Why am I having trouble renewing a license plate online?

Why am I having trouble renewing a license plate online?

Your difficulty could be due to one or more of the following:

1. The vehicle may not be within the renewal period. Vehicles may be renewed up to 180 days before the registration expires. Passenger vehicles owned by a business may be renewed up to 45 days before the registration expires. Commercial vehicles may be renewed only after Oct. 1.
2. The plate type is not eligible for online renewal.
3. We could not verify online that you have insurance for the vehicle. If your insurance company doesn't send us updated files electronically or if a VIN is incorrect in the file, you must renew by mail or at a Secretary of State office (proof of Michigan no-fault insurance will be required).
4. There may be suspensions, violations or restrictions tied to the vehicle or owner that prohibit a registration renewal.

If you did not find the information you need, enter a descriptive word or phrase in the Search field located in the upper right corner. Or send us an e-mail by clicking on “Contact the Secretary of State” also in the upper right corner and we will help you get the information you need.