Where to renew your license in Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, you renew your driver's license at a Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) exam station or through the mail. The city has one full-service DPS station located at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1500, in downtown Minneapolis. This office handles in-person renewals, replacements, and address changes. You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or endorsements that require testing.
The mail-in route takes longer but requires no trip downtown. You submit your renewal form, current license, and payment by mail to the address provided on the DPS website. Processing typically takes two to three weeks. The in-person route at the downtown station is faster — you can often complete renewal the same day — but requires you to bring documents and wait in line during business hours.
Key Takeaways
- The Minneapolis DPS exam station at 445 Minnesota Street handles in-person renewals and is open weekdays, with some evening and Saturday hours depending on the season.
- Mail-in renewal works only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions or special endorsements requiring a test.
- You need your current license, proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment — either a check or money order for mail-in, or cash, check, or card in person.
- Minnesota charges a renewal fee that varies by license type; standard five-year renewals cost less than eight-year renewals, and the fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use mail-in renewal and must appear in person with a vision test and proof of residency.
Documents you need to bring or send
For any renewal in Minneapolis, you must provide your current Minnesota driver's license. The DPS will not process a renewal without it. You also need proof that you live in Minnesota — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you have moved since your last renewal, bring two documents showing your new address, or one document plus a signed statement from a landlord or property manager confirming your residence.
If you are renewing by mail, you submit copies of these documents along with your renewal form (Form DL-44, available on the DPS website). For in-person renewal at the downtown station, bring the originals. You do not need a new photo unless your current license photo is damaged or you request one. If you want a new photo, the station takes it during your visit at no extra charge.
Fees and payment methods
Minnesota driver's license renewal fees depend on the length of validity you choose. A standard five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact amount changes periodically, so check the DPS website or call the Minneapolis station before you go. The fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail.
At the downtown Minneapolis station, you can pay with cash, check, or debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must pay by check or money order — the DPS does not accept card payments through the mail. Make the check or money order payable to the State of Minnesota and include it in the same envelope as your form and documents.
How long renewal takes
In-person renewal at the Minneapolis DPS station typically completes within 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You receive your new license on the spot if you pass the vision screening (if required) and all your documents are in order. If something is missing or unclear, staff will tell you what you need to fix before they can issue the license.
Mail-in renewal takes longer. After the DPS receives your envelope, processing usually takes two to three weeks. Your new license arrives by mail at the address you provided. During busy periods — often in spring and early summer — processing can stretch to four weeks. You can track the status of a mail-in renewal on the DPS website using your driver's license number.
When you cannot renew by mail
Mail-in renewal is not an option if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must appear in person at the Minneapolis station. You also cannot renew by mail if your license carries medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required), if you have any endorsements that require a skills test (such as a commercial driver's license or motorcycle endorsement), or if you have an outstanding traffic violation or suspension on your record.
If you fall into any of these categories, you must visit the downtown Minneapolis station with your current license, proof of residence, and payment. Bring your glasses or contacts if your license requires corrective lenses, because you will take a vision test. If you have a commercial or motorcycle endorsement, you may need to pass a written test or skills test depending on what has changed since your last renewal.
Hours and how to prepare for your visit
The Minneapolis DPS exam station at 445 Minnesota Street is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some Saturdays are open during peak renewal seasons, typically spring and early summer. Hours can shift, so check the DPS website or call ahead before you go. The station is located near public transit and has street parking nearby, though parking can be tight during midday hours.
To speed up your visit, gather all your documents before you arrive. Fill out your renewal form at home if you are renewing in person — you can print it from the DPS website or pick one up at the station. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. Arrive early in the day or on a weekday afternoon if possible; mornings and early weeks of the month tend to be busier. The station does not take appointments for standard renewals, so you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
What happens if your license is lost or stolen
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use, you cannot renew it by mail. You must go to the Minneapolis station in person to request a replacement. Bring proof of your identity (a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID), proof of residence, and payment for the replacement fee. The replacement fee is usually lower than a full renewal fee, but confirm the current amount with the DPS before you visit.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police or the DPS directly, though it is not required to get a replacement. A police report can be useful if someone uses your stolen license fraudulently. The DPS can flag your old license number in their system to prevent misuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No. Minnesota does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew only by mail or in person at a DPS exam station. You can check the status of a mail-in renewal online using your license number, but you cannot submit the renewal itself through the internet.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Minnesota license?
You cannot renew a Minnesota license if you no longer live in Minnesota. You must obtain a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Minnesota resident, you can renew by mail as long as you provide a proof-of-residence document showing a Minnesota address.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
No, unless your current photo is damaged or you request one. The DPS will reuse your existing photo on your new license. If you want a new photo, the Minneapolis station takes one during your visit at no extra charge.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must bring legal proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will not process a renewal if your name on the form does not match your license. Bring the original or a certified copy of the document showing the change.
Can someone else pick up my license if I renew in person?
No. You must be present to receive your new license. The DPS will not release it to another person, even with written permission. If you cannot visit the station yourself, renew by mail instead.