Why am I having trouble renewing a license plate online?
Your difficulty could be due to one or more of the following:
- 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.
- The plate type is not eligible for online renewal.
- 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).
- 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.
