How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license at any Deputy Registrar office, which are located in cities and towns across the state. You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if your license hasn't expired more than five years ago and you haven't had any address changes that require verification.

Before you go, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (like a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $24.50. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $27.50 and requires additional identity documents, but it's required for federal building access and domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. If you're over 65, renewal costs $13.25.

Key Takeaways

You can renew in person at any Deputy Registrar office, by mail if your license hasn't expired more than a year ago, or online if it expired fewer than five years ago.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to any in-person renewal.
Standard five-year renewals cost $24.50; REAL ID renewals cost $27.50 and are required for federal building access after May 7, 2025.
Processing times vary: in-person renewals are usually when ready, mail renewals take two to three weeks, and online renewals take one to two weeks.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office

Walk into any Deputy Registrar office during business hours with your documents and you'll typically walk out with your new license the same day. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, collect your fee, and hand you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within one to two weeks.

Deputy Registrar offices are run by local government — they're not the same as the Secretary of State's office. You can find the office nearest you, along with its hours, on the Secretary of State website by entering your city or zip code. Hours vary widely; some are open only a few days a week, and many close for lunch. Calling ahead to confirm hours saves a wasted trip.

If you're renewing a REAL ID license, the process takes longer because the office must verify additional documents. Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of citizenship (like a passport or naturalization papers), and the same proof of address. Plan for 30 to 45 minutes instead of 10 to 15.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available only if your current license hasn't expired more than one year ago. You'll need to fill out Form DL-44, which you can print from the Secretary of State website or request by calling 651-296-6911. Include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a photocopy of your proof of address.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — it's the Secretary of State's office in St. Paul. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date they receive it. You won't get a temporary license, so your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If your address has changed, mail renewal won't work; you must renew in person so the office can verify your new address.

Renewing online

The Secretary of State's website lets you renew online if your license expired fewer than five years ago, you have no address changes, and you're not changing your name or adding REAL ID status. You'll need your current license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method. The fee is the same as in-person renewal.

After you complete the online form and pay, the Secretary of State mails your new license within one to two weeks. You won't receive a temporary license, so keep your old one until the new one arrives. Online renewal is fastest if you're straightforward extending an unchanged license, but it won't work if anything about your identity or address has shifted.

What happens if your license has expired more than five years ago

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license. This means you must go in person to a Deputy Registrar office, bring all the same documents as a first-time applicant, and you may be required to retake the written knowledge test. The office will tell you whether a test is required based on how long your license has been expired.

A new license costs the same as a renewal ($24.50 for standard, $27.50 for REAL ID), but the process takes longer because the office treats it as a new process rather than a straightforward renewal. Bring all your documents and plan for 45 minutes to an hour.

Renewing a REAL ID license

A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need one to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant, you can upgrade it during renewal.

REAL ID renewal requires additional documents beyond a standard renewal: your birth certificate or passport, proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth), and proof of your Social Security number. You must renew in person — mail and online renewal are not available for REAL ID. The fee is $27.50 for a five-year license, or $13.75 if you're over 65.

If you're not sure whether your current license is REAL ID-compliant, look at the upper right corner. If there's a gold star, it is. If there's no star, it isn't, and you'll need to upgrade before May 7, 2025, if you plan to fly or access federal buildings.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you cannot renew it — you must get a replacement. Go to any Deputy Registrar office with your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. You don't need your old license because you don't have it. The replacement costs $24.50 (or $27.50 for REAL ID) and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police, though it's not required to get a replacement. The police report can be useful if someone tries to use your old license fraudulently, but the replacement process itself doesn't depend on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Minnesota issues driver's licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens, including people without legal immigration status. You'll need to bring proof of your identity (passport or consular ID), proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and proof of your current address. The process and fees are the same as for citizens.

What if I've moved and my address on my license is wrong?

If you've moved, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) along with your other documents. The office will update your address and issue your new license with the correct information.

How long does a Minnesota driver's license last?

A standard driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you're over 65, your license is valid for four years. REAL ID licenses are also valid for five years (or four years if you're over 65). Your license expiration date is printed on the front.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you want to upgrade to REAL ID before the May 7, 2025 important date. The renewal process is the same whether your license is current or about to expire.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your other renewal documents. You must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office; mail and online renewal won't work because the office needs to see the original or certified copy of the name-change document.

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.