What you need to do to renew in Minnesota
Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, which takes a few days to a couple of weeks. If your license has already expired or you need a new photo for your renewal, you'll have to go in person.
Your license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age. Minnesota sends renewal notices about two months before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice — you can renew anytime in the 12 months before your license expires. Renewing early means you won't accidentally drive on an expired license, and you'll have your new card before the old one runs out.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, with no office visit required.
- Mail renewal uses the form in your renewal notice and takes two to three weeks; you'll need to include a check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office is required if your license has expired, you need a new photo, or you want to change your address or name.
- You can renew up to 12 months before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
- Minnesota does not require a vision test for most renewals, but you must certify that you can see well enough to drive safely.
Renewing online through the Minnesota Secretary of State
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer a few security questions to verify your identity.
Once you complete the online form and pay the fee, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes about 10 business days. If you need your license faster, Minnesota offers expedited mail for an extra fee, which typically arrives in five to seven business days. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
If you prefer not to go online, you can renew by mail using the form that comes in your renewal notice. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the notice. Do not send cash through the mail. Include your current license with the envelope so the Secretary of State can match your signature.
Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time your envelope arrives at the office. This method works well if you're renewing early and have time to spare. Like online renewal, you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail — call the Minnesota Secretary of State at 651-296-6911 to request a renewal form.
Renewing in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you want a new photo, or if you need to change your name or address. Bring your current license (or expired license if it's been less than five years since expiration), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website to find the Driver and Vehicle Services office nearest you and check their hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online. Bring your payment method — cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The office will take your new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. You can drive home with your temporary paper license and receive your plastic card by mail within 10 business days.
Renewal fees and what they cover
The cost of renewal depends on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year license costs $24.50, and an eight-year license costs $48. These prices are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you choose expedited mail delivery, add $5 to the total. Duplicate licenses (if you lose your card) cost $20 and are only available in person.
Minnesota does not charge extra for address changes, name changes, or new photos during renewal. If you're renewing in person and need to update your information, the office handles it as part of the same transaction at no additional cost. Payment must be made at the time of renewal — you cannot pay later.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you'll need to explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. If your license expired less than five years ago, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you're in the process of renewing. If you're stopped by police, you can show them your temporary paper license from an in-person renewal or proof that you've submitted your online or mail renewal, but this may not prevent a citation. The safest approach is to renew before your license expires.
Renewing if you've changed your name or moved out of state
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, you'll need to renew in person and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will take a new photo and issue a license with your updated name. You cannot make a name change through online or mail renewal.
If you've moved out of Minnesota, you can still renew your Minnesota license by mail or online as long as it hasn't expired. However, if you now live in another state, that state may require you to get a driver's license there instead. Check with your new state's motor vehicle department to understand their rules. If you're a Minnesota resident who moved temporarily (for school or work), you can keep your Minnesota license and renew it by mail or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than a year?
If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew it in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. If it's been more than five years, you'll need to explore for a new license, which includes a written test and driving test. Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State to confirm your license status before you go to an office.
Do I need a vision test to renew my license in Minnesota?
Minnesota does not require a vision test during renewal. Instead, you must certify that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you're renewing in person, the office may ask you to read a line on a chart to confirm this. If you know your vision has changed significantly, you should see an eye doctor before renewing.
What if I don't receive my renewed license in the mail?
If you renewed online or by mail and don't receive your license within 15 business days, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State at 651-296-6911. Have your renewal confirmation number ready. The office can check the status of your card and remail it if needed. If your card was lost in the mail, you may need to request a duplicate.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Minnesota does not suspend your license renewal based on unpaid traffic tickets or fines alone. However, if your license has been suspended for other reasons (such as a DWI conviction or failure to pay child support), you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State to check your license status.
How do I know which renewal method is fastest for me?
Online renewal is fastest — about 10 business days with standard mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you need your license the same day, but you'll receive your plastic card by mail within 10 business days. Choose based on when you need your new license and whether you need a new photo or address change.