Where to renew your Minnesota vehicle tabs online or by mail

You can renew your Minnesota vehicle registration tabs through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. The online renewal at mn.gov/sos is the fastest option — you can complete it in minutes and print your temporary tabs when ready while you wait for the physical tabs to arrive by mail.

If you prefer not to go online, you can mail your renewal notice and payment to the address printed on the notice itself. In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar (usually located in city halls or license plate offices) takes about 15 minutes and lets you walk out with your tabs the same day, though you may wait in line.

You do not need to visit a Secretary of State office — Deputy Registrars handle all routine renewals. Find your nearest Deputy Registrar by searching your city name plus "Deputy Registrar" or by calling your city hall.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through mn.gov/sos takes 5 to 10 minutes and lets you print temporary tabs when ready while permanent tabs arrive by mail.
  • You will need your renewal notice, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or e-check for online; check or money order for mail).
  • Renewing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days from when the Secretary of State receives your payment, so mail early if your tabs expire soon.
  • Deputy Registrar offices issue physical tabs on the spot during business hours, usually without an appointment, though wait times vary by location.
  • Late renewal fees explore if your tabs expire before you renew — Minnesota charges a penalty equal to 10 percent of your registration fee, with a $10 minimum.

What you need before you renew

Gather your renewal notice before starting. This arrives in the mail about 30 days before your tabs expire and contains your vehicle's registration number, VIN, and the renewal fee amount. If you cannot find your notice, you can still renew online by entering your VIN and license plate number instead.

Have a valid payment method ready. Online and in-person renewals take credit cards and debit cards. Mail-in renewals require a check or money order. If you renew online, you can also pay by e-check (electronic check) using your bank account number and routing number.

Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection if it is over 10 years old. This is separate from registration renewal — you will need a current safety inspection certificate from an authorized inspection station before the Secretary of State will issue new tabs. If your inspection is expired or missing, renew it first at any station that displays the Minnesota safety inspection sign.

Online renewal step by step

Go to mn.gov/sos and select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from the homepage. Enter your vehicle's license plate number and VIN, then answer a few questions about your vehicle (such as whether it is a commercial vehicle or has a trailer). The system will pull up your registration record and show the renewal fee.

Review the fee and any changes to your address or vehicle information. If your address has changed, update it now — the new tabs will be mailed to the address you enter here. Proceed to payment and enter your credit card, debit card, or e-check information.

After payment processes, you will see a confirmation page with a temporary registration number. Print this page when ready — it serves as proof of renewal for up to 10 days while your physical tabs are in the mail. Physical tabs typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You must display the temporary registration in your vehicle until the permanent tabs arrive.

Renewing by mail or at a Deputy Registrar

To renew by mail, fill out the renewal notice you received, enclose a check or money order for the amount shown, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not mail cash. Include your renewal notice itself — do not send just the payment. Mail early enough that your payment arrives before your tabs expire; the Secretary of State processes mail renewals in the order received, and processing takes 7 to 10 business days after receipt.

To renew in person, take your renewal notice and payment (cash, check, or card) to any Deputy Registrar office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary. You will fill out a short form, pay the fee, and receive your new tabs on the spot. Bring your vehicle's title or registration card if you have it, though it is not always required.

If you have moved since your last registration and your address on file is outdated, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The Deputy Registrar will update your address and issue tabs to your new location.

Understanding renewal fees and late penalties

Your renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and age. The Secretary of State's website shows your specific fee on the renewal notice or during online renewal. Fees typically range from $35 to $200 for passenger vehicles, though commercial vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles have different rates.

If your tabs expire before you renew, Minnesota charges a late fee equal to 10 percent of your registration fee, with a $10 minimum. For example, if your renewal fee is $100 and you renew one month late, you will pay $110 total ($100 plus $10 penalty). The penalty increases if you renew more than 30 days late — at that point you may also face a $25 reinstatement fee.

Driving with expired tabs is illegal in Minnesota and can result in a traffic citation. If you are stopped, you can show the officer your temporary registration (if you renewed online) or your renewal notice (if you renewed by mail or in person) to prove you have renewed. However, the safest approach is to renew before your tabs expire.

What to do if your renewal notice did not arrive

If you did not receive a renewal notice 30 days before your tabs expire, you can still renew online without it. Go to mn.gov/sos, select "Renew Vehicle Registration," and enter your license plate number and VIN. The system will retrieve your registration and show you the renewal fee.

If the system cannot find your vehicle, your registration may have been cancelled or your vehicle information may be incorrect in the state database. Call the Secretary of State's Vehicle Services line at 651-296-6911 to verify your registration status and get instructions for renewing. They can also reissue a renewal notice by mail if you prefer that route.

If you moved and did not update your address with the Secretary of State, renewal notices will go to your old address. Update your address online at mn.gov/sos before renewing, or provide your new address when you renew in person or by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tabs if they have already expired?

Yes. You can renew expired tabs online, by mail, or in person at a Deputy Registrar. You will owe a late fee (10 percent of the registration fee, minimum $10) in addition to the renewal fee. Renew as soon as possible — driving with expired tabs is illegal and can result in a citation.

How long does it take to get my physical tabs in the mail?

Physical tabs typically arrive 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State processes your renewal. If you renew online, you can print a temporary registration when ready and use it while you wait. If you renew by mail, allow an additional 3 to 5 days for your payment to reach the Secretary of State before processing begins.

What if I need tabs before the mail arrives?

Renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office and you will receive your tabs the same day. If you renewed online and need tabs sooner than the mail delivery time, you can visit a Deputy Registrar with your temporary registration and they can issue physical tabs on the spot for a small fee (usually $5 to $10).

Do I need a safety inspection to renew my tabs?

Only if your vehicle is over 10 years old. Vehicles 10 years old or newer do not require a safety inspection for registration renewal. If your vehicle is older and your inspection is expired or missing, you must renew the inspection at an authorized station before you can renew your tabs.

Can someone else renew my tabs for me?

Yes. A family member or authorized representative can renew your tabs in person at a Deputy Registrar office or by mail. For in-person renewal, they will need your renewal notice and payment. For mail renewal, they can mail your notice and payment on your behalf. Online renewal requires your VIN and license plate number but no signature, so you can renew it yourself from anywhere.