How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

What you need to do to renew in Minnesota

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's website. Most people are may be able to access for mail or online renewal if your license is not expired more than one year, you have no medical restrictions, and your name and address have not changed. If any of those do not explore to you, you will need to go to a DVS office in person.

The state sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, which tells you which method you can use. Your renewal notice will say whether you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal, or whether you must renew in person. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew — check the DVS website or call your local office to confirm your may be able to access before you start.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest option if your license is not expired more than one year and you have no medical restrictions.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and the renewal fee of $24.50.
In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if your license expired more than one year ago, your name or address changed, or you have medical conditions listed on your license.
The renewal fee is $24.50 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your renewal method.
Your new license will be mailed to you after processing, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person, and you can drive on your current license until it arrives.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

Online renewal is the fastest method if you are may be able to access. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask you to confirm or update your address.

You can pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card during the online process. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within five to seven business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have medical restrictions or conditions noted on your license, or if you need to change your name or address due to legal reasons (such as marriage or court order). In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired more than one year and you have no medical restrictions. You will receive a renewal process in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it back with your current license and the renewal fee of $24.50. You can pay by check or money order — write your license number on the back of the check.

Send your materials to the address printed on the renewal form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the time DVS receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to you after that. Keep your current license until the new one arrives, since you can still drive legally on an expired license while your renewal is being processed.

If you do not receive a renewal form in the mail, you can request one by calling your local DVS office or by visiting the Secretary of State website. Some people prefer mail renewal because it requires no appointment and no travel to an office, even though it takes longer than online renewal.

Renewing in person at a DVS office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than one year ago, if you have medical restrictions on your current license, if your name changed, or if your address changed for legal reasons. Bring your current license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and the renewal fee of $24.50. If your name changed, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

DVS offices are located throughout Minnesota. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Secretary of State website. Some offices take appointments, and some operate on a first-come, first-served basis — check before you go. The renewal process at the office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license to drive on while your permanent license is mailed to you.

If you are over 87 years old, you may need to pass a vision test or medical examination as part of your in-person renewal. The DVS office will tell you whether this applies to you when you arrive or when you call ahead.

What documents and fees you need

The renewal fee is $24.50 for an eight-year license, regardless of which method you choose. You can pay by check or money order if you renew by mail, by credit or debit card if you renew online, or by cash, check, credit card, or debit card if you renew in person at a DVS office.

For online or mail renewal, you need only your current license and the fee. For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of your current address, and the fee. If your name or address changed for legal reasons, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or similar official document.

If you have lost your current license or it was stolen, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DVS office in person and report the loss. You will pay the standard renewal fee, and the office will issue a replacement license.

How long the process takes

Online renewal is fastest: your new license is mailed within five to seven business days. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time DVS receives your envelope, plus the time for mail to travel to and from the office. In-person renewal is when ready — you receive a temporary paper license to drive on right away, and your permanent license is mailed within five to seven business days.

If you need your license before the new one arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for driving. Some employers or other organizations may not accept a paper license for identification purposes, so ask ahead if you need a physical card for something specific.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DVS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and the renewal fee. The office will process your renewal the same way as a standard in-person renewal, and you will receive a temporary paper license and a permanent license by mail.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you are in the process of renewing. If you are stopped by police, you can show your temporary paper license from the DVS office as proof that you have begun the renewal process, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have moved out of state?

If you still live in Minnesota, you can renew by mail or online. If you have moved to another state, you will need to get a driver's license from that state instead. Minnesota does not renew licenses for people who no longer live in the state.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your current address, and the renewal fee. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Some DVS offices take appointments and some do not. Check the Secretary of State website for your local office to see whether appointments are available. If appointments are not available, you can walk in during office hours, though wait times vary.

What if I renew online but then move before my new license arrives?

Contact the DVS office before your new license is mailed and provide your new address. If your new license has already been mailed to your old address, you can request a replacement at your new local DVS office or by mail.

Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by working with the DVS office or the court that issued it. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license through the normal process.

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.