How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes; online renewal takes a few minutes but only works if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions on file, and you're not changing your address or name.

For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months), and your Social Security number. If you're changing your name or address, you'll also need a document that proves the change — a marriage certificate for name changes, or an updated lease or utility bill for address changes.

If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The state charges $24.50 for a four-year renewal or $48 for an eight-year renewal, whether you renew in person or online.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website takes minutes but only works if your license is not expired and you're not changing your name or address.
In-person renewal at any DVS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within three months, and your Social Security number.
Renewal costs $24.50 for four years or $48 for eight years, and you can pay by card online or in person.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online, or you can get it when ready at the DVS office if you renew in person.

How to renew online

Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the Driver and Vehicle Services section. You'll enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records.

Once verified, you'll choose your renewal length (four or eight years), review your current license information to confirm it's correct, and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive at the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you have a medical condition notation on your license, if you're changing your name or address, or if you're under 21. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.

How to renew in person at a DVS office

Find your nearest Driver and Vehicle Services office on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments during busy times. You can book an appointment online or call ahead to check wait times.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last three months), and your Social Security number. If you're changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're changing your address, bring an updated lease or utility bill showing your new address.

At the office, you'll fill out form DL 44 (process for Minnesota Driver's License), have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. You'll receive your new license when ready and can drive with it right away. The physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days as a backup.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if getting a license for the first time. This means taking the written test and the driving test at a DVS office. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using the standard process, either online or in person.

If your license expired between one and five years ago, Minnesota allows a grace period for renewal. You can renew without retesting, but you must do so in person at a DVS office, not online. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal.

Renewing with a name or address change

You must renew in person if you're changing your name or address — online renewal will not process these changes. Bring your current license, proof of residency at your new address (if changing address), and the document that proves your name change or address change.

For a name change, acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. For an address change, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax statement dated within the last three months and showing your new address. The DVS office will update your license during the renewal process.

Timeline and what to expect after renewal

If you renew in person, you leave the DVS office with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew online, you'll receive a confirmation email when ready, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

During the wait for your new card, you can drive using your temporary license or confirmation number. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a DVS office if you prefer. Your new license is valid for the length you chose at renewal — either four or eight years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?

You can renew online from anywhere if you meet the online renewal requirements (license not expired, no address or name change, no medical conditions). If you need to renew in person and you're out of state, you can visit any DVS office when you return to Minnesota, or you can mail your documents to the Secretary of State office with a completed form DL 44.

What if my Social Security number is not on file with Minnesota?

You can still renew in person by bringing your Social Security card or a document that shows your number. At the DVS office, staff will add your number to your license record during the renewal process. Online renewal requires your Social Security number to verify your identity, so you must renew in person if you don't have one on file.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Yes. Whether you renew in person or online, Minnesota takes a new photo for your renewed license. If you renew in person, the photo is taken at the DVS office. If you renew online, you'll upload a digital photo or the system will use your existing photo on file.

What if I lost my license and need to renew?

You cannot renew a license you no longer have. Instead, you must request a replacement at a DVS office in person. Bring proof of identity (passport, state ID, or birth certificate) and proof of residency. The replacement fee is $17.50, and you'll receive a new license when ready.

Can I renew early before my license expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — a four-year renewal is still valid for four years from the date you renew, regardless of when your old license would have expired.

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.