Minnesota driver's license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office
Minnesota offers three paths to renew: the online system (for most people), mail-in renewal (if you meet certain conditions), or an in-person visit to a DVS office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. The online method is fastest and requires no appointment.
Your license is renewable up to one year before it expires and up to five years after expiration, though renewing after expiration may cost more and require additional steps. Minnesota does not require you to renew on any particular schedule — you renew when your current license expires, which is printed on the front.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website takes about 10 minutes and works if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change since your last renewal.
- Mail-in renewal is available if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo, and takes two to three weeks from mailing to receiving your new license.
- In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you have had a name change, and no appointment is needed in most locations.
- The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.75 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by card or check depending on your renewal method.
- You will need your current license number and Social Security number to start any renewal, and proof of residency if renewing in person after expiration.
Online renewal through the Secretary of State website
The Minnesota Secretary of State operates the online renewal system at mn.gov/sos. You navigate to the Driver and Vehicle Services section, select "Renew a Driver's License," and enter your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system confirms your identity and shows you the renewal fee.
Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name since your last renewal, and you do not want a new photo. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must renew by mail or in person. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. After you pay, the state mails your new license within two to three weeks.
You do not need to upload documents or provide proof of anything — the state already has your information on file from your last renewal or license issuance. This is the fastest and least complicated path for most people.
Mail-in renewal when your license is still valid
Mail-in renewal is available if your current license has not expired and you do not need a new photo. You request a renewal form by calling the Driver and Vehicle Services office at 651-296-6911 or by visiting a DVS office in person. The office mails you the form, which you complete, sign, and return with a check or money order for $24.50 (four-year license) or $48.75 (eight-year license).
Mail the completed form and payment to the address printed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the state receives your envelope. You do not need to provide proof of residency or any documents beyond the form itself, because your license is current and your information is already verified.
Mail-in renewal is useful if you prefer not to use the online system or if you want to pay by check. It is slower than online renewal but requires no appointment and no in-person visit.
In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office
You must renew in person if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you have changed your name since your last renewal. Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours at mn.gov/sos under Driver and Vehicle Services locations.
Bring your current license (or expired license if you are renewing after expiration), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. If you have changed your name, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. No appointment is required at most locations, though some offices may have wait times during peak hours.
The office takes your new photo, processes your renewal on the spot, and issues a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your new license arrives within two to three weeks. The fee is the same as mail-in renewal: $24.50 for four years or $48.75 for eight years.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Minnesota offers two renewal periods: a four-year license for $24.50 or an eight-year license for $48.75. You choose which period you want when you renew. The eight-year option costs more upfront but spreads the renewal fee across a longer period, so your annual cost is lower.
If you renew before your license expires, you pay the standard fee. If you renew after your license has expired, you may be charged a late fee in addition to the renewal fee — the amount varies depending on how long the license has been expired. Renewing before expiration avoids this extra cost.
What to do if your license is already expired
You can still renew a license that expired up to five years ago, but you must do so in person at a DVS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal when ready, issuing a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you have applied for renewal. Do not drive until you have your temporary paper license in hand or your new permanent license arrives. If you are stopped by police with an expired license, you can be cited.
Name changes and other updates during renewal
If you have changed your name since your last renewal — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you must renew in person and bring proof of the name change. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed, because the state needs to verify the change and update your record.
If you need to update your address, you can do that during any renewal method. Online renewal updates your address automatically if you enter a new one. Mail-in and in-person renewal also allow address updates on the form or at the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Minnesota allows renewal up to one year before expiration. Renewing early does not cost extra and does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire one or four years from the date you renew, depending on which period you choose.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail-in renewal both take two to three weeks from the date the state processes your renewal. In-person renewal is faster — you receive a temporary paper license the same day, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. You must visit a DVS office in person with proof of residency and Social Security number. The office can look up your license number in the system and process your renewal.
Do I have to choose the same license period when I renew?
No. You can switch from a four-year to an eight-year license or vice versa each time you renew. The fee changes based on which period you choose, but there is no penalty for switching.
What happens if I renew online but then realize I need a new photo?
You cannot change your renewal after you have submitted it online and paid. You would need to wait for your new license to arrive and then renew again in person if you want a different photo. Plan ahead if a new photo is important to you.