BISMARCK - The North Dakota Department of Transportation encourages motor vehicle owners to renew their registration as soon as they receive their notice in the mail.

The NDDOT is also reminds vehicle owners to allow up to six weeks for delivery of registration tabs and new license plates delivered through the mail, or when renewing online due to the issuance of the new Sunrise license plates that began distribution in November.

This is the first time in 23 years that such a large volume of vehicle plates are being mailed to all registered vehicle owners, compared with the usual process that involves mailing out an envelope with registration and tabs enclosed.

The NDDOT is renewing an estimated 1 million vehicles this year, with over 350,000 new plates already distributed across the state.

Vehicle owners can obtain new plates and tabs by going to any motor vehicle branch office, renewing online or mailing in their registration form.