How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Michigan

1. Get Started With Car Registration Application Assistance Online

Vehicle registrations need to be renewed regularly. Many states require vehicle owners to renew their registrations every year, although some states offer the option to purchase registrations that last for two years or longer. Most states allow you to quickly renew your car registration online, but you should be aware of the information you will need to provide, the necessary fees and the acceptable methods of payment to ensure a smooth transaction. Our online guide can help you prepare all the required documents and fees so that you can renew your vehicle registration as smoothly and quickly as possible. In it, you will also discover all the steps needed to replace a lost registration and to update your name or address with the DMV.

2. By Mail

Some vehicle owners may prefer to renew their auto registrations through the mail. Certain states will allow their residents to apply by mail, but vehicle owners may need to meet certain eligibility requirements to submit their request. Additionally, the ways in which you may pay your renewal fee are limited to check or money order, and you may experience processing delays due to the time it takes the postal service to deliver your application. Furthermore, you may risk losing your application or registration tags in the mail, adding to the wait time.

3. Via a DMV Office

Renewing your vehicle registration in person at a DMV office is an option if you cannot or prefer not to apply by mail or online. Typically, the DMV will issue your new registration credentials after receiving payment. However, certain states may require you to wait to receive your renewed registration documents in the mail. While visiting a DMV office in person may provide you with more personalized attention, it often involves long waits. Additionally, the office hours of many DMV locations can interfere with your work schedule.

Getting car registration renewal in Michigan is a process that should be understood by all drivers in the state. MI residents are required to periodically update their car registration in order to legally operate vehicles that they own. It is the responsibility of drivers to keep up with upcoming expiration dates for registration. Otherwise, they could face consequences of driving without up-to-date registration forms. Specific requirements must be met in order for successful renewal to be completed.

The steps for DMV car registration renewal in Michigan are developed by the state tag and licensing agency. Drivers must adhere to the standards for eligibility upheld by these laws. Various options for renewal are available to drivers. Residents can complete car registration renewal online, in person or by mail. To learn more about registration renewal in the state, read the following sections.

Requirements for Car Registration Renewal in Michigan

Michigan residents must meet certain motor vehicle registration renewal requirements to be granted new documents in the state. These standards are in place to ensure only eligible applicants receive updated registration forms. Registration renewal applicants in MI should meet the following requirements:

  • Be an MI residents.
  • Have up-to-date auto insurances.
  • Not have any outstanding parking tickets or traffic infractions
  • Pay all required fees for renewal.

What do you need to renew your car registration in Michigan?

Drivers in Michigan can renew vehicle registration online, in person or by mail. For either type of registration renewal method, various personal in vehicle details must be submitted. The following pieces of information are required to complete the process:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Vehicle Identification Number
  • Proof of insurance

Michigan Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice

In Michigan, car registration renewal notices are sent via mail as a courtesy to state residents. These letters are provided to drivers up to 45 days before the expiration date on their registration. Drivers can follow the instructions provided on official notices to successfully complete the renewal process in the state.

Michigan Car Registration Renewal Notice Lost or Not Received

If you do not receive a Michigan car registration renewal notice, you are still responsible for renewing your registration before your current registration expires. Failure to renew your car registration in time will result in late fees.

Maintaining an up-to-date address with the state DMV office is one way to ensure you will receive registration notices when they are sent. Make sure that the DMV has your most current mailing address so you can continue to receive important notifications.

Michigan Car Registration Renewal Options

Michigan residents can renew their car registrations online, in person or via mail. Submitting DMV registration renewal online is often the fastest and easiest way to obtain updated documents. However, the online procedure may not be accessible or convenient for all residents. Drivers should choose the method they feel is most convenient.

How to Renew Your Car Registration Online

Renewing your car registration online in Michigan begins with visiting the state licensing website. Complete each of the following steps to obtain updated registration documents:

  1. Submit the necessary personal and vehicle information online.
  2. Pay all required DMV registration renewal fees using a valid credit or debit card. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted.
  3. Obtain your updated registration documents by mail.

How to Renew Your Car Registration by Mail

Renewing car registration by mail is a simple process in Michigan. This method is generally the slowest way to obtain new registration documents for residents. Drivers can complete this procedure by submitting the following items to the state licensing agency:

  1. Requests for updated registration
  2. Fee payment by check or money order
  3. Proof of no-fault vehicle insurance coverage
  4. Additional verification documents, if needed

When the MI licensing office has approved the items submitted, new registration documents are sent via mail.

How to Renew Your Car Registration in Person

The final method for obtaining motor vehicle registration renewal in Michigan is visiting a licensing location in person. Drivers can go to self-service kiosks or visit a Secretary of State (SOS) office. Self-service kiosks are located inside of Michigan Secretary of State offices. When you visit an SOS office, make sure to:

  • Submit all required personal and vehicle details.
  • Provide proof of no-fault auto insurance and photo identification, if necessary.
  • Provide any additional verification documents.
  • Provide the required fee payment using a valid method of payment. Cash, check, money orders and debit or credit cards are accepted at Secretary of State offices. Only debit and credit cards are accepted at self-service kiosks. Additionally, Visa, Discover and MasterCard are the only acceptable debit or credit cards for completing this process.

Military & Out of State Vehicle Registration Renewal in Michigan

Michigan residents who are active military members or are living out of state are subject to the same rules as regular residents. Driving with an expired vehicle registration is against the law for all motorists. Online and mail-in renewal methods are easily accessible to military and out-of-state residents.

Michigan Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees

The vehicle registration renewal costs assessed in Michigan are based on a variety of factors. First, the type of vehicle being renewed affects the overall price. Your registration fee should appear on your renewal notice. You can also look up your exact fee online via the SOS website. If requests are submitted beyond the expiration date, you will be responsible for paying a $10 fee.

Last updated on Monday, April 4 2022.

Sources

  1. Renewing Your License Plate from Michigan.gov