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 (DVS) office. Mail and online renewals are faster and cheaper than going in person, but you can only use them if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations. If your license expired more than a year ago, or if you need to update your photo or address, you must renew in person.
The state sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which method works for you and includes a form if you are renewing by mail. You do not have to wait for the notice to start the process, but having it makes things simpler because it has your renewal code on it.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through mn.gov/dvs takes about 10 minutes and costs $16.50 for a four-year license if you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal costs $16.50 and takes two to three weeks, but requires the renewal notice form that Minnesota sends you automatically.
- In-person renewal at a DVS office takes about 30 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license, and is required if your license has been expired for more than a year.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease works), and proof of citizenship or legal residency to renew in person.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or 2 to 3 weeks for mail renewal.
Renewing online through the Minnesota DVS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is current and you do not need a new photo. Go to mn.gov/dvs, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and enter your license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your notice (or your Social Security number if you do not have the notice). You will answer questions about any address or name changes and confirm your information.
The fee is $16.50 for a four-year license, paid by debit or credit card. Minnesota will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than a year ago, if you have had a DWI or certain traffic violations in the past five years, or if you need to update your photo.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
Mail renewal uses the form that comes in your renewal notice. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $16.50 to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash. Include your current license with the envelope so the state can match your signature.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the day Minnesota receives your envelope. Your new license arrives by mail after that. Like online renewal, mail renewal is only for current licenses and does not work if you have had certain violations or need a new photo. If you lost your renewal notice, you can read the form from mn.gov/dvs or call the DVS customer line at 651-296-6911 to request a new one.
Renewing in person at a DVS office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than a year ago, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your name or address on the license itself. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and address), and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers). If you changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The fee is $24.50 for a four-year license, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Your new license is printed on the spot and you leave with it the same day. Find your nearest DVS office and current wait times at mn.gov/dvs.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your license expired less than a year ago, you can still use mail or online renewal if you meet the other requirements. If it expired more than a year ago, you must renew in person. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you have already started the renewal process.
If you are renewing in person after your license has been expired for a long time, bring the same documents as a regular in-person renewal. The process is the same, but the state may ask additional questions about why the renewal was delayed. You will receive a new four-year license once approved.
Renewing if you changed your name or address
If you changed your address but want to keep the same photo, you can renew online or by mail and update your address during that process. Your new license will show the new address. If you changed your name, you must renew in person and bring proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The same applies if you want a new photo for any reason.
Address changes take effect when ready when you renew online or by mail. In-person renewals print the new address on your license right away. If you moved but have not yet renewed your license, update your address at mn.gov/dvs first so the renewal notice goes to your new home.
Documents and fees at a glance
| Renewal Method | Fee | Time to Receive | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $16.50 | 7–10 business days | Current license, renewal code or Social Security number |
| $16.50 | 2–3 weeks | Current license, renewal notice form, check or money order | |
| In Person | $24.50 | Same day | Current license, proof of residency, proof of citizenship or legal residency |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first contact DVS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps are needed to restore your driving privileges. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it through any method that fits your situation.
What if I do not have proof of residency for in-person renewal?
Proof of residency must show your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days. If you cannot get one of these, call DVS at 651-296-6911 to ask about other options before you go to the office.
Do I need to take a new written test or eye exam to renew?
No. Renewal does not require a written test or eye exam unless you are renewing in person and the DVS officer has reason to believe your vision or knowledge has changed. For online and mail renewal, no test is given.
What if my renewal is delayed and my license expires before the new one arrives?
If you renewed online or by mail and your license expires before the new one arrives, you can still drive legally on your old license for a short grace period. Contact DVS at 651-296-6911 to confirm the grace period applies to your situation before you drive.
Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?
For online and mail renewal, your new license is mailed to the address on file, so you do not pick it up in person. For in-person renewal, you must be present to have your photo taken and sign the license. A family member cannot renew on your behalf.