Where to renew your license in Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, you renew your driver's license at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. The main office serving Minneapolis is located at 445 Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. This is the state office that handles all driver's license transactions for the Twin Cities area.
You can also renew at any of the DVS exam stations across the metro area if the St. Paul location is inconvenient. These satellite locations have shorter wait times during off-peak hours. The DVS website lists all exam stations by county, and you can check real-time wait times before you go.
Some people choose to renew by mail if they meet specific conditions — your license must not be expired more than one year, you must be renewing without changes to your address or name, and you cannot have medical restrictions. Mail renewal takes longer but saves a trip.
Key Takeaways
- The main DVS office in St. Paul serves Minneapolis residents, though satellite exam stations throughout the metro area often have shorter waits.
- You need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment — cash, check, or card are accepted.
- Standard renewal takes about 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail after your in-person visit.
- If your license is expired more than one year or you have address or name changes, you must renew in person and cannot use mail renewal.
- Real-time wait times are posted on the DVS website, and going early in the week or mid-morning typically means shorter lines.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your current driver's license or state ID card. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a passport or passport card instead. DVS will not process your renewal without one of these as your primary form of identification.
You also need proof of residency — a document showing your current Minneapolis address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (tax notice, court document) also works. Bring the original; copies are not accepted.
If your name or address has changed since your last license, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for name changes; a lease or utility bill for address changes. Without this, DVS cannot update your record.
Fees and payment methods
A standard four-year driver's license renewal costs $24.50 in Minnesota. If you are 65 or older, renewal costs $13.50. These prices do not change by location within the state.
DVS accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card at all offices. If you pay by check, write it to "State of Minnesota." There is no fee reduction for mail renewal — you pay the same amount whether you renew in person or by mail.
If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building entry and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025), the cost is the same. Real ID is now the default for standard renewals in Minnesota, so you will receive it unless you specifically request a non-compliant license.
How long the process takes
Your in-person visit at DVS typically takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Wait times are longest on Mondays and Fridays and during lunch hours. Mid-week mornings (Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.) usually have the shortest lines.
After you leave the office, your new license is mailed to you. Standard delivery takes about 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can request a temporary paper license at the office, which is valid for 60 days while you wait for the plastic card.
Mail renewal takes longer — typically three to four weeks from the time DVS receives your process to when your new license arrives. You do not get a temporary license with mail renewal, so plan accordingly if you need to drive before your new card arrives.
When your license expires and renewal important date
Your driver's license expiration date is printed on the front of your card. Minnesota does not have a specific renewal window — you can renew anytime within 12 months before expiration. However, you cannot renew if your license is already expired; you must go through a full reissuance process instead, which costs more and requires additional documents.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use mail renewal. You must renew in person at a DVS office and bring proof of residency plus your current address documentation. Expired licenses that are more than one year old are treated as a new issuance rather than a renewal.
If you are deployed with the military or living outside Minnesota temporarily, you can request a important date extension. Contact DVS directly to discuss your situation — extensions are handled case by case.
Real ID requirements and what changed
Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Minnesota driver's license will no longer be accepted for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. You will need a Real ID-compliant license instead. The good news: Minnesota now issues Real ID as the default for all renewals at no extra cost.
When you renew, you will receive a Real ID license unless you specifically ask for a non-compliant license. Real ID licenses have a small gold star in the upper right corner. If you want to keep a non-compliant license for privacy reasons, tell the DVS staff before they process your renewal.
If you already have a Real ID license, your renewal is straightforward — no additional documents are needed beyond the standard residency proof. If you are renewing for the first time and want to confirm your license will be Real ID-compliant, ask the staff when you arrive.
What to do if you cannot visit in person
If you live outside Minnesota temporarily but your license is still valid, you can renew by mail as long as your address has not changed and your license is not expired. read the mail renewal form from the DVS website, include a copy of your current license and proof of residency, and mail it with your payment to the address on the form. Processing takes three to four weeks.
If you are unable to visit due to disability or medical reasons, contact DVS to discuss a home visit or alternative arrangement. These are handled on a case-by-case basis, and you will need to provide documentation of your condition. Call the DVS office directly rather than trying to request this online.
If your license is expired and you cannot renew in person, you cannot legally drive. There is no remote option for expired licenses. If you are temporarily unable to visit, consider asking a trusted family member or friend to renew on your behalf — DVS allows this with a signed power of attorney form, which you can read from their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No. Minnesota does not offer online driver's license renewal. You must renew either in person at a DVS office or by mail if you meet the may be able to access requirements (license not expired more than one year, no address or name changes, no medical restrictions).
What if I moved to a different address in Minneapolis?
You must renew in person and bring proof of your new address. Mail renewal is not an option when your address has changed. Bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your new Minneapolis address.
How much does it cost to renew if I'm over 65?
Renewal costs $13.50 if you are 65 or older, compared to $24.50 for younger drivers. Bring proof of your age (your current license shows your birthdate) when you renew. The discount applies automatically once DVS verifies your age.
What happens if my license expires before I can renew?
You cannot legally drive with an expired license. If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can still renew at a DVS office using the standard renewal process. If it has been expired more than one year, you must go through a full reissuance, which requires additional documents and costs more.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?
Yes, but only if you renew in person at a DVS office. You can request a temporary paper license valid for 60 days. Mail renewal does not include a temporary license, so your old license remains valid until your new one arrives.