The short version
- Your tabs expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to six months early. Renewing late adds a $10 fee.
- The fee is based on your vehicle’s list price when new, and it drops over the first few renewals. Electric vehicles add $267 a year, and plug-in hybrids add $113.
- You’ll need Michigan no-fault insurance. If your insurer reports it to the state electronically, you can renew online or at a self-service station that prints your tabs on the spot.
Michigan registrations are handled by the Secretary of State (SOS). Most renewals cover one year, but individually owned or leased passenger cars, motorcycles, pickups and vans can renew for two.
Not renewing?
- Just bought a car? Transfer the title within 15 days of the sale. Our guide to the Michigan temporary paper license plate covers driving it in the meantime.
- New to Michigan? You’ll title and register your car as a new resident, and our guide to transferring an out-of-state license to Michigan covers your license.
- Sold your car? The plate stays with you, and you can transfer it to another vehicle you own.
When to Renew a Michigan Registration
Michigan tabs expire on the owner’s birthday. If your birthday falls on a weekend or holiday, you have until the next business day. You can renew up to six months early, which also works for a car you keep in storage part of the year.
If Your Tabs Have Expired
Renewing late adds a $10 fee, and you can be ticketed for driving on expired tabs. The renewal fee isn’t prorated, so you’ll pay the full amount no matter how late you are.
What You Need to Renew in Michigan
Michigan No-Fault Insurance: You’ll need a valid Michigan no-fault policy, since an out-of-state policy won’t be accepted. Many insurers report coverage to the state electronically, and your renewal notice will tell you if yours does. If it doesn’t, you can’t renew online or at a self-service station, so renew by mail or at an office with a copy of your certificate.
Your Plate Number and VIN: Online and at self-service stations, you’ll enter your plate number and the last four digits of your VIN. At a station, you can also scan the barcode on your renewal notice.
A New Plate, If Yours Is 10 Years Old: Plates that are 10 or more years old are replaced automatically when you renew. A replacement plate costs $5 for most plates.
How to Renew Your Michigan Registration
Online
Use Quick Renewal on the SOS website with your plate number, the last four digits of your VIN, an email address and a card or bank account. Your registration and tabs are mailed to the residential address on record, so update it first if you’ve moved. Our guide to changing your address in Michigan explains how.
At a Self-Service Station
Stations at SOS offices and many Kroger and Meijer stores print your tabs on the spot. Each transaction costs $4.25, and card payments add a fee.
By Mail
Send your renewal notice, a copy of your no-fault insurance certificate and a check or money order payable to “State of Michigan” to the Internal Services Section, 7064 Crowner Drive, Lansing, MI 48918.
At a Secretary of State Office
Bring your renewal notice or plate number, proof of no-fault insurance and payment. Disability plates and first-time military or veteran plates have to be renewed by mail or at an office, and our guide to the Michigan disabled veteran license plate covers that plate. Our guide to Michigan SOS appointments explains how to book a visit.
Michigan Registration Renewal Fees
Your base fee comes from your vehicle’s list price, or MSRP, in the year it was made. It drops at each of the first three renewals, then stays the same. Your renewal notice shows the amount, and SOS has an online renewal fee calculator.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Base registration fee | Based on the list price when new |
| Electric vehicle fee | $267 extra ($367 for trucks and buses) |
| Plug-in hybrid fee | $113 extra ($183 for trucks and buses) |
| Late fee | $10 |
| Self-service station | $4.25 per transaction |
| Replacement plate | $5 |
| Recreation Passport, optional | $15 for one year, $29 for two |
| Example: extra charges for an electric car renewed at a self-service station, with the Recreation Passport | $286.25 ($267 EV fee + $15 Recreation Passport + $4.25 station fee), plus the base fee |
The electric and plug-in hybrid fees are tied to the state gas tax, so they rose in 2026 when the gas tax increased.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Your tabs expire on your birthday, or the next business day if it falls on a weekend or holiday. After that, you’ll pay a $10 late fee and can be ticketed.
SOS can’t resend it, but you don’t need it. Renew online or at a self-service station with your plate number and VIN, by mail, or at an office with your old registration and proof of insurance.
Check that SOS has your correct address. If it’s right, wait 30 days, then call or visit an office for a replacement. If it’s wrong, update it and order a new registration.
Michigan replaces plates that are 10 or more years old when you renew, along with rusted, damaged or unreadable ones. Most replacement plates cost $5.
Yes. Renew online, or by mail with a copy of your registration, proof of Michigan no-fault insurance and payment. You can give an out-of-state mailing address for your tabs.
You don’t need to return it. Once your car is registered in your new state, destroy the Michigan plate and ignore any renewal notices.
Conclusion
Michigan tabs expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to six months early online, at a self-service station, by mail or at an SOS office. Your base fee depends on your vehicle’s list price when new, and electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles pay $267 or $113 on top of it. Keep your Michigan no-fault insurance reported to the state so you can renew online. Renew on time, or you’ll pay a $10 late fee and risk a ticket.
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