How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Michigan?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Michigan residents to maintain legal driving privileges and comply with state motor vehicle laws. The Michigan Department of State administers the state's vehicle registration system and processes registration transactions through Secretary of State branch offices, PLUS offices, online services, and authorized self-service stations.
Michigan Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Michigan vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Vehicle Insurance: Proof of current no-fault automobile insurance coverage meeting Michigan insurance requirements as mandated by Michigan Compiled Laws Section 500.3101
- Vehicle Identification: Current registration certificate, Michigan license plate number, or vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Personal Identification: Michigan driver's license number or state-issued identification card for the registered owner
- Ownership Documentation: Michigan certificate of title showing current ownership or lease documentation for leased vehicles
- Payment of Registration Tax: Registration tax calculated based on original manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and vehicle age
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Birthday Registration System: Michigan vehicle registrations expire on the owner's date of birth in the year indicated on the registration certificate
- Renewal Period: Vehicle owners may renew registration beginning 90 days before the expiration date
- Registration Responsibility: Vehicle owners are responsible for renewing registration by their birthday in the expiration year regardless of whether renewal notices are received by mail
- Grace Period: Michigan does not provide a grace period for expired registrations; operation of a vehicle with expired registration constitutes a civil infraction subject to citation and fines
- New Vehicle Registration: Vehicle owners must title and register a newly purchased or acquired vehicle within 15 days of purchase or delivery
- New Residents: Individuals establishing Michigan residency must obtain Michigan title and registration within 30 days of relocating to the state
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Michigan in 2025
2025 Michigan Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
The following table shows the registration tax rates established by the Michigan Department of State. When renewing your registration, you can use the Renewal Fee Calculator.
| Vehicle Type | Registration Period | Registration Tax Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles | Annual | Based on original MSRP and vehicle age |
| Motorcycles | Annual | $26.00 flat fee |
| Mopeds | 3 years | $15.00 flat fee |
| Electric motorcycles | Annual | $56.00 flat fee |
| Autocycles | Annual | Based on MSRP like passenger vehicles |
Passenger Vehicle Registration Tax Calculation
Michigan calculates passenger vehicle registration tax based on the vehicle's original manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and age:
| Vehicle Age | Tax Rate per $1,000 of MSRP | Minimum Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|
| New to 3 years | $10.08 per $1,000 | $60.00 |
| 4 to 6 years | $9.36 per $1,000 | $50.00 |
| 7 to 9 years | $8.64 per $1,000 | $50.00 |
| 10 years and older | $7.44 per $1,000 | $40.00 |
Registration Tax Example: A 2-year-old vehicle with original MSRP of $30,000 pays registration tax calculated as follows: $30,000 ÷ 1,000 = 30 × $10.08 = $302.40 annual registration tax.
Commercial Vehicle and Truck Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Gross Vehicle Weight | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Pickups and vans (personal use) | 8,000 pounds or less | Based on MSRP calculation |
| Light trucks (commercial) | 5,000 pounds or less | $100.00 |
| Medium trucks (commercial) | 5,001 to 8,000 pounds | $124.00 |
| Heavy trucks (commercial) | 8,001 to 10,000 pounds | $163.00 |
| Heavy trucks (commercial) | 10,001 to 24,000 pounds | $223.00 to $643.00 |
| Heavy trucks (commercial) | 24,001 to 80,000 pounds | Weight-based calculation |
Trailer Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Gross Vehicle Weight | Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Utility trailers | 2,500 pounds or less | $10.00 (5-year registration) |
| Utility trailers | 2,501 to 10,000 pounds | $52.00 (annual) |
| Travel trailers | All weights | $54.00 (annual) |
| Commercial trailers | Weight-based classification | $100.00 to $2,000.00 (annual) |
| Trailer coaches | Recreational use | $54.00 (annual) |
Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fees
Michigan imposes additional annual fees for electric and alternative fuel vehicles to support road funding:
| Vehicle Type | Additional Annual Fee | Statutory Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Battery electric vehicles | $140.00 | Public Act 40 of 2022 |
| Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles | $47.00 | Public Act 40 of 2022 |
| Hybrid vehicles | $30.00 | Public Act 40 of 2022 |
Note: The electric vehicle fee, plug-in hybrid fee, and hybrid fee are in addition to standard MSRP-based registration tax calculations for passenger vehicles.
Additional Mandatory Fees and Services
Michigan registration transactions include multiple components established by state statute:
| Fee Component | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Title application fee | $15.00 | Certificate of title issuance or transfer |
| Late registration fee | $10.00 | Registration renewed after expiration date |
| Plate transfer fee | $8.00 | Transfer of registration plate to different vehicle |
| Original plate fee | $5.00 | Issuance of standard registration plates |
| Duplicate registration fee | $6.00 | Replacement registration certificate |
| Duplicate plate fee | $5.00 per plate | Replacement registration plate |
| Instant title fee | $5.00 | Same-day title processing at branch office |
Michigan Registration Tax: Michigan registration tax is calculated annually based on the vehicle's original manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) as listed in vehicle valuation guides maintained by the Secretary of State. The tax decreases as the vehicle ages according to statutory depreciation schedules.
Special Registration Categories and Fees
| Registration Type | Fee | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Historic vehicle registration | $30.00 (one-time) | Vehicles 26 years or older, maintained for historical interest |
| Collector vehicle registration | Standard MSRP-based fee | Vehicles 26 years or older, maintained in original condition |
| Former military vehicle | $30.00 (annual) | Vehicles manufactured for military use, decommissioned |
| Disabled person plates | Standard fee | Permanent disability certification from physician |
| Disabled veteran plates | Standard fee | VA disability rating of 30% or greater |
| Pearl Harbor survivor plates | Standard fee | Documentation of Pearl Harbor service December 7, 1941 |
| Purple Heart plates | Standard fee | DD Form 214 showing Purple Heart award |
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Michigan
Online Renewal Availability
Michigan Online Renewal Eligibility
Vehicle owners may renew registration online if all of the following conditions are satisfied:
- Vehicle registration is current or expired no more than 12 months
- Vehicle owner possesses current Michigan driver's license or state-issued identification
- Vehicle insurance coverage is active and electronically verified by the Department of State
- No outstanding traffic citations, parking tickets, or unpaid driver responsibility fees associated with owner or vehicle
- Vehicle registration is not subject to holds, suspensions, or administrative restrictions
- Vehicle is not newly purchased and requires first-time Michigan registration
- Vehicle title shows no changes in ownership or lienholder requiring documentation
Michigan Online Renewal Systems
Michigan Online Services: The primary platform for online registration renewal is accessible through the Michigan Online Services Portal. The system interfaces directly with the Department of State registration database, Michigan insurance verification system, and court systems to verify compliance with all renewal requirements in real time.
Self-service stations: Self-service stations located throughout Michigan provide registration renewal services at Secretary of State offices, retail locations, and public facilities. Locate kiosks using the Self-service stations Locator.
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Verify Insurance Coverage
- Confirm current Michigan no-fault automobile insurance policy is active and meets state coverage requirements
- Michigan requires personal injury protection, property protection insurance, and residual liability coverage
- Insurance companies electronically report policy information to Department of State within 24 hours of policy effective date or changes
- Department of State verifies insurance coverage automatically during registration renewal process
- Contact insurance company if coverage verification fails during online renewal attempt
Step 2: Gather Required Information
- Locate current vehicle registration certificate containing plate number and expiration date
- Have Michigan driver's license number or state-issued identification number available
- Note vehicle identification number (VIN) if required for verification
- Review registration certificate for accuracy of owner name, address, and vehicle information
- Prepare payment method (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or electronic check from Michigan financial institution)
Step 3: Access Michigan Online Services Portal
- Navigate to the Michigan Online Services website
- Select "Vehicle Registration Renewal" from available online services menu
- System available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week except during scheduled maintenance
- Review eligibility requirements and renewal instructions before proceeding
- Online services require JavaScript enabled and current web browser version
Step 4: Enter Owner and Vehicle Information
- Input Michigan driver's license number or state-issued identification number for account verification
- Enter vehicle license plate number as shown on registration certificate
- Provide date of birth for identity verification
- Enter last four digits of Social Security number if requested for additional security
- System retrieves current registration information from Department of State database
Step 5: Verify Registration Information
- Review displayed vehicle information including year, make, model, and vehicle identification number
- Verify owner name and current mailing address are accurate
- Confirm registration expiration date matches current registration certificate
- Update mailing address if necessary through profile management function or separate address change transaction
- Review calculated registration tax based on vehicle MSRP and age
Step 6: System Verification of Insurance and Compliance
- System automatically verifies current active insurance coverage through electronic query of insurance database maintained by Department of State
- System confirms no outstanding traffic citations, parking tickets, or driver responsibility fees prevent renewal
- System checks for holds, suspensions, or administrative restrictions on vehicle registration
- Review verification results displayed on screen
- Address any verification failures before proceeding: failed insurance verification requires contact with insurance company; outstanding obligations require payment through appropriate authority
Step 7: Review Registration Tax and Submit Payment
- Review itemized breakdown displaying registration tax calculation based on vehicle MSRP and age
- Verify electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle, or plug-in hybrid supplemental fee if applicable to vehicle type
- Review total amount due including registration tax, supplemental fees, and online convenience fee
- Select payment method from available options (credit card or electronic check)
- Enter complete payment information including card or account number, expiration date, security code, and billing address
- Online convenience fee of $1.50 applies to all electronic transactions
- Review and confirm all payment information before authorizing transaction
Step 8: Complete Transaction and Receive Confirmation
- Submit payment authorization to finalize registration renewal transaction
- System processes payment through secure payment gateway and generates electronic receipt
- Print or save confirmation page displaying transaction confirmation number and receipt details
- Confirmation receipt serves as temporary proof of valid registration for 60 days from transaction date
- New registration certificate mailed to address on file within 10 business days
- Michigan does not use registration stickers; registration certificate serves as proof of current registration
- Carry registration certificate in vehicle at all times as required by Michigan law
- Contact Secretary of State if registration certificate not received within 21 days of online renewal
Alternative Renewal Methods
In-Person Renewal at Secretary of State Branch Offices
Vehicle owners may complete registration renewal at any Michigan Secretary of State branch office:
- Locate your nearest branch office using the Secretary of State Office Locator
- Schedule appointment through Michigan Online Appointment System for guaranteed service time at most locations
- Many branch offices offer walk-in service for basic transactions including registration renewal
- Bring current registration certificate or renewal notice
- Present valid Michigan driver's license or state-issued identification card
- Provide proof of current Michigan no-fault insurance coverage if electronic verification unavailable
- Provide certificate of title if ownership or lienholder changes require documentation
- Submit payment for all applicable registration fees (cash, check, money order, credit card, or debit card accepted)
- Receive new registration certificate immediately upon completion of transaction
- Branch offices process instant title applications for additional $5.00 fee if title services needed
Contact Information
Michigan Department of State - Headquarters
430 West Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48918
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Michigan Department of State
