How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Minnesota driver's license renewal: what you need to do

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether your address or other information has changed. Most people can complete the entire process without visiting an office, though some situations require an in-person visit.

Your Minnesota driver's license is valid for four years if you are under 65, or eight years if you are 65 or older. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for that notice to renew — you can start the process anytime during the final year of your license's validity.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license, but only works if your address has not changed and your license is not suspended or revoked.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed process form, and payment, but you cannot use it if you need a new photo or your information has changed significantly.
In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if your license is suspended, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your name, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license.
You will need to provide proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number.
Expired licenses can still be renewed using the same methods, but you cannot legally drive with an expired license even if your renewal is in progress.

Online renewal through the Secretary of State website

The fastest and cheapest way to renew is online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $24.50 for a four-year license, and you receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will use the same photo from your current license, so you do not need to visit an office or take a new photo.

Online renewal is available only if all of these are true: your current license is not suspended or revoked, your address has not changed since your last renewal, you are not changing your name, and you do not have any holds or flags on your driving record. You will need your current license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The state does not accept checks or money orders for online renewal.

If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you will need to renew by mail or in person. The website will tell you when ready whether you are able to renew online — you do not have to guess or call ahead.

Mail renewal: timing and what to send

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DVS office receives your process. You can use mail renewal if your address has not changed and your license is not suspended, but you will keep your current photo. To renew by mail, complete form DL44 (process for Minnesota Driver's License), include your current license, and mail everything with a check or money order for $24.50 to the address listed on the form.

The DVS office processes mail applications in the order they arrive. If you are renewing close to your expiration date, mail renewal may not be fast enough — the office cannot may provide delivery before your license expires. Many people use mail renewal when they have at least three to four weeks before expiration.

You can read form DL44 from the Minnesota Secretary of State website or request it by phone at 651-296-6911. Do not send your process to a local DVS office — mail it to the central processing address shown on the form. If your process is incomplete or the payment does not match the fee, the office will return it to you, which adds another week or more to the process.

In-person renewal at a DVS office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license, or if you have any other flags on your record. In-person renewal also takes the least time on the day you visit — most offices complete the transaction in 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

To find a DVS office near you, use the office locator on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Many offices are located inside Secretary of State regional offices, but some are in other government buildings or partner locations. Hours vary by office — some are open evenings or Saturdays, but many are open only during standard business hours Monday through Friday.

You do not need an appointment at most DVS offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check your local office's page before you go. If the office is very busy, you may wait longer than expected, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.

Documents you need to bring

For any renewal method, you will need to provide proof of your identity and proof of Minnesota residency. Acceptable identity documents include a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID card. You cannot use a Social Security card or a school ID as your only proof of identity.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Minnesota address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A driver's license or ID card cannot be used as proof of residency. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new name at your new address, bring a lease or purchase agreement plus a utility bill in either your old or new name.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can renew using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but you must renew in person and bring documentation of your ITIN.

Fees and what affects the cost

A standard four-year driver's license renewal costs $24.50. If you are 65 or older, an eight-year renewal costs $40. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. The state does not charge extra for a new photo or for changing your name or address during renewal.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you may owe reinstatement fees in addition to the renewal fee. These fees vary depending on the reason for the suspension — a suspension for unpaid traffic fines, child support, or other reasons each has its own reinstatement cost. You can check whether you owe reinstatement fees by calling the DVS at 651-296-6911 or by checking your driving record online through the Secretary of State website.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the cost is higher — $80 for a four-year CDL. CDL renewals always require an in-person visit and a medical examination form (MCSA-5875) signed by a licensed medical examiner within the last 14 months.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if your renewal process is in progress. If you are stopped by police while your license is expired, you can receive a citation. However, if you can show proof that you submitted your renewal process before the expiration date, you may be able to contest the citation in court.

If your license has already expired and you have not yet renewed it, you can still use any of the three renewal methods — online, mail, or in person. The fee is the same. The only difference is that you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives. If you need to drive when ready, renew in person at a DVS office and ask whether they can issue a temporary license while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or child support obligations?

No. The DVS will not renew your license if you have unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or certain other court-ordered obligations. You must resolve these issues first. Call 651-296-6911 to find out what you owe and to whom, then contact that agency to make a payment plan or settlement.

What if I have changed my name since my last renewal?

You must renew in person and bring legal documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will receive a new license with your new name and a new photo. Mail and online renewal do not work for name changes.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?

You receive a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally using the temporary license while you wait for the permanent one.

Can I renew my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You need proof of lawful presence in the United States, which can be a valid passport, a visa, a work permit, or a green card. Bring the same identity and residency documents as any other applicant. Undocumented immigrants cannot renew a standard driver's license but may be able to obtain a Minnesota ID card instead.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You must renew in person because the DVS needs to verify your identity and take a new photo. Bring your proof of identity and residency documents. You will pay the standard renewal fee plus a $20 replacement fee for the lost license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.