What Minnesota tabs are and how to renew them

Minnesota tabs are the registration stickers you display on your vehicle's license plate to show your registration is current. They come in two forms: a small colored decal that goes on the plate itself, and a full-size registration card (called a "tab card") that you keep in your vehicle. When your tabs expire, you must renew your vehicle registration with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division.

Minnesota requires you to renew your registration every two years. The expiration date is printed on your tab sticker and on your registration card. You can renew in person at a DVS office, by mail, or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website — the online method is the fastest and most common route.

Renewal is not optional. Driving with expired tabs is a traffic violation that can result in a fine. If you let your registration lapse for too long, you may also face vehicle impound or license suspension.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota tabs expire every two years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DVS office.
  • Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes.
  • You will need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method to renew.
  • Renewal fees vary based on your vehicle's weight and type, and you must renew before your tabs expire to avoid fines.
  • If your vehicle has a lien or loan against it, the lienholder may need to be notified before you can renew.

Renewing online through the Minnesota Secretary of State

The online renewal system is run by the Minnesota Secretary of State and is the quickest way to renew your tabs. Go to mn.gov/sos and look for the vehicle registration renewal section. You will need your current registration card, your vehicle's VIN (found on the card or on the driver's side of your dashboard), and a valid payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

The system will ask you to confirm your vehicle information, your address, and whether you want to add or remove drivers from your registration. If your address has changed, update it during renewal. Once you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new tabs will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no phone line for online renewals — the system is self-service only. If you run into an error during the process, you can start over or switch to mail or in-person renewal.

Renewing by mail or at a DVS office

If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail your renewal form and payment to the Minnesota DVS, or visit a DVS office in person. To renew by mail, contact your local DVS office or read the renewal form from mn.gov/sos. Include your current registration card, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form.

Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DVS receives your form. To avoid delays, mail your renewal at least 3 weeks before your tabs expire. If you renew in person at a DVS office, you can walk out with your new tabs the same day, though you may need to wait in line. DVS offices are located throughout Minnesota — search for the one nearest you on mn.gov/sos.

Both mail and in-person renewal require the same documents: your current registration card, proof of insurance, and payment. If your vehicle has a lien, bring proof that the lienholder has been notified or has approved the renewal.

Registration fees and what affects the cost

Minnesota registration renewal fees depend on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) — the maximum weight the vehicle is designed to carry, including passengers and cargo. Passenger cars typically cost less to renew than trucks or commercial vehicles. Fees also vary slightly based on whether you are renewing a standard vehicle, a motorcycle, a trailer, or a commercial vehicle.

As of 2024, passenger car registration renewal fees range from around $150 to $200, but this varies by weight class. Motorcycles are typically lower, and trucks or vehicles over a certain weight threshold may cost more. The exact fee will be shown to you before you complete payment during online renewal, or listed on the mail form.

Some vehicles may may have access to for reduced fees — for example, vehicles owned by disabled veterans or certain nonprofit organizations. If you believe your vehicle qualifies for a discount, ask at a DVS office or mention it during online renewal.

What to do if your tabs have already expired

If your tabs have expired, you can still renew when ready using any of the three methods above. However, you should not drive your vehicle on public roads until your new tabs arrive or you renew in person. Driving with expired tabs can result in a fine of $50 to $100 or more, depending on how long they have been expired.

If you were pulled over for expired tabs, you can show proof of renewal (such as your online confirmation number or a receipt from the DVS office) to a police officer. Many officers will not issue a citation if you can show you have already renewed. If you receive a citation, you can contest it in traffic court if you believe the renewal was timely.

If your registration has been expired for more than a year, your vehicle registration may be canceled entirely. In that case, you will need to re-register your vehicle rather than straightforward renew it, which requires additional documents and fees. Contact a DVS office when ready if this has happened.

Scams and safety alerts for tab renewal

Be aware that scammers sometimes send fake renewal notices by mail or email that look like they come from the Minnesota DVS. These notices may ask you to click a link, call a phone number, or send payment to an unfamiliar address. The real Minnesota DVS will never ask you to renew through a link in an email or text message. Always go directly to mn.gov/sos or visit a DVS office in person.

Do not pay for tab renewal through third-party websites or services that claim to renew your tabs for you. Some of these sites charge extra fees on top of the state renewal fee, and some are outright scams. The only legitimate ways to renew are through the official Minnesota Secretary of State website, by mail to the DVS, or in person at a DVS office.

If you receive a suspicious renewal notice, do not respond to it. Instead, go to mn.gov/sos and check your vehicle's registration status directly, or call a DVS office to confirm whether your renewal is due. Legitimate renewal notices from the state are sent only if you have not renewed online or in person.

What happens if you forget to renew

If you drive with expired tabs, you can be stopped by law enforcement and cited. The fine is typically $50 to $100, though it can be higher if your tabs have been expired for a long time. A citation for expired tabs does not add points to your driving record in Minnesota, but it is still a violation.

If your registration lapses for more than a year, the Minnesota DVS may suspend your vehicle registration and your driver's license. Once this happens, you cannot legally drive the vehicle, and you may face additional penalties. To restore your registration and license, you will need to pay all back fees, renew your registration, and provide proof of insurance.

To avoid this situation, renew your tabs before they expire. Many people set a phone reminder a month before their expiration date, or renew online as soon as they receive a renewal notice in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but the lienholder (your lender or bank) may need to be notified or may need to approve the renewal. During online renewal, the system will ask whether your vehicle has a lien. If it does, follow the prompts to notify the lienholder. Some lienholders approve renewals automatically; others may require you to contact them directly.

What if I move to a different address before my tabs expire?

Update your address during renewal. If you renew online, you can change your address in the same transaction. If you renew by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease). Updating your address ensures your next renewal notice goes to the correct location.

Do I need to provide proof of insurance to renew my tabs?

Yes. Minnesota requires proof of current auto insurance to renew your vehicle registration. During online renewal, you may be asked to confirm your insurance status. If you renew in person or by mail, bring your insurance card or a letter from your insurance company showing your policy is active.

How long do tabs last after I renew?

Minnesota tabs are valid for two years from the date of renewal. Your new expiration date will be printed on your tab sticker and on your registration card. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before your tabs expire.

What if I lost my registration card?

You can still renew online using your VIN and other vehicle information. If you cannot find your VIN, you can visit a DVS office and they will look it up for you. You can also request a replacement registration card at the same time you renew your tabs.