Overview
Because the tax depreciates, most renewals get slightly cheaper each year until they hit Minnesota's $20 statutory minimum around the tenth year - one of the only DVS bills that trends down instead of up over time. EV and plug-in hybrid owners are the exception: their dedicated surcharge was raised sharply for registration periods starting in 2026. Renew online through mndriveinfo.org, by mail, or at any deputy registrar - the total is identical no matter the channel.
01 - Official fees
Minnesota renewal cost fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration tax | $10 + base value × 1.575% | recalculated each renewal, one year further depreciated |
| Statutory minimum (year 10+) | $20 | |
| Filing fee | $8.00 | |
| Technology surcharge | $2.25 | |
| Administrative fee | $1.00 | |
| County wheelage tax | $0–$20/yr | |
| BEV registration surcharge | greater of $150 or 0.5% × depreciated value | |
| PHEV registration surcharge | greater of $75 or 0.25% × depreciated value |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with your local deputy registrar office (MN Driver and Vehicle Services) - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to renew your Minnesota tabs
- 1
Locate the expiration month on your current plate or renewal notice.
- 2
Confirm your vehicle's information at mndriveinfo.org, by mail, or at any deputy registrar - no inspection is required.
- 3
Pay the calculated registration tax, filing fee, technology surcharge, and any wheelage or EV/PHEV surcharge.
- 4
New tabs arrive by mail for online/mail renewals, or on the spot in person.
- 5
Affix the new sticker before the 10th of the month after your old tabs expire.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Minnesota vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Minnesota renewal cost FAQ
When exactly do Minnesota tabs expire?
On the last day of the month printed on your current plate or renewal notice - not your birthday. You can renew up to 60 days early and must display the new tab by the 10th of the month after expiration.
Does Minnesota require an emissions or safety inspection to renew?
No - Minnesota ended its vehicle emissions inspection program in December 1999 and has no periodic safety inspection requirement. Renewal is strictly a fee transaction.
Will my tabs cost less this year than last year?
Usually yes, since the registration tax is a depreciating percentage of your vehicle's original value - until you hit the 10-year mark, where it flattens out at the $20 statutory minimum and stays there.
I drive an EV - why did my renewal jump so much in 2026?
The Legislature raised the EV surcharge minimum to $150 (from $75) and the PHEV minimum to $75, effective for registration periods starting January 1, 2026; both are calculated against your vehicle's depreciating value, so newer EVs can owe well above the minimum.
Can I renew online, and is it cheaper?
Yes, through mndriveinfo.org, by mail, or in person at any deputy registrar - the total is the same regardless of channel; Minnesota doesn't offer a separate online discount the way some states do.
What if my tabs are already expired?
Minnesota's DVS fee schedule doesn't add a separate late-renewal penalty, but driving on expired tabs risks a traffic citation, and an unresolved parking or toll hold on the vehicle can block renewal until it's cleared.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.