How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster and handles most situations; the mail route works only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had any violations or address changes since your last renewal.

If you go in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days). You will also need to pass a vision test at the office. If your address has changed since your last renewal, bring a document showing your new address.

If you are renewing by mail, send your current license, a completed Form DL-44 (the renewal process), and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. You can read Form DL-44 from the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks.

Key Takeaways

In-person renewal at a DVS office requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address, and you must pass a vision test.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have had no violations or address changes since your last renewal.
You can find your nearest DVS office and check wait times on the Minnesota Secretary of State website before you go.
Renewal fees vary depending on whether you choose a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license, which is required for federal air travel after May 2025.

Standard license versus Real ID

Minnesota offers two types of renewed licenses: a standard driver's license and a Real ID-compliant license. The Real ID license meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If you plan to fly within the United States or enter a federal facility after May 7, 2025, you will need either a Real ID license or a passport.

The Real ID license costs more than a standard license and requires additional documents to prove your identity and citizenship. You must bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your current address. If you choose the Real ID option, you must renew in person — it cannot be done by mail.

If you are not sure which type you need, the standard license works for driving and most everyday identification. You can always upgrade to Real ID at your next renewal if your plans change.

Finding a DVS office and avoiding long waits

Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can search for the office nearest you on the Minnesota Secretary of State website by entering your city or zip code. The same website shows current wait times at each location, updated throughout the day.

Wait times vary widely depending on the office and the time of day. Smaller offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than offices in the Twin Cities. Early morning and mid-week visits (Tuesday through Thursday) typically have shorter lines than Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings. If you see a long wait at your nearest office, checking a different location or coming back at a different time can save you an hour or more.

You do not need an appointment for standard renewal at most offices, but some locations now offer optional appointment slots. Check your local office's page on the Secretary of State website to see whether appointments are available in your area.

What happens after you renew

If you renew in person, you will receive your new license on the spot. If you renew by mail, your new license will arrive by regular mail within two to three weeks. Your old license becomes invalid once your new one is issued.

If you need to drive before your mailed license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DVS office when you submit your renewal by mail. Some people also choose to renew in person specifically to avoid the wait for a mailed license.

Renewing if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail — you must go to a DVS office in person. The office staff will process your renewal the same way as a standard renewal, but you may need to retake the written test or vision test depending on how long your license has been expired and your age.

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you typically do not need to retake the written test, only the vision test. If it expired more than five years ago, you may be required to take both tests. Call your local DVS office before you go to confirm what tests you will need.

Changing your name or address during renewal

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name by mail renewal.

If only your address has changed, you can include the new address when you renew by mail, but you must include a document showing your new address. If you renew in person, tell the office staff about the address change and bring proof of your new address.

Renewal fees and payment

The renewal fee depends on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. A Real ID license costs more than a standard license at the same validity period. Exact fees change periodically, so check the Minnesota Secretary of State website for current amounts before you go to the office or mail in your renewal.

At a DVS office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order — the office does not accept credit cards through the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

Minnesota does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either in person at a DVS office or by mail. Some states have launched online renewal, but Minnesota has not yet implemented this option.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it by mail. You must go to a DVS office in person and request a replacement. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The office will issue you a new license with the same number and expiration date as your original license.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Yes, a new photo is taken every time you renew your license in person. If you renew by mail, your photo from your previous license is used on your new license, so you do not need to provide a new photo.

How long is a renewed license valid?

You can choose a four-year or eight-year license when you renew. Four-year licenses cost less but require more frequent renewal. Eight-year licenses cost more but do not need to be renewed as often. Your age may affect which options are available to you.

What if I have a commercial driver's license?

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have different renewal rules and cannot be renewed by mail. You must renew a CDL in person at a DVS office and pass a medical examination. Contact your local DVS office for specific requirements for CDL renewal.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.