Determine the Status of Your License

Renew MI Registration

To operate your vehicle legally, you must renew its registration annually. You must also always carry car insurance. If you're looking for a new carrier, or maybe searching for lower rates, compare quotes at our Insurance Center.

You can learn more about registration renewals starting at "Check Your Renewal Notice," found below.

Register a Vehicle in MI for the First Time

If you just moved to the state or recently purchased a new vehicle, you must register your vehicle for the first time. Need to know how? Visit our car registration page.

Register a Non-Operational Vehicle

You do not have to file for non-registration status if you're taking your vehicle off the road for any extended period of time.

When it comes time to return it to the road you must:

1. Provide proof of car insurance.
2. Have proper ID.
3. Have a check, credit card, or money order to pay all fees, including late charges if you allowed the registration to expire.
4. Visit any Secretary of State (SOS) office.

2) Check Your Renewal Notice

The SOS will mail your renewal notice approximately 45 days prior to the registration's expiration date. If you don't receive a renewal notice the SOS will not resend another one. You'll just need to renew in person or through the mail (see below).

3) Calculate Your Fees

Your renewal notice will include the registration fee. If you did not receive one, call (888) 767-6424 for assistance. Registration fees are similar to car insurance costs: the newer or more expensive the model, the higher your fee.

Avoid Late Fees and Penalties

Your vehicle registration expires on your birthday. If you don't renew by the expiration date, you'll be slapped with a $10 late fee when you do get around to registering. If your vehicle registration remains expired longer than six months, the SOS will charge a 24-month renewal fee.

4) Renew Online, In Person, By Mail, By Telephone, or at a Self-Service Station

Renew Online

1. Check your renewal notice. If it contains a personal identification number (PIN) and your name, address, and vehicle information are correct, you can proceed with renewing online. Otherwise, you must renew by mail or in person.
2. Be ready to pay with Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.
3. Visit the state's Online Renewal Service and follow the instructions.

NOTE: The SOS now provides a temporary registration document when registering online. This allows you to renew online right up through your birthday. Your new tabs and permanent registration certificate should arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 days.

In Person

1. Have either your renewal notice or current registration certificate.
2. Have your driver's license.
3. Have proof of car insurance.
4. Have the registration fee.
5. Bring all of the documents and fee to any SOS branch office.

By Mail

1. If any of the information is incorrect (name, address, vehicle type) on your renewal notice, you cannot use the mail option. You must instead renew in person.
2. If your renewal notice lacks a PIN, you must provide proof of car insurance.
3. Pay with a check, credit card, or money order.
4. Mail the renewal notice, proof of insurance (if applicable), payment and renewal worksheet (if ordering a new license plate or paying with Visa, MasterCard, or Discover) to:
   • Michigan Department of State
   • Renewal by Mail
   • 7064 Crowner Drive
   • Lansing, MI 4890-0001

Your new registration certificate should arrive within two weeks.

By Telephone

1. You can only use this option if all of the information (name, address, vehicle type) on your renewal notice is correct. Otherwise, you must renew in person (see above).
2. If your renewal notice lacks a PIN, you cannot use this option. Instead, you must either renew in person or by mail and provide proof of insurance.
3. You must be able to pay with Visa, Discover, or MasterCard.
4. Call (517) 334-9444 and follow the instructions. Drivers with hearing impairments should call (517) 334-9477.

Your new registration certificate should arrive in the mail within two weeks.

Self-Service Station

1. You cannot use this option if your renewal notice contains incorrect information (name, address, vehicle type) or lacks a PIN.
2. Be able to pay with MasterCard, Discover or Visa.
3. Visit any self-service station found at PLUS offices, SUPER!Centers, and some government offices, and follow the touch-screen instructions.

The Self-Service Station will immediately print your receipt and vehicle tab.

5) Affix Your Stickers

Immediately affix your registration tab to the rear plate's upper right corner.

6) Get a Tax Deduction

You can declare the entire vehicle registration cost (except the $8 service fee) as a deduction, provided you file using a long form.

For assistance, consider consulting a tax attorney.

7) Do Your Part to Keep Our Roadways Safe

Some simple preventive maintenance practices like changing the oil, rotating and replacing the tires, and regular tune ups will keep your vehicle running in top condition and keep you road-safe.

You should also protect yourself and your wallet and enroll in a roadside assistance program, purchase an after-market auto warranty, and find a reliable mechanic you can fully trust.

Your Opinion Matters To Us!