Tab and plate renewal

How can I renew my vehicle registration, tab, and license plate?

Computer screen showing the Online Services webpage

Online

Use Quick Renewal or login to renew

Blue mailbox with two envelopes inside

By mail

Check your renewal notice

Submit payment with your renewal mailer and mail to:

Michigan Department of State
Internal Services Section
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918

Two self-service stations

Self-service station

Renew and print your tabs instantly

A 3D rendering of an SOS office

Office visit

Visit an office if you're unable to renew online, by mail, or at a station

What do I need to renew my tab and plate? (Choose tab)

Self-service station Office visit

To renew your tab and license plate online using Quick Renewal, you will need your:

License plate number
Last four digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Email address
Valid debit or credit card or bank account number for payment

After completing your renewal, print your updated vehicle registration directly from your browser under View Transaction Documents. Your renewed tabs will be mailed to your registered address.

To update the address on your vehicle registration, add a mailing address, or order a license plate, create or log in to your online Secretary of State account to renew at the same time.

Vehicle registration renewal notice
A check/money order payable to the State of Michigan

Check your renewal notice to know if you're required to submit a copy of your valid Michigan No-Fault vehicle insurance policy.

Mail your renewal notice, payment, and a copy of your insurance policy (if required) to:

Michigan Department of State
Internal Services Section
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918

For your convenience, a pre-addressed return envelope will be included with the renewal notice that's delivered to you.

Renewal notice or license plate number
Last four digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Valid debit/credit card (additional fees apply) or cash (at specific locations) for payment

If you're required to provide proof of your valid Michigan No-Fault vehicle insurance policy or cannot otherwise renew your tab and license plate online, by mail, or at a self-service station, you can do so at any Secretary of State office.

To renew your vehicle license plate and tab at an office, you will need your:

Renewal notice, current vehicle registration or license plate number
Michigan driver's license
Proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance (if required)
Cash, check, money order, or a debit or credit card (additional fees will apply for debit or credit card use)

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When do I need to renew my vehicle registration, tab, and plate?

Early: You can renew your registration, tab and license plate up to six months in advance of their expiration.

Expiration date: In most cases, your tab and license plate will expire on your birthday. If your birthday falls on the weekend or a legal holiday, you have until the next business day to renew your tab and plate without penalty.

After expiration (additional fees apply): If you don't renew your registration, tab and plate on time, you will be charged an added $10 fee and risk being ticketed or fined by law enforcement for driving on expired registration. Renewal fees for expired plates are not prorated. The amount shown on your renewal notice doesn't change if the plate is renewed after it expires.

I haven't received my tabs and it's been more than 30 days since I renewed. What should I do?

If it's been more than 30 days since you renewed, create or log into your online Secretary of State account or contact the Michigan Department of State to verify the address on your vehicle registration.

If your address is incorrect, you can update it and order a new set of tabs for $5 online, at a Secretary of State office, or by calling our department. If your address is correct and it's been more than 30 days since you renewed, request a set of replacement tabs by calling our department or visiting a Secretary of State office. If you renewed by mail, track processing of your renewal by monitoring the account from which you submitted payment by check or money order. Once payment has been withdrawn, your renewal has been processed.

Upon renewing your tab and license plate, your vehicle registration will be updated automatically in the state record system, which can also be accessed by law enforcement.

Do I need to show proof of insurance each time I renew my plate?

Yes, proof of Michigan no-fault insurance is required when renewing at a Secretary of State office or by mail.

How do I renew my tab and plate if I lost, or never received my renewal notice?

Old registration for each registration (or plate configuration)
Proof of Michigan no-fault insurance for each registration
Driver's license
Cash, check, money order, or a Discover, MasterCard or Visa debit or credit card.

You may also mail a photocopy of your current registration, proof of valid Michigan no-fault insurance, and a check or money order payable to the State of Michigan to:

Michigan Department of State
Internal Services Section
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, Michigan 48918

How can I renew my registration while I am out of state?

Online

Go to Online Services and then to Vehicle Services. If you go to ‘More Online Vehicle Services’, you can renew your license plate and submit a one-time mailing address so that your new tab and registration can be mailed directly to you. Tabs and registrations renewed using the Quick Renewal option will be mailed to the vehicle’s residential address on record.

By mail Send a photocopy of your current registration, proof of valid Michigan no-fault insurance, and a check or money order payable to the "State of Michigan" to: Michigan Department of State
Renewal by Mail Unit
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, Michigan 48980 Information about your renewal fee can be obtained by calling 517-636-5872. Please provide an out-of-state address if you want your registration receipt and new license plate tab mailed to you while you are out-of-state.