Registration Renewal in Minnesota

Minnesota Registration Renewal

Minnesota vehicle registrations expire annually; accordingly, drivers must renew their Minnesota vehicle's registration through the MN Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).

New to Minnesota?

If you just purchased a vehicle or recently moved to the state, you will need to register your vehicle with (DVS). For more information on this topic, visit our MN Car Registration page.

Minnesota Registration Renewal Notice

As a reminder that your registration is about to expire, the DVS will send a renewal notice that contains your:

  • Renewal month.
  • Renewal fee.
  • Name and address as listed on your registration.

You may renew your MN registration once you receive your renewal notice. You must have your renewed decals affixed to your plates by the 10th day of the next month after your registration expires.

If your information has changed, it must be updated before you can renew your registration. Learn more about changing your name or address in Minnesota.

If you received a renewal notice for a vehicle you no longer own, you do not have to do anything if you sold or traded it to a dealer. If, however, you sold it to a private individual, you will need to file a report of sale.

Didn't Receive a Renewal Notice?

You are still responsible for renewing your vehicle registration before the expiration date, even if you did not get a renewal notice.

You must renew either online or in person if you do not have your renewal notice (not by mail). You may need to update your address with the Driver and Vehicle Services.

Renewing Your MN Registration

Minnesota offers a number of ways to get your registration renewed. Below are instructions on how to renew in person, online, and by mail. Most vehicles can be renewed online or by mail EXCEPT gross vehicle weight (GVW) trucks (including farm class vehicles) which must always be renewed in person at your local DVS Deputy Registrar.

MN Liability Insurance

DID YOU KNOW?: Car insurance is REQUIRED when renewing your registration!

Compare rates and buy your policy online: Open the Insurance Center >>

In order to renew, your vehicle must be covered by liability insurance. It is illegal to drive without it, resulting in possible license loss or even being convicted of a crime.

Visit our Car Insurance page for more information about MN no-fault insurance requirements and local providers.

Renew in Person

  • Go to your local DVS Deputy Registrar office.
  • Present your DVS Renewal notice or current MN vehicle registration.
  • Present your proof of car insurance.
  • If you need to change your name or address, bring appropriate documentation (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.) to prove the change.
  • Pay your renewal fee (cash, check, money order). See below for a list of standard fees.

For additional questions about renewing in person, contact the DVS help desk at (651) 297-2126.

Renew Online

All passenger vehicles, motorcycles, RVs, mopeds, trailers, and trucks can be renewed online. You cannot, however, renew online if you need to change your name.

To renew online:

  • Go to the DVS Renewal Website.
  • Enter your license plate number.
  • Enter the last 3 digits of your vehicle's identification number (VIN).
  • Verify that your information on your registration is correct (e.g. name, address, vehicle information). Change your address, if necessary.
  • Pay your renewal fee (E-Check, Visa or MasterCard). See below for a list of standard fees. You will also be charged an additional $1.50 fee, and for credit cards 2.49% of the total online renewal fee.

Once you complete your renewal, your new registration certificate and plate stickers will be sent by mail.

You can also check your renewal status online or contact your local DVS officeif you don't receive your new registration information.

Renew by Mail

You can only renew by mail if you have received a renewal notice from the DVS, and the name on the notice is correct.

To renew your MN vehicle registration by mail:

  • Make sure that all your information is correct on your DVS Renewal notice.
  • Update your address, if necessary, by listing the change on the back of your renewal notice (name changes must be done in person).
  • Make out a check or money order payable to DVS Renewal for your renewal fee (include your driver's license number if you write a check).
  • Tear off your renewal form and send it along with your payment in the return envelope provided to:

  • DVS Renewal
  • P.O. Box 64587
  • St. Paul, MN 55164

You should expect to receive your renewed certificate and plate decals within 10 days of the DVS receiving your renewal application. If you don't receive anything, contact your local DVS office or check the status of your renewal online.

Minnesota Registration Renewal Fees

Minnesota registration renewal fees are made up of a registration tax, which is determined by the year and type of your vehicle, and a number of different flat fees that the DVS charges for each renewal.

  • Filing fee: $7
  • Electronic check charge (if applicable): $1.50
  • Technology surcharge: $2.25
  • Wheelage tax (if applicable): $10
  • License plates, if required: $15.50 for double plates or $13.50 for single plate
  • Registration tax: Varies based on the year and type of your vehicle
  • Passenger vehicles 10 years old and older: $35
  • Motorcycles: $10
  • Mopeds: $6

Check your MN DVS Renewal notice for the exact amount that you will owe.

Late Renewal Fees

The DVS does not impose any type of late fees or penalties for late renewals, but you can be pulled over by the police if you have not renewed your registration by the 10th day of the month following your expiration month.

New MN License Plates

MN state law requires you to purchase new license plates every 7 years, regardless of their condition. Your DVS Renewal notice will say if you must get new plates, and the fee for doing so will be listed with your other renewal fees.

You can also visit our MN License Plates section for information and steps on ordering new plates.

Registration Renewal for MN Military Members

If you are on active duty service in the U.S. Military, then you may be eligible to apply for an exemption from the registration tax that you would normally have to pay when you renew (you still must pay all other renewal fees).

To apply, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be an active duty military member and the owner or co-owner of the vehicle being renewed.
  • Your vehicle must be located or based out of the state or country.
  • Your vehicle cannot be driven or parked on a public highway within the state of MN unless you are on leave or furlough.
  • You must be able to provide a copy of your military orders from your base commander that lists your deployment dates.
  • You must apply for the exemption before, during, or within 90 days of completing your active service.

If you qualify, you will be exempt from paying the registration tax for the dates you were on active duty and for 90 days after you completed active service.

Contact your local DVS office or the DVS help desk at (651) 297-2126 for more information on applying for a military exemption.

For more general information, visit our Drivers in the Military page.

Minnesota Registration Renewal for Out-of-State Residents

If you are temporarily away from the state, you may renew your plates online (see above). In order to get your new registration and stickers, you will need to make arrangements to have them sent to you by having your mail forwarded through the post office or other arrangements.

MN Emissions Inspection

Minnesota does not require registered vehicles to undergo regular emissions testing. There are, however, a number of things that you can still do to help lower your vehicle's carbon footprint and to make sure that it is in good operating condition.

Check out our page on Smog & Emission Checks in Minnesota for more information on reducing pollution and MN clean air programs.

Replacement Certificates, Stickers, and License Plates

If your license plates or registration stickers are damaged or stolen, you will need to get them replaced. The same goes for your registration certificate. Duplicate license plates, stickers, or registration certificates have different fees depending on what you need to replace.

Minnesota Registration Renewal: FAQs

What do I need to renew my tabs in MN?

Oregon car registration costs anywhere from $88 to $316 for 2 years, depending on your vehicle type. Multnomah County residents are subject to an additional $56 annual fee.

How much are ta bs in MN?

Tabs in Minnesota cost a varying amount based on your specific registration tax. See the DVS Motor Vehicle Fees for specifics.

How do I renew my MN tabs online?

To renew your MN tabs online, gather your renewal notice, your vehicle information such as your VIN and license plate number (both of which should be printed on your notice), and payment for your renewal fees. Visit the DVS online services portal and follow the prompts to renew your registration.

How do I look up a vehicle registration in MN?

You can look up a Minnesota vehicle registration using the DVS' online services "Check My Vehicle Status" option.

DMV.ORG BBB Business Review