What you need to do to renew in Minnesota
Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how long you want it to last, and whether you need to update your photo. Most people renew online or by mail because it takes less time than going to an office.
Your license expires on your birthday. Minnesota sends you a renewal notice about two months before that date — check your mailbox or your email if you signed up for electronic notices. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card.
- Mail renewal uses the notice Minnesota sends you and takes two to three weeks; you mail a check or money order along with your signed form.
- In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your name or address.
- You will need your current Minnesota driver's license number and your Social Security number for online renewal.
- If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives in the mail within 10 business days after approval.
Renewing online through the state website
Online renewal happens at mn.gov/dvs under the "Renew Your License" section. You will need your current Minnesota driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a debit or credit card. The process takes about 10 minutes and you get a confirmation number right away.
Online renewal is only available if your license is currently valid (not expired) and you do not need to change your photo, name, or address. If any of those things explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person instead. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within 10 business days after the state processes your payment.
Renewing by mail with the renewal notice
The renewal notice Minnesota mails you has a form on the back. Sign the form, write a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. The fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the state receives your envelope. Your new license arrives in the mail after that. If you do not receive your renewal notice, you can read the form from mn.gov/dvs or call the Driver and Vehicle Services office at 651-297-3298 to request one.
Renewing in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you want a new photo, or if you need to change your name or address. Bring your current Minnesota driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
Minnesota has Driver and Vehicle Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times at mn.gov/dvs. Many offices let you schedule an appointment online, which usually means a shorter wait than walk-ins. The renewal fee is the same as mail or online: $24.50 for four years or $48 for eight years, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you have to explore for a new one. This means going to a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person with proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The process is longer than renewal and costs more.
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process as a current license. The state treats it as a renewal rather than a new process, which is faster and cheaper.
Choosing between a four-year and eight-year license
Minnesota offers two renewal lengths: four years for $24.50 or eight years for $48. The eight-year license costs twice as much but you renew half as often. Most people choose based on how long they plan to keep their current address and whether they expect their appearance to change significantly.
If you are not sure which length to pick, the four-year option lets you renew sooner if your situation changes. You can always choose the eight-year option next time if you are happy with the four-year choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?
No. Minnesota will not renew your license if you owe money on a traffic ticket, child support, or certain other court debts. You have to pay what you owe first. Contact the court or agency listed on your notice to find out how to pay.
What if I moved and my address is wrong on my license?
You must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office to change your address. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease. You cannot change your address by mail or online.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license arrives in the mail within 10 business days after the state approves your payment. You get a confirmation number right away when you submit your renewal, so you know it went through. If you need to drive before it arrives, your confirmation number counts as proof of renewal.
Can I renew my license if I changed my name?
No. You must renew in person and bring a court order or marriage certificate showing your name change. The office will issue a new license with your updated name at the same time.