Where to renew your license in Plymouth

Plymouth residents renew their driver licenses at the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office located in Hennepin County. The main office serving the Plymouth area is the Hennepin County DVS office at 1400 Highway 169 North in Minneapolis, about 15 minutes south of Plymouth. You can also use any other DVS office in Minnesota if that location is more convenient — the state accepts renewals at all regional offices.

Before you go, check the current wait times and hours on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. DVS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Saturdays.

You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have no medical restrictions, and you cannot have any address changes. If you may have access to for mail renewal, you can request the form on the Secretary of State website or call the DVS office directly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hennepal County DVS office at 1400 Highway 169 North in Minneapolis handles renewals for Plymouth residents, though you can use any Minnesota DVS location.
  • You need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence — bring originals or certified copies, not photos.
  • Standard renewal takes about 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail after you complete your in-person visit.
  • Mail renewal is an option only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions or address changes.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses require additional documents and cost more, but are required for domestic air travel starting May 2025.

Documents you need to bring

Minnesota requires three categories of documents at renewal: your current driver license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. Bring originals or certified copies — DVS staff will not accept photos or digital images.

For proof of residency, bring one document showing your current Plymouth address dated within the last three months. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, or bank statement. A phone bill or credit card statement also works if it shows your name and address.

For proof of citizenship or legal presence, bring your U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate (original or certified copy), certificate of naturalization, or permanent resident card (green card). If you were born outside the United States, a birth certificate alone is not enough — you must also bring a document showing you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

If you are renewing a Real ID-compliant license (required for domestic air travel), you need the same documents plus proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return showing your full number.

Real ID versus standard license: what you need to know

Minnesota offers two types of driver licenses at renewal: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The difference matters if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building. Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require a Real ID-compliant license or passport for domestic flights — a standard Minnesota license will no longer work.

Real ID licenses cost more (about $10 to $15 extra depending on the license term) and require additional documents: proof of your Social Security number and proof of citizenship or legal presence. The process process is the same, but the background check is more thorough. You will see a gold star in the upper right corner of a Real ID license.

If you do not fly domestically and do not need to enter federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient and costs less. You can always upgrade to Real ID at your next renewal or at any time by visiting a DVS office with the required documents.

Renewal fees and license validity

Minnesota driver license renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard four-year license costs around $24, while an eight-year license costs around $48. Real ID licenses cost approximately $10 to $15 more for the same terms. Fees can vary slightly by office location, so confirm the exact amount when you arrive or call ahead.

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide at the DVS office, typically within 10 business days. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you can request a temporary paper license at the office, though this is not standard practice — ask the staff whether it is available in your situation.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to take a written test and vision test in addition to the renewal process. Contact the DVS office before you go to confirm whether this applies to you.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at a DVS office. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical issues flagged by your doctor or the DVS.

Check your license status on the Secretary of State website before you go to the DVS office. If your status shows suspended or revoked, call the DVS at 651-296-6911 to find out what steps you need to take first. Attempting to renew a suspended license will result in your process being denied, and you will have wasted the trip and the fee.

Renewing online or by mail

Minnesota does not offer full online renewal for driver licenses, but you can renew by mail if you meet the conditions. To may have access to for mail renewal, your current license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have no medical restrictions, and you cannot have any address changes since your last renewal.

Request a mail renewal form from the Secretary of State website or call the DVS office. Complete the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address provided. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the time the DVS receives your form. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license.

If you do not meet the mail renewal conditions, you must visit a DVS office in person. There is no exception to this requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address?

No. To renew a Minnesota license, you must be a Minnesota resident. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver license from your new state. If you still live in Minnesota but your mailing address is temporarily out of state, contact the DVS office to discuss your options — they may allow renewal with documentation of your Minnesota residency.

What if I lost my current license?

You can still renew, but you will need to bring additional identification. Bring two forms of ID that show your name and date of birth, such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. The DVS staff will verify your identity before processing the renewal.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Standard processing takes about 10 business days from the date you complete your renewal at the DVS office. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. If you need your license urgently, ask the DVS staff whether they can issue a temporary paper license on the spot — availability varies.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the DVS office?

The Hennepin County DVS office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require appointments. However, you can check current wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go. Some DVS offices in other parts of Minnesota do offer appointments — call ahead if you are visiting a different location.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring legal documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DVS will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name. This counts as a renewal, so you will pay the standard renewal fee.