How to Renew Your Car Registration in Michigan

driving on a snowy road
Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Michigan Secretary of State oversees your vehicle’s registration renewal. You’ll need to complete a renewal to continue (legally) driving. Your expiration depends on when you registered and is noted on the registration documents.

You’ll receive a renewal notice from the MI DMV about 45 days before your vehicle’s expiration.

This notice shares the renewal date, vehicle information, fees, a PIN for online renewal (if eligible), and information for mail-in renewal. Check with your local DMV for registry details or by visiting their website if you haven’t received this notice.

Most drivers can renew their vehicle’s registration:

  • In-person
  • Online
  • By Mail

Failing to renew your car’s registration can result in penalties. Given your license isn’t suspended or you have other restrictions from completing it – use the sections below to complete the renewal steps.

Michigan Car or Truck Registration Renewal: Step-by-Step

Your registration renewal method will vary, depending on what’s mentioned on the notice.

If you’ve lost your tags sometime between the renewal, you can have them replaced. See our duplicate title guide for more information about this process if it’s required for your renewal. You will also want minimum no-fault auto insurance when legally renewing to drive on state roads.

Here are the ways to renew your vehicle’s registration in Michigan:

Renewing In-Person

Renewing in person is your option if the renewal notice doesn’t state you can do so otherwise.

  1. Go to your local MI DMV/tag office
  2. Present your MI driver’s license
  3. Show your renewal notice or current registration
  4. Show proof of auto insurance
  5. Pay the registration fees

The clerk will process your information and complete the transaction. Congratulations!

You may also find self-service stations throughout the state. Go to one of these locations with your renewal information (PIN) and valid payment form. Then, complete the renewal and get a copy of your receipt along with the tags.

Renewing Online

Your notice will outline if you’re eligible to renew online (including a PIN you’ll use in the process).

  1. Visit ExpressSOS
  2. Enter your PIN
  3. Enter the last 4-digits of your SSN
  4. Enter your ID # or license #
  5. Enter your date of birth and eye color
  6. Pay your renewal fees

You’ll receive your new registration to your address on file in the mail. Check with your local DMV if it’s been longer than a week since your renewal. You may opt for an express renewal by following the same steps – this is a faster service if you don’t need plates.

Renewing by Mail

Mail-in renewals are available for residents in-state and out-of-state.

The renewal notice shares if you can renew by mail. You’ll include this form along with payment, proof of insurance, and driver information.

In-state residents send their information to:

Michigan Department of State

Renewal by Mail

7064 Crowner Drive

Lansing, MI 48980

Out-of-state residents will send a cover letter with their license #, address, and contact details. Plus, they’ll include a copy of their insurance and a check or money order made out to the State of Michigan.

Send this information to:

Michigan Department of State

Special Services Branch

7064 Crowner Drive

Lansing, MI 48918

Michigan Vehicle Renewal Fees and Taxes

Prices are determined by the vehicle year:

  • 1983 and older: Fees based on the weight
  • 1984 and newer: Fees based on the MSRP

Check with your local SOS office for a complete breakdown of your estimated renewal fees.

Congratulations, You’re Done!

You’ve completed the MI vehicle registration renewal.

Keep track of your expiration date by writing it on your calendar. Otherwise, watch for the next time a renewal notice comes your way. Forgoing renewal can land you in trouble with fines and penalties, so don’t let this lapse – happy driving!