Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license at any Deputy Registrar office, which are located in cities and towns across the state. The Minnesota Secretary of State website has a search tool that shows you the nearest office and its hours. You can also renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, name changes, or medical suspensions.

For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last three months), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you have 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.

If you are renewing by mail, send your current license, a completed Form DL-44 (process for Minnesota Driver's License), and a check or money order for the renewal fee. The Secretary of State's office will mail you the form if you request it, or you can read it from their website. Mail everything to the address shown on the form.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within three months, and proof of your Social Security number.
  • Mail renewal is an option only if your license is not expired and you have not had address, name, or medical changes since your last renewal.
  • The renewal fee varies depending on how long you want your new license to be valid—typically three, five, or eight years.
  • Processing time at a Deputy Registrar office is usually the same day, while mail renewal takes two to three weeks.
  • If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Minnesota charges different fees based on how long you want your license to be valid. A three-year license costs less than a five-year or eight-year license. The exact fee depends on your age and whether you are renewing a standard license or an enhanced license (which allows you to cross the border into Canada by land).

When you renew, you choose the validity period that works for you. Longer validity periods cost more upfront but mean you renew less often. If you are over 65, you may be able to renew for a shorter period at a lower cost.

When your license has been expired for more than a year

If your Minnesota driver's license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to a Deputy Registrar office in person. The office staff will determine whether you need to retake the written knowledge test and the vision screening.

In most cases, if your license expired less than five years ago, you will not need to retake the driving test. However, the Deputy Registrar may require you to take the written test again if they believe your knowledge of current traffic laws needs to be verified. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

Enhanced licenses and REAL ID compliance

Minnesota offers an enhanced driver's license that allows you to travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean by land or sea without a passport. An enhanced license costs more than a standard license and requires additional proof of citizenship and identity. You must renew an enhanced license in person at a Deputy Registrar office.

Minnesota driver's licenses are compliant with the federal REAL ID Act, which means they can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you want to use your license for these purposes, you do not need to do anything special during renewal—your new license will automatically be REAL ID-compliant as long as you bring the required documents.

What happens if you renew before your current license expires

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you do, your new license will be mailed to you, and the validity period will start from the date you renew, not from the expiration date of your old license. This means you will not lose any time on your license—the new one straightforward extends the total validity.

Early renewal is useful if you are planning a trip and want to make sure your license is current, or if you want to change your address or name before your current license expires. The fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until closer to the expiration date.

Renewing by mail: step-by-step

To renew by mail, first confirm that you are may be able to access: your license must not be expired, and you must not have had any address changes, name changes, or medical suspensions since your last renewal. If you meet these conditions, obtain Form DL-44 from the Secretary of State website or by calling the office.

Complete the form with your current information. Include your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee made out to "Minnesota Department of Public Safety." Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

The Secretary of State's office will process your renewal and mail your new license to the address on file. This usually takes two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office instead.

Address and name changes during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. At a Deputy Registrar office, tell the staff member about the change, and they will update your record. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last three months.

If you have changed your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Deputy Registrar will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota license online?

No. Minnesota does not offer online renewal. You can renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office or by mail if you meet the may be able to access requirements. In-person renewal is faster and is the only option if your license has expired, if you have changed your address or name, or if you have had a medical suspension.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

If you renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office, you usually receive your new license the same day. If you renew by mail, the Secretary of State's office typically processes your renewal and mails your new license within two to three weeks. Delivery time depends on your location.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to a Deputy Registrar office in person and report the loss. Bring proof of your identity and residency. The office will issue you a replacement license, which is treated as a renewal if your old license was not expired.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a Deputy Registrar office?

Most Deputy Registrar offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some offices in larger cities may offer appointment scheduling. Check the Secretary of State website or call your local office to learn about appointments are available in your area.

What if my vision or medical condition has changed since my last license?

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you must report it during renewal. Tell the Deputy Registrar staff member about the condition. They may require you to pass a vision test or provide a medical report from your doctor before issuing a new license. If you have had a significant vision change, bring your current glasses or contacts.