website

Go to sos.state.mn.us and look for the "Online Vehicle Registration Renewal" link on the homepage. Click it to enter the renewal system. You'll be asked to enter your registration number (found on your current registration card) and your VIN. The system will pull up your vehicle's information and show you the renewal fee based on your vehicle's weight and type.

Review the information on screen to confirm it matches your vehicle. If anything is incorrect—such as the owner's name, address, or vehicle description—you cannot fix it online and must visit a Deputy Registrar office instead. If everything is correct, proceed to enter your payment information. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic checks.

After payment processes, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and via email. Write down or save the confirmation number. Your new tabs will be mailed to the address on file, typically arriving within one to two weeks. You can continue driving with your current tabs until the new ones arrive.

When online renewal will not work

The online system will reject your renewal if your vehicle failed its most recent safety inspection, your registration was suspended (usually for unpaid tickets or insurance lapses), or you're registering a vehicle in Minnesota for the first time. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your vehicle's information, add or remove an owner, or switch to a special plate type.

If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it will direct you to find a Deputy Registrar office. You can search for offices by city or ZIP code on the Secretary of State website. Bring your registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID when you visit.

Timing and what to expect after renewal

Renew your tabs at least two weeks before they expire to may support your new tabs arrive before the expiration date. If you renew closer to the important date and your new tabs don't arrive on time, you can print a temporary registration from your confirmation email to show law enforcement if you're stopped. This temporary registration is valid for 30 days from the renewal date.

Your new tabs will arrive in a small envelope with your registration card. The new card shows your renewal date and the next expiration date. Keep the card in your vehicle along with proof of insurance. If your tabs don't arrive within three weeks of renewal, contact the Secretary of State's office at the phone number on your confirmation email.

Renewing by mail or in person if you prefer

If you don't want to renew online, you can mail your registration card and payment to the address listed on the back of the card. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks, so send it earlier than you would renew online. You can also visit any Deputy Registrar office in Minnesota to renew in person; this takes about 15 minutes and you'll receive your new tabs when ready or within a few days.

Deputy Registrar offices are located in most cities and towns. You can find the one nearest you on the Secretary of State website by searching your city name or ZIP code. Bring your registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs if they're already expired?

Yes, you can renew online even if your tabs are expired. However, you should not drive with expired tabs. Renew as soon as you notice they've expired, and use the temporary registration from your confirmation email if your new tabs haven't arrived yet.

What if my address changed since my last registration?

You cannot change your address through the online renewal system. Visit a Deputy Registrar office or mail in a change-of-address form along with your registration card. The Secretary of State website has the form and mailing address.

Do I need to pass inspection before renewing online?

Yes, your vehicle must have passed its most recent safety inspection. If it failed, you must fix the issues and pass inspection again before you can renew. The online system will tell you if your vehicle failed inspection.

How much does online renewal cost?

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type. Your current registration card shows the fee amount. You can also see the fee on the Secretary of State website before you enter payment information in the renewal system.

What if I don't receive my new tabs within two weeks?

Wait until three weeks have passed since your renewal date before contacting the Secretary of State. If they still haven't arrived, call the number on your confirmation email. Have your confirmation number ready. In the meantime, you can print and carry the temporary registration from your confirmation email.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.