Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your Minnesota driver's license in person at any Deputy Registrar office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and whether you have moved since your last renewal.
Before you choose a method, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Minnesota licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew up to one year before expiration, which gives you flexibility in timing. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online, but you cannot renew in person without taking a new written test and vision test.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State receives your process, and you must include a new photo unless you renewed online within the last four years.
- In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office is the only option if your license has expired, and you will need to pass a vision test.
- You must bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address to any renewal method.
- If you have moved, changed your name, or want to change your address on your license, you must renew in person or online — mail renewal does not allow address changes.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State Driver and Vehicle Services website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you the renewal fee.
Online renewal costs $24.50 and takes effect when ready — you do not need to wait for a physical card. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license to drive until the new one arrives. This method works only if your license is still valid and you do not want to change your address or photo.
If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it means you either need a new photo, your license has expired, or there is a flag on your record. In that case, you will need to renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to an office. read the Driver's License Renewal process (Form DL-44) from the Minnesota Secretary of State website, fill it out completely, and mail it with a new photo, a copy of your proof of Social Security number, and a copy of your proof of address. Do not send your current license — keep it until you receive the new one.
Mail your process to the address shown on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State receives it, plus mail time in both directions — expect two to three weeks total. The fee is $24.50 if your license is not expired, or $49 if it has expired. You can pay by check or money order; do not send cash.
Mail renewal does not allow you to change your address, name, or photo if you have renewed online within the last four years. If you need any of those changes, renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office instead.
Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office
Visit any Deputy Registrar office with your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. You will fill out a short form, have your photo taken, and pass a vision test. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The fee is $24.50 if your license is not expired, or $49 if it has expired.
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you want to change your address or name, or if you want to add or remove restrictions (such as corrective lenses). You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card within 7 to 10 business days.
To find a Deputy Registrar office near you, search the Minnesota Secretary of State website by city or ZIP code. Hours vary by location, and some offices require an appointment. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need to book a time slot.
What happens if your license has expired
An expired license cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must go in person to a Deputy Registrar office, bring all required documents, and take a vision test. The renewal fee is $49 instead of $24.50. You will receive a temporary paper license to drive when ready and your permanent card within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to retake the written knowledge test in addition to the vision test. The Deputy Registrar office will tell you whether this applies to you when you arrive. Bring your current license or any other photo ID so the office can verify your identity.
Changing your address, name, or photo during renewal
If you have moved, changed your name, or want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Online renewal and mail renewal do not allow these changes. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (if you moved), proof of your name change (if applicable), proof of Social Security number, and be prepared to have a new photo taken.
If you moved but do not want to renew your license yet, you can update your address without renewing by visiting a Deputy Registrar office and paying a $5 fee. This keeps your current license valid but updates the address on file.
Fees and payment methods
A standard renewal costs $24.50 if your license is not expired. If your license has expired, the fee is $49. These fees cover the new license card and processing. Payment methods vary by renewal method: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards; mail renewal accepts checks and money orders; in-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards.
If you are renewing in person and paying by check, make it payable to the "State of Minnesota." Do not send cash by mail. If you pay online and the transaction fails, the Secretary of State will contact you with next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to your birthday. The new license will have a new expiration date one year from the renewal date.
What if I do not have proof of my Social Security number?
You must bring one of these documents: your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, a 1099 form, or a Social Security Administration letter. If you do not have any of these, contact the Secretary of State Driver and Vehicle Services office to ask what other documents they will accept.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal is effective when ready, though your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the Secretary of State receives your process, plus mail time. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent card within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Yes, you can renew your license. However, if you have an unpaid child support obligation or a suspended license due to a court order, the Secretary of State may place a hold on your renewal. Contact the Secretary of State or the court that issued the hold to resolve it before renewing.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew a lost license. Instead, you must replace it by visiting a Deputy Registrar office with proof of identity and proof of address. Bring your Social Security number proof as well. A replacement costs $24.50 and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready.