Registration Renewals

Michigan residents need to renew their registrations annually. A reminder notice will be sent about 45 days in advance of the expiration date, but you can renew your registration up to six months in advance of the due date.

For procrastinators, it's important to note that if your registration expires on a weekend or legal holiday, you can wait until the next business day to renew without being hit with a $10 late payment penalty.

Your registration fee will be listed on the notice.

When it comes to renewing your registration, you have four choices, which we'll cover next.

In Person

To facilitate your renewal, bring your reminder card or current registration, driver license, and proof of insurance to a Secretary of State (SOS) branch office. (If your renewal notice contains a PIN number, you don't need to worry about providing proof of insurance.)

You can to pay by cash, check, or money order at most locations. PLUS offices and Super!Centers also accept the Discover Card.

Additionally, PLUS offices and Super!Centers have self-service terminals where you can quickly renew your registration using your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card. Your license plate tabs will be printed out on the spot.

Mail

You may renew by mail if your information on the renewal card is correct. If it isn't, you'll need to renew at a SOS branch office. (However, if it's just your address that is incorrect, you may still renew this way by mail.)

To renew your registration take your renewal card, payment, and renewal worksheet (if buying a new plate or using a credit card) and mail it to:

• Michigan Department of State

• Renewal by Mail

• 7064 Crowner Drive

• Lansing, MI 48980-0001

If you don't have a PIN on your registration card, you'll need to include proof of insurance.

Has your address changed, or do you want the registration mailed to a different address? Just include this information on the renewal card.

Phone

Renewing by phone using the state's automated system is a breeze. Just call (517) 334-9444 anytime and follow the instructions.

However, you may only renew by phone if:

• The owner name and vehicle information is accurate on your renewal reminder.

• The address is correct on the notice.

• The renewal notice has a PIN.

• You have a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card.

Those with a hearing impairment who have a Telecommunication Device for the Deaf may renew by calling (517) 334-9477.

Trying to renew a trailer plate? Sorry, but you'll have to choose another option to renew your registration.

Online

Web-savvy residents may renew online. However, you may only do this if:

• The owner name and vehicle information is accurate on your renewal reminder.

• The address is correct on the notice.

• The renewal notice has a PIN.

• You have a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card.

• Your registration hasn't expired.

• Your renewal will be mailed to the address listed on the notice.

It may take up to two weeks to receive your renewal, so keep that in mind if you're close to your expiration date.

About the PIN

Wondering why some renewal cards have a PIN while others don't? It's because some insurance companies confirm your insurance information with the SOS. If your company does, a PIN will appear on your renewal notice, thus allowing you the option of renewing by phone or online.