(a) Application for the renewal of vehicle registration shall be made by completing the proper form and paying any required fee and tax.
(b) The department may receive an application for the renewal of vehicle registration and issue a new certificate of registration at any time before the expiration of the biennial registration as prescribed in regulations adopted by the commissioner. Nothing in this section prevents the commissioner from providing for a longer registration period; however, a person may not display the new registration plates on a vehicle before a date which may be set by the commissioner.