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Tab and plate renewal
How can I renew my vehicle registration, tab, and license plate?
What do I need to renew my tab and plate? (Choose tab)
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Online
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By mail
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Self-service station
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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
After submitting payment, your tab will instantly print at the station. Your vehicle registration will be mailed to your address.
A $3.95 service fee will be charged for each self-service station transaction.
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)
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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.
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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.
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Is proof of insurance required when renewing my vehicle?
Yes, per state law, it's required to provide proof of a valid Michigan No-Fault insurance policy to register or renew a vehicle in Michigan. Some vehicle insurance can be verified using the state electronic insurance verification (EIV) program, and therefore, don't require proof of insurance to be mailed or presented at a Secretary of State office.
If your insurance provider doesn't participate in EIV, you won't be able to renew your tab and plate online or at a self-service station. Your renewal mailer will indicate whether you'll need to provide a copy of your Michigan No-Fault insurance by mail or at a Secretary of State office when you renew your vehicle.
Proof of valid insurance is also required to register or renew a motorcycle, however, it doesn't need to be a Michigan No-Fault vehicle insurance policy.
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How do I renew my tab and plate if I've lost or never received my renewal notice?
Our department is not able to reproduce a renewal notice after one has been sent, however, you don't need it to renew your tabs by mail. To do so, submit the following information to our department in writing before your credential expires:
- First, middle, and last name
- Michigan driver’s license/ID number
- License plate number
- Permanent address and alternative mailing address, if applicable
- Phone number
- A money order or check made out to the State of Michigan for your renewal fee
To determine how much you owe for your renewal, use the Renewal Fee Calculator through Online Services. Mail your information, payment, and proof of your valid Michigan No-Fault vehicle insurance policy (if applicable) to the following address:
Michigan Department of State
Internal Services Section
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918Make sure to submit your renewal before your vehicle registration tab and license plate expire. It's recommended that you do so at least two weeks before your birthday to avoid potential mailing delays.
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Can I renew my license plate and tab if I'm out of state?
Yes, you may renew your vehicle registration by mail or online while out of state. Please note, it's still required by law to have a valid Michigan No-Fault insurance policy on your vehicle to maintain and renew your Michigan registration and plate.
You can also renew up to renewed up to six months early. Renewing early is strongly recommended if you expect to be out-of-state when your registration tab and plate expire on your birthday.