Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Minnesota driver license in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.

Before you go to a DVS office or start an online renewal, gather these documents: your current driver license, proof of Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

The fee for a standard four-year renewal is $48. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic flights starting May 7, 2025), the fee is $52. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at DVS offices; online renewals accept debit and credit cards only.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal, but only works if your license is current and you have not changed your name or address.
  • In-person renewal at a DVS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number, and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
  • A standard four-year renewal costs $48; a Real ID license costs $52 and is required for federal building access and domestic flights after May 7, 2025.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days after in-person renewal, or within 7 to 10 business days after online renewal.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and select the driver license renewal option. You will need to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm whether you are may be able to access for online renewal; if you are not, it will tell you which requirement you do not meet and direct you to renew in person instead.

If you are may be able to access, you will review your current information and make any updates to your address or emergency contact. You cannot change your name online; if your name has changed, you must renew in person. After you confirm your information and pay the fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. If your current license expires before the new one reaches you, contact the Secretary of State office to request a temporary extension.

Renewing in person at a DVS office

Locate your nearest DVS office using the office finder on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Most offices operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.

Bring your current driver license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. If you are renewing a Real ID license, bring the same documents plus one additional form of identification (a passport, military ID, or state ID card). The staff member will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot.

After you complete the in-person renewal, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to your address on file within 5 to 10 business days. You can drive using the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

Real ID requirements and what changes for you

A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license to enter a federal building (courthouse, post office, Social Security office) or board a domestic flight. A standard Minnesota driver license will no longer work for these purposes after that date.

To get a Real ID license, you must renew in person and bring one additional form of identification beyond the standard documents: a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, state ID card, or tribal ID. The process is otherwise identical to a standard renewal. The Real ID license costs $4 more than a standard renewal ($52 instead of $48).

If you already have a Real ID license, you do not need to do anything. Your current Real ID remains valid until its expiration date. If you are unsure whether your license is Real ID-compliant, look for the gold star in the upper right corner of your license.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it—you must reapply for a new license. This requires an in-person visit, a written knowledge test, and a driving test. Contact a DVS office for details on the reapplication process.

If your license expired within the last five years, you can still renew it. You cannot use online renewal if your license is expired, so you must go to a DVS office in person. Bring the same documents as you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The renewal fee is the same whether your license is current or expired.

You cannot legally drive on an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal request. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you may face a citation. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this risk.

Timeline and what happens after you renew

If you renew online, the entire process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, the visit typically takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is, and your new license will arrive within 5 to 10 business days.

You will receive a temporary paper license at the DVS office (in-person renewal only) or a confirmation number (online renewal) that proves your renewal is in progress. You can drive legally on your current license or the temporary paper license until your permanent license arrives. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a DVS office if you prefer.

If your new license does not arrive within 15 business days, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State office. Have your confirmation number or temporary license number ready. The office can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if it was lost in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

No. The DVS system checks for unpaid traffic violations and suspensions before processing your renewal. You must resolve any outstanding tickets or fines with the court before you can renew. Contact the court listed on your ticket to find out what you owe and how to pay it.

What if my address has changed since my last renewal?

You can update your address during online renewal before you pay. If you renew in person, tell the staff member your new address and they will update it in the system. Your new license will be mailed to the new address you provide. Make sure the address is correct before you leave the office or submit your online renewal.

Do I need a Real ID license if I have a passport?

A passport works for federal building access and domestic flights, so you do not need a Real ID license if you always carry your passport. However, a Real ID license is more convenient for everyday use. The choice is yours, and you can renew a standard license instead of upgrading to Real ID if you prefer.

What if I lost my Social Security card and cannot find proof of my number?

You can use a W-2, tax return, or other document showing your Social Security number instead of the card itself. If you do not have any of these documents, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter showing your number. Bring that letter to the DVS office when you renew in person.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew in person or online yourself. A family member or representative cannot renew your license on your behalf, even with written permission. If you are unable to visit a DVS office due to a disability or medical condition, contact the office to discuss possible accommodations.