Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license at any Deputy Registrar office — these are the local branches run by county governments, not the state DMV. You'll find them in most towns and cities, often inside city halls, county buildings, or standalone license offices. The Minnesota Secretary of State website has a search tool to find the office nearest you and its hours.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Minnesota address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last year), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring your birth certificate unless you're renewing for the first time or your license has been expired for more than five years.

The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $24.50. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for domestic flights and federal building access starting in 2025), the fee is $27.50. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit a Deputy Registrar office in your county — these are local branches, not a central state office, and you can find the nearest one on the Secretary of State website.
  • Bring your current license, proof of your Minnesota address, and your Social Security number; a name change requires a marriage certificate or court order.
  • A standard five-year renewal costs $24.50; a Real ID license costs $27.50 and is required for domestic air travel after May 2025.
  • You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had a vision or medical change — request a mail renewal form at the Deputy Registrar office or online.

Renewing by mail instead of in person

If your license is not expired and you have not had any changes to your vision, medical status, or name, you can renew by mail. Ask for a mail renewal form at any Deputy Registrar office, or read it from the Secretary of State website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the office receives your form. You will receive your new license by mail at your address on file. This route works well if you have a flexible schedule and do not need your new license urgently, but it does not work if your current license has already expired or if you need to update your photo.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit, your birth certificate, proof of citizenship (a passport or certified birth certificate), and proof of your Minnesota address. The process is more involved than renewal and takes longer.

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Bring the same documents as for a standard renewal. There is no penalty for renewing a license that has been expired for a few months or even a year or two, as long as it has not been expired for more than five years.

Real ID compliance and what it means

A Real ID license is a driver's license that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building like a courthouse or Social Security office. A standard Minnesota driver's license will no longer work for these purposes after that date.

To get a Real ID license, you must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office and bring proof of citizenship — a U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate. You also need proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form) and proof of your Minnesota address. The fee is $27.50 for a five-year license. If you already have a passport, you do not need to get a Real ID license because a passport works for all the same purposes.

Timeline and what to expect at the office

A renewal appointment at a Deputy Registrar office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes from the time you arrive. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's website or call ahead to see which system they use and whether they have same-day openings.

When you arrive, you will check in, submit your documents, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. The office will print a temporary license on the spot that you can use when ready while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you need your license sooner, some offices can issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you know you will be traveling or if you want to avoid a last-minute rush. The new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date you renew, not five years from your old expiration date.

Renewing early does not cost extra and does not affect your renewal schedule going forward. If you renew six months early, your next renewal will still be due five years after the early renewal date, so plan accordingly if you want to space out your renewals.

Changing your name, address, or other information

If your name has changed, you must renew in person and bring proof of the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name by mail renewal.

If your address has changed but your name has not, you can update your address at a Deputy Registrar office during renewal, or you can update it separately by mail or online through the Secretary of State website. You do not have to renew your license to change your address; you can update it anytime.

If your vision or medical status has changed significantly, tell the office staff when you renew. They may ask you to take a vision test or may require a medical evaluation from your doctor before issuing a new license. This is separate from the standard renewal process and may take longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Minnesota does not offer online renewal. You must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office or by mail if you meet the requirements for mail renewal. Mail renewal is the closest option to online renewal and takes two to three weeks.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You can renew and replace your license in one visit to a Deputy Registrar office. Bring your proof of address and Social Security number. The office will issue a new license with your current photo on file. If you want a new photo, ask the staff and they will take one during your visit.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

This varies by office. Some Deputy Registrar offices take walk-ins during business hours; others require appointments booked online or by phone. Check your local office's website or call ahead to confirm their process and current wait times.

What if my address proof is not in my name?

Your proof of address must show your name and your current Minnesota address. If you have a utility bill or lease in a spouse's name, bring a second document that shows your name — a bank statement, insurance bill, or tax return. The office staff can tell you which combinations of documents they will accept.

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

No, you must have a valid Minnesota driver's license to renew it. If you just moved to Minnesota and have an out-of-state license, you must explore for a new Minnesota license instead of renewing. This requires an in-person visit, a vision test, and proof of citizenship.