How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need before you start

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 works for almost everyone. The online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal.

Before you go to a DVS office or start an online renewal, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). 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.

The renewal fee in Minnesota is $24.50 for a standard four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at a DVS office. Online renewals accept debit and credit cards only.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 5 to 7 business days, but only works if your current license is not expired and has no medical restrictions.
In-person renewal at a DVS office takes 15 to 30 minutes and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day while your permanent one is mailed.
You must bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
A standard four-year license costs $24.50; an eight-year license costs $48.50.
If your license is already expired, you must renew in person at a DVS office — online renewal is not an option.

Renewing online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website

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 your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records.

During the online process, you will be asked to confirm your address and choose your license type (four-year or eight-year). You will also upload or confirm a photo — if you have had a photo on file for at least four years, you can reuse it. If not, you will need to take a new photo using your phone or computer camera in a well-lit space with a plain background.

Once you submit your renewal and payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 5 to 7 business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a DVS office

Find your nearest DVS office on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Check the office's page to see if you need to book ahead — appointment slots fill up quickly in urban areas, especially near the end of the month.

Bring your documents to the office and give them to the staff member at the counter. They will verify your information, take a new photo if required, and process your payment. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your permanent one — you can drive with it, use it for identification, and show it to police if stopped. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that window, contact the DVS office where you renewed.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can still renew it using the same process as a current license — either online (if you meet the other conditions) or in person. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a DVS office and may need to retake the written test and vision screening, depending on how long it has been expired.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you have a renewal in progress. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your temporary paper license from your in-person renewal, which proves you have started the renewal process. This does not may provide you will avoid a ticket, but it shows good faith.

Renewing by mail if you cannot visit an office

Minnesota does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. Your only options are online renewal (if you meet the conditions) or in-person renewal at a DVS office. If you are unable to visit an office in person, the online renewal is your fastest path forward.

If you are out of state or have a temporary disability that prevents you from traveling to an office, contact the DVS directly at 651-297-3298 to discuss your situation. They may be able to direct you to a solution or an office location that works better for your circumstances.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Both online and in-person renewals allow you to change your address as part of the process. straightforward provide your new address when prompted, and your new license will be mailed there.

If you have changed your name since your last license, you must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff will verify the document and update your name in the system. Online renewal cannot process name changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Minnesota allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will still expire four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew online if you do not have your current license number. You must visit a DVS office in person and bring proof of your identity — your Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate. The office will issue a replacement license and process your renewal at the same time.

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

After online renewal, your license arrives in 5 to 7 business days. After in-person renewal, it arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If your license does not arrive within these windows, contact the DVS office where you renewed or call 651-297-3298.

Can I choose a different photo on my new license?

If you renew online and your photo is at least four years old, you can take a new photo during the online process. If you renew in person, the DVS office will take a new photo automatically. You cannot keep your old photo if you are renewing in person.

What if my address proof document is older than 60 days?

You will need a different document. Acceptable proofs of address include utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, insurance documents, and property tax statements — all dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and do not have a recent document yet, contact the DVS office to ask what alternatives they accept.

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.