Minnesota vehicle registration tabs renew every year, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at your local Deputy Registrar office

Your registration tab is the sticker on your license plate that shows your vehicle is legally registered. In Minnesota, tabs expire on the last day of the month printed on them — usually the month you first registered the vehicle. You must renew before that date or you risk a citation and potential fines.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety handles registration renewals. You can renew through their online system (called MNDRIVE, available at mndrive.state.mn.us), by mail using the renewal notice they send you, or by visiting a Deputy Registrar office in your county. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and you receive your new tab by mail within a week or two.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota registration tabs expire on the last day of the month shown on your current tab, and you can renew up to three months before expiration.
  • Online renewal through MNDRIVE is the fastest method and requires your current registration number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method.
  • If you renew by mail, use the renewal notice the state sends you and mail it with payment to the address printed on the form.
  • Deputy Registrar offices can renew your tab in person the same day, but wait times vary by location and time of year.
  • You must have a valid Minnesota driver's license or ID and proof of insurance to renew, regardless of which method you choose.

Renewing online through MNDRIVE

MNDRIVE is the state's online registration system and the fastest way to renew your tab. Go to mndrive.state.mn.us, select "Renew Registration," and enter your registration number and VIN. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show you the renewal fee, which varies based on your vehicle's age, weight, and type.

You will need a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Once you pay, the system generates a confirmation number. Your new tab will arrive by mail within 7 to 14 days. You can renew online up to three months before your tab expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

If you cannot find your registration number, you can look it up on MNDRIVE using your VIN and driver's license number. If you have moved recently and your address on file is outdated, update it during the renewal process so your new tab arrives at the correct address.

Renewing by mail

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety mails a renewal notice to the address on file about 30 days before your tab expires. This notice includes a form you fill out, your vehicle information, and the renewal fee amount. Write a check or money order for the fee, sign the form, and mail everything to the address printed on the notice.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically 2 to 3 weeks from the time the state receives your form. To avoid delays, mail your renewal at least two weeks before your tab expires. Keep a copy of the form for your records. If you do not receive a renewal notice in the mail, you can still renew online or visit a Deputy Registrar office.

Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office

Every Minnesota county has Deputy Registrar offices that handle vehicle registration renewals. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and a valid driver's license or ID. You will also need payment — cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the office.

In-person renewal is completed the same day. Your new tab is printed on the spot, and you can leave with it. However, Deputy Registrar offices can have long wait times, especially near the end of the month or during busy seasons. Arriving early in the day or on a weekday typically means shorter waits.

What you need to renew your tab

Regardless of which method you choose, you must have three things: your current registration, proof of valid Minnesota auto insurance, and a valid Minnesota driver's license or ID card. If you have moved since your last registration, bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works.

If your vehicle has a lien (meaning a lender owns it until you pay off a loan), the lienholder's information must be on file with the state. You cannot renew if the lien information is missing or incorrect. Contact your lender to verify this before you renew.

If you are renewing a commercial vehicle, motorcycle, or trailer, the process is the same, but the fee structure differs. MNDRIVE will show you the correct fee for your vehicle type when you enter your VIN.

Late renewal and penalties

If your tab expires and you do not renew, you are driving an unregistered vehicle. A law enforcement officer can cite you for expired registration, which carries a fine. The fine amount varies but typically ranges from $50 to $200 depending on how long the tab has been expired and whether you have prior violations.

If you realize your tab has expired, renew when ready — either online, by mail, or in person. You can renew a tab that expired up to one year ago, though you will owe the renewal fee plus any late fees the state assesses. Do not drive the vehicle on public roads until your new tab arrives or is issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tab before it expires?

Yes. Minnesota allows you to renew up to three months before your tab expires. This is useful if you want to avoid the rush near the expiration date or if you are planning a trip and want to may support your registration is current.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew. You can renew online through MNDRIVE using your registration number and VIN, or visit a Deputy Registrar office with your current registration and driver's license. If you cannot find your registration number, MNDRIVE can look it up for you.

How much does a registration tab renewal cost?

The fee varies based on your vehicle's age, weight, and type. When you renew online or in person, the system will show you the exact fee before you pay. Passenger vehicles typically cost between $35 and $150 to renew, but commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers have different fee structures.

What happens if I renew but my new tab does not arrive before my old one expires?

If you renew online or by mail and your new tab has not arrived by the expiration date, you can print a temporary registration receipt from MNDRIVE or bring your confirmation number to a Deputy Registrar office to get a temporary sticker. This protects you from a citation while you wait for your permanent tab.

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

No. When you sell a vehicle, the registration transfers to the new owner. You do not renew the old registration. The new owner must register the vehicle in their name within 10 days of purchase. If you are buying a used vehicle, the seller should provide you with the current registration so you can transfer it.