What You Need to Know Before You Start
Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people can complete a renewal in one visit or one mailed process, but the process and timeline differ for each route.
Your current Minnesota driver's license must not be expired by more than five years for you to renew it at all. If it has been expired longer than that, you will need to explore for a new license instead, which involves a written test and vision screening. Check your license expiration date before you decide which method to use.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses expire within the next 90 days, and the new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
- In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office takes about 30 minutes and lets you update your photo, address, or other information on the spot.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo, and takes four to six weeks from the time the office receives your process.
- You will need to bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of Minnesota residency to renew in person.
- The renewal fee in Minnesota is $24.50 for an eight-year license, and payment methods vary by location and renewal method.
Renewing Online Through the Minnesota Secretary of State
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you are between 18 and 64 years old, and your license expires within the next 90 days. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
The online system will ask you to confirm your address and other information on your license. If everything is correct, you pay the $24.50 renewal fee by debit card or credit card and submit. The state will mail your new license to the address on file, which usually takes about two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
If you need to change your address, update your name, or get a new photo, you cannot use online renewal. You will need to renew in person instead.
Renewing in Person at a Driver and Vehicle Services Office
In-person renewal is the best choice if you need to update your photo, change your address, or correct information on your license. Find your nearest Driver and Vehicle Services office on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some locations have extended hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system to manage wait times — check before you go.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof that you live in Minnesota (such as a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The office staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. The entire visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.
Pay the $24.50 renewal fee at the office. Most locations accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards, but call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new license is mailed to you, which takes about two weeks.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is an option only if your license is not expired, you do not need a new photo, and you do not need to change your address or other information. Request a renewal process by calling the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-297-2126 or by visiting the Secretary of State website to read the form. Fill out the process completely and include your current license, a check or money order for $24.50 made payable to "Minnesota State Treasurer," and a copy of proof of Minnesota residency.
Mail the completed process and documents to the address listed on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks from the time the office receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license. If you need your license before the new one arrives, you can request a temporary paper license by phone, though this adds time to the process.
Mail renewal is slower than online or in-person renewal, so use this method only if you have time and do not need to update your photo or address.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
If your Minnesota driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license instead, which requires you to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person, pass a vision screening, and pass a written knowledge test about traffic laws and road signs. The process takes longer and costs more than a renewal.
If your license expired within the last five years, you can still renew it using any of the three methods described above. You do not need to retake the test or vision screening. However, if you renew online or by mail and your license has been expired for more than a few months, the office may ask you to come in person to verify your identity and take a new photo.
Fees, Timeline, and What Comes Next
The renewal fee is $24.50 for an eight-year license, which is the standard term in Minnesota. This fee covers the cost of the new license and processing. If you renew online, you pay by card at the time of submission. If you renew in person, you pay at the office. If you renew by mail, you send a check or money order with your process.
Timeline varies by method. Online renewal takes about two weeks from submission to delivery. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time the office receives your process. Plan ahead if you have travel or other plans that require a valid license.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old license or turn it in at a Driver and Vehicle Services office if you prefer. Your new license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. You can check the status of your renewal process online through the Secretary of State website if you want to track when it will arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Minnesota does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid tickets, but you should resolve any outstanding fines before you renew. If you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines, you must clear the suspension first. Contact the court that issued the ticket or call Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services to check your status.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Minnesota license?
You should get a driver's license from your new state instead of renewing your Minnesota license. If you want to keep your Minnesota license for identification purposes only, you can renew it by mail as long as you provide proof of your out-of-state address. However, you cannot legally drive with an out-of-state address on a Minnesota license.
Do I need to renew my license if I changed my name?
You do not have to renew early, but you should update your name on your license as soon as possible. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (such as a marriage certificate), and proof of residency to a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The office will issue a new license with your updated name at no extra charge if your license is not yet due for renewal.
Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes, you can renew online even if you wear corrective lenses. The online system does not require a new vision test if you are renewing an existing license. If you need to update your license to show that you wear glasses or contacts, you must renew in person so the office can note the correction on your new license.
What if my renewal process is rejected?
If your process is rejected, the office will mail you a notice explaining why. Common reasons include missing documents, incorrect information, or an address that does not match state records. Follow the instructions in the notice to correct the problem and resubmit, or visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person to resolve the issue.