Registration Renewal in Michigan

For individually-owned vehicles (passenger car, truck, motorcycle), the registration will expire on the owner's birthday. Individually-owned vehicles may be renewed as soon as the renewal notice is received.

Registration for company-owned vehicles will expire on the date designated by the SOS. Company-owned vehicles may not be renew their registration early.

The MI SOS sends renewal notices by mail 45 days before the renewal deadline. Information in the renewal notice includes:

• Expiration date
• Fees
• PIN for online renewal, if eligible
• Instructions for renewal by mail

Didn't Receive a MI Registration Renewal Notice?

Renewal forms cannot be resent, even if you did not receive yours. If you never received your renewal notice, it is still your responsibility to renew by the deadline by visiting your local SOS office.

Or, if your prefer, you can renew by mailing a copy of your current registration certificate, proof of car insurance coverage, and payment (check or money order) to:

• Michigan Department of State
• Internal Services Section
• 7064 Crowner Drive
• Lansing, MI 48980

If you move, be sure to update your new address with the SOS.

The Michigan SOS provides a number of methods for renewing. However, if your renewal notice did not provide you a PIN number, your only option is to renew in person.

Renew Online

If you received a PIN on your renewal notice, you may renew with the Online Renewal PLUS system or the Express SOS system. Follow the instructions for the system that works best for you.

1. Visit the state's Online Services page.
2. Click the Renew Vehicle Plate/Tab link.
3. Click the Individual circle.
4. Click the Next box at the bottom of the page.
5. Decide whether you want to use Online Renewal PLUS or Express Renewal.

Online Renewal PLUS

Use Online Renewal Plus if you need to change your address or register multiple vehicles.

You will need to provide:

• The PIN found on your registration renewal notice
• The last four digits of your Social Security number
• Either your state ID number or Michigan driver license number
• Your birth date and eye color
• A valid credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)―if you pay with with a credit card, you'll be charged an additional processing fee.

Express Renewal

Use Express Renewal if you're renewing a single registration and your address and vehicle information are correct on your renewal notice, and you don't need to order new license plates.

To use Express Renewal, you'll need to provide:

• The PIN on your registration renewal notice
• Your license plate number
• A valid credit or debit card (Visa, Master Card, Discover)―if you pay with with a credit card, you'll be charged an additional processing fee.

Renew In Person

Visit your local SOS branch office with:

• Your renewal notice or current registration certificate
• Your driver's license
• Proof of car insurance
• Payment for registration fees―if you pay with with a credit card, you'll be charged an additional processing fee.

You will leave with your new registration and vehicle tags.

Renew at a Self-Serve Station

Visit any self-service station found at PLUS offices, SUPER!Centers, and some government locations.

You can use this option if:

• All the information on your renewal notice is correct (name, address, vehicle type)
• Your PIN is listed on your renewal notice
• You have a valid credit card (MasterCard, Discover, or Visa)―if you pay with with a credit card, you'll be charged an additional processing fee.

The self-service machine will prompt you for information on a touch screen. Upon completing, you'll receive a receipt and new tabs.

Renew by Mail

This option is open to both in-state and out-of-state residents.

In-State Residents

If the information on your renewal notice is incorrect, you cannot renew via mail. You must instead renew in person. Otherwise, send payment, proof of car insurance, and your renewal notice using the provided enclosed envelope. If you lost the envelope, mail to:

• Michigan Department of State
• Internal Services Section
• 7064 Crowner Drive
• Lansing, MI 48980

Out-of-State Residents

Out-of-state residents will need to send:

• A cover letter with:
  ―Your license plate number
  ―The address where you want your new registration sent
  ―Your daytime phone number, with the area code
• A copy of your insurance certificate
• A check or money order made out to the State of Michigan (call (517) 636-5872 for the exact fee)

Mail payment and documents to:

• Michigan Department of State
• Special Services Branch
• 7064 Crowner Drive
• Lansing, MI 48918

Renewal rates are calculated differently based on the year of your vehicle:

• For vehicles 1984 to present: fee is based on the suggested retail price
• For vehicles 1983 or older: fee is based on the vehicle's weight

Late Fees and Penalties

Your vehicle registration expires on your birthday or on the expiration date designated by the SOS for company-owned vehicles.

• A $10 late fee will be assessed if you don't renew by the expiration date.
• If your vehicle registration is expired, the SOS can charge a higher renewal fee.

Michigan Tax Deduction

You can declare the entire vehicle registration cost (except for any renewal service fees) as a deduction, provided you file using a long form.

Michigan does not mandate emissions testing.

For additional information regarding Michigan's Air Quality programs, visit our Emissions page.

You must have insurance to renew your vehicle registration. Michigan's No-Fault insurance is the minimum amount of insurance allowed.

Failing to maintain required coverage may result in the suspension of your driver's license and/or license plates, plus possible court fees and fines.

Insurance covers you for such things as:

• Bodily injury and property damage
• Personal injury
• Property protection

You must keep proof of insurance with you at all times when driving your car or riding your motorcycle.

Check out our Insurance Center page for additional information on Michigan insurance requirements and licensed providers.

If you are a Michigan resident serving in the military out of state, you may renew your vehicle's registration by mail or online.

Renewal by Mail

When renewing your registration by mail, you'll need to include:

• Your renewal notice with the address where you want your new tags sent printed on the front of the notice.
• Fee payment, which is listed on your renewal notice. Pay with check, money order, or credit card (you will be charged a processing fee if you pay with credit card).
• A copy of your insurance certificate.

Send your documents using the enclosed envelope that came with your renewal notice. If you've misplaced the envelope, mail to:

• Michigan Department of State
• Internal Services Section
• 7064 Crowner Drive
• Lansing, MI 48980

Renewing Online

Renew online using the same steps listed above in the MI Registration Renewal section.

Unregistered vehicles are not allowed on public streets. If you have a non-operational vehicle, it must be stored on private property. If you decide to begin driving the vehicle or wish to park it on the street, you must renew its registration by visiting your local SOS office with:

• Proof of car insurance
• Proper identification
• Check, credit card, or money order to cover all fees, including late charges if you allowed the registration to expire

Replacement Registration Certificates, Stickers, and License Plates

If your license plates are lost or stolen, or no longer legible in accordance with law enforcement guidelines, you must get them replaced. Visit our License Plates page for more information.

You also need to get duplicates of your registration certificate or renewal stickers if they become lost or damaged.

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What do you need to renew tags in Michigan?

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