Where to renew and what documents you need

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 takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing by mail, you'll need to send your current license along with the renewal form and a check or money order.

Not everyone can renew by mail. You're may be able to access for mail renewal only if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no restrictions or endorsements on your current license, and you haven't changed your name or address since your last renewal. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you must go in person.

Your current Minnesota driver's license serves as your primary document — DVS will not renew without it. If your license is lost or stolen, you'll need to report it and go through the replacement process instead, which requires additional steps and documents.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewal at any DVS office requires your current license, proof of residence dated within three months, and takes about 30 minutes.
  • Mail renewal is only available if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no restrictions, endorsements, or name changes.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days of in-person renewal, or 2 to 3 weeks if you renew by mail.
  • The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license; you choose the term when you renew.
  • You can check your license expiration date on the front of your card or through the DVS website without logging in.

In-person renewal at a DVS office

Walk into any Driver and Vehicle Services office during business hours with your current license and proof of residence. You do not need an appointment. Hand your documents to the clerk, answer questions about any changes to your address, medical conditions, or driving restrictions, and have your photo taken. The entire process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Proof of residence must be a document showing your name and current address, dated within the last three months. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or property tax statement all work. If you've moved recently and don't have a document in your name yet, bring a lease or purchase agreement plus a piece of mail from a government agency (tax notice, court document, voter registration card) showing your new address.

You'll pay the renewal fee at the counter — $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license. You choose which term you want. DVS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 5 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal: when it's available and how to do it

If your license expired less than one year ago, you have no restrictions or endorsements, and you haven't changed your name or address, you can renew by mail. read the renewal form from the DVS website (form DL-44) or call 651-297-2126 to request one by mail. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $24.50 (four-year) or $48.50 (eight-year) to the address shown on the form.

Mail the packet to Driver and Vehicle Services, 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 161, St. Paul, MN 55101. Your renewal will be processed within 2 to 3 weeks of receipt. DVS does not accept credit or debit card payments by mail, only checks or money orders. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal is slower than in-person renewal, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. If you need your new license quickly or you don't meet the mail renewal conditions, go in person instead.

What happens if your license is expired

You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you've sent in your renewal. If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must go through the full process process as if you were getting your first license, which includes a written test and a driving test.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using either the in-person or mail method. Bring or send your expired license along with the other required documents. There is no penalty fee for renewing a license that expired recently, but you should not drive until your new license arrives.

If you're unsure whether your license is still within the one-year window, check the expiration date on the front of your card or contact DVS directly at 651-297-2126.

Finding a DVS office and checking wait times

Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can find the location nearest you, hours, and current wait times on the DVS website at dps.mn.gov. Enter your city or zip code to see all nearby offices. Some offices are busier than others — if one has a long wait, try a different location or come back at a different time of day.

Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, tend to be less crowded than afternoons and Fridays. If you work during the day, some DVS offices stay open until 6 or 7 p.m. on certain weekdays. A few locations also offer Saturday hours, though these fill up quickly.

You do not need an appointment for renewal. Walk-ins are accepted at all DVS offices. If you prefer to know the wait time before you go, the website shows real-time estimates for most locations.

License terms and what you'll receive

When you renew, you choose between a four-year license ($24.50) and an eight-year license ($48.50). Your choice depends on how long you want to wait before renewing again. The eight-year option costs more upfront but means you won't need to renew for eight years. The four-year option is cheaper but requires renewal sooner.

Your new license will have a new expiration date printed on the front. The back of the card shows your address, restrictions (if any), endorsements (if any), and a magnetic stripe. Your photo will be taken at the time of renewal, so you'll have a new photo on your new license.

If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them for your photo. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, tell the clerk — they may add a restriction to your license (such as "corrective lenses required" or "daylight driving only"), which protects both you and other drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Minnesota does not offer online renewal. You must renew either in person at a DVS office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster — your new license arrives in 5 to 10 business days instead of 2 to 3 weeks.

What if I've moved since my last license?

Tell the clerk at the DVS office, or write your new address on the renewal form if you're renewing by mail. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within three months). Your new license will show your updated address.

Do I need to take a new written test or driving test to renew?

No, not for a standard renewal. You only take tests if your license expired more than one year ago. If you're renewing within one year of expiration, you just provide your documents, have your photo taken, and pay the fee.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a lost license. You must report it lost and go through the replacement process, which requires a police report number or a signed statement that you lost it. Contact DVS at 651-297-2126 for the exact steps.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

For in-person renewal, you must be present for your photo. For mail renewal, you can have someone else mail the packet for you, but you must sign the form yourself. DVS will not process a renewal signed by someone else.