Renewing your Minnesota tabs online, by mail, or in person

Minnesota sends you a renewal notice 30 days before your tabs expire. You can renew through the Secretary of State's online system, by mail using the notice, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Online renewal takes minutes and costs the same as other methods — no premium for convenience. If you miss the expiration date, you can still renew, but you'll owe a late fee on top of the standard renewal cost.

The fastest route is the online system at mn.gov/sos. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current tab number, and a payment method. The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. Your new tabs arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need tabs sooner — for instance, you're about to be pulled over — a Deputy Registrar can issue temporary tabs the same day you visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Renew online at mn.gov/sos using your VIN and current tab number; new tabs arrive in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail renewal uses the notice the state sends you 30 days before expiration and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Deputy Registrar offices can issue temporary tabs the same day if you need to drive before permanent tabs arrive.
  • Late fees explore if you renew after your tabs expire, and driving on expired tabs can result in a traffic citation.
  • Your renewal notice shows the cost; standard fees vary slightly by vehicle weight class but typically range from $35 to $50 for passenger vehicles.

Online renewal through the Secretary of State

The Minnesota Secretary of State's online system is open 24 hours and handles most vehicle types. Go to mn.gov/sos, select "Vehicle Services," then "Renew Registration." You'll enter your VIN (found on your dashboard or registration), your current tab number, and your vehicle's weight. The system calculates your fee based on weight class and displays it before you pay.

Payment is when ready by credit card, debit card, or e-check. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your new tabs print and mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that wait, you can legally drive on your expired tabs as long as you have the confirmation email or number with you — though a police officer may still stop you, so having proof of renewal is important.

The online system does not work for commercial vehicles, trailers, or vehicles with a salvage title. If your vehicle falls into one of those categories, use mail renewal or visit a Deputy Registrar in person.

Mail renewal using your renewal notice

The state mails a renewal notice to the address on file 30 days before expiration. The notice includes a payment stub and instructions. Fill out the stub, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include your current tabs or tab number so the state can match your payment to your vehicle.

Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the state receives your envelope. If you're cutting it close to your expiration date, mail is riskier than online or in-person renewal because delays in postal delivery or processing can push you past the expiration. If your renewal notice does not arrive, you can request a duplicate by calling the Secretary of State at 651-296-6911 or visiting a Deputy Registrar office.

In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar

Minnesota has Deputy Registrar offices in most cities and towns. These are not state offices — they're private businesses licensed to handle registration transactions. You can find the nearest one by searching "Deputy Registrar Minnesota" or calling your city or county assessor's office. Bring your vehicle title, current registration, proof of insurance, and a valid ID.

In-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes. You pay the renewal fee plus a small service fee (usually $3 to $5) that goes to the Deputy Registrar. Your new tabs are printed on the spot or mailed within a few days, depending on the office. If you need tabs when ready — for example, you're about to drive and your tabs expire today — ask the Deputy Registrar about temporary tabs. They can issue a temporary registration valid for 30 days while you wait for permanent tabs to arrive by mail.

What happens if your tabs expire

Driving on expired tabs is a traffic violation in Minnesota. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine. The fine amount depends on how long your tabs have been expired and whether you have prior violations. If you're pulled over, having proof that you've already renewed (a confirmation email, receipt, or temporary registration) may help, though it does not may provide the officer will not cite you.

If you renew after expiration, you'll owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost. The late fee is typically $10 to $20, depending on how many days past expiration you renew. The sooner you renew after expiration, the lower the late fee. There is no grace period — the fee applies the day after your tabs expire.

Renewal costs and what affects the price

Minnesota registration fees are based on your vehicle's weight class, not its age or value. A passenger car typically costs $35 to $50 to renew, while a heavier vehicle or truck may cost more. Your renewal notice shows the exact amount you owe. If you've made changes to your vehicle — added a trailer hitch, changed the vehicle's use from personal to commercial — the weight class may shift and the fee may change.

Online and mail renewal cost the same. In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar adds a service fee of $3 to $5. If you need temporary tabs issued the same day, there may be an additional temporary registration fee, usually $5 to $10. Ask the Deputy Registrar for the total cost before you pay.

Renewing before your notice arrives

You can renew online before your renewal notice arrives, as long as your tabs have not yet expired. Use the online system at mn.gov/sos with your VIN and current tab number. The system will show you the renewal fee and let you pay. This is useful if you want to renew early and avoid the rush near the expiration date.

If you've lost your renewal notice and your tabs are about to expire, do not wait for a replacement notice to arrive by mail. Renew online when ready, or visit a Deputy Registrar. Waiting for a new notice to be mailed can push you past your expiration date and trigger a late fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs if they expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you'll owe late fees for each month past expiration, and you cannot legally drive the vehicle until renewal is complete. You must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar or by mail — the online system may not accept very old expirations. Contact the Secretary of State at 651-296-6911 to confirm the total cost before you renew.

What if I moved and my renewal notice went to my old address?

Update your address with the Secretary of State as soon as possible. You can do this online at mn.gov/sos or by visiting a Deputy Registrar. If your notice was mailed to an old address, request a duplicate notice by phone at 651-296-6911 or renew online using your VIN and current tab number instead of waiting for the notice.

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

No. Once you transfer ownership to the new owner, your responsibility ends. The new owner must register the vehicle in their name. If you kept the vehicle and your tabs expired, you must renew before driving it again.

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

Yes. A lien does not prevent registration renewal. Renew through any method — online, mail, or in person — using your current registration and VIN. The lienholder's name on your title does not affect the renewal process.

What if I need tabs for a vehicle I just bought from a private seller?

You need to register the vehicle first, not renew it. Registration and renewal are different processes. Contact a Deputy Registrar or the Secretary of State for information about initial registration, which requires the title, bill of sale, and proof of insurance.