Minnesota driver licenses renew every four or eight years depending on your age
Minnesota sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's website. The method you choose depends on whether your address has changed, whether you want a REAL ID-compliant license, and how soon you need the new one.
Your current license shows your expiration date. If you are under 65, your license is valid for four years. If you are 65 or older, it is valid for eight years. You can renew up to one year before expiration, though the state recommends doing so within the 60-day window after you receive the notice.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota mails renewal notices about 60 days before expiration; check your mail or log into your account at state.mn.us to see your expiration date.
- Online renewal works only if your address has not changed, your license is not suspended or revoked, and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice, a completed form, and payment; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DVS office takes about 30 minutes and is the only option if you are changing your address, upgrading to REAL ID, or need the license quickly.
- You will need proof of identity and Minnesota residency; a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days works for residency.
Renewing online through the Minnesota state website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to state.mn.us, find the Driver and Vehicle Services section, and log into your account using your driver license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about whether your address, name, and physical characteristics have changed since your last renewal.
You cannot renew online if your address has changed, if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license, if your license is suspended or revoked, or if you have any medical conditions flagged on your record. The system will tell you when ready if you do not meet the requirements and direct you to mail or in-person options instead.
If you are approved, you pay the renewal fee online using a debit or credit card. Minnesota charges $24.50 for a four-year renewal (under 65) or $40.75 for an eight-year renewal (65 and older). Your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing by mail with the renewal notice
Mail renewal works if your address has not changed and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade. The renewal notice Minnesota sends you includes a prepaid return envelope and a form you sign and return. Fill out the form, include your payment (check or money order only for mail renewals), and mail it back in the envelope provided.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the DVS office receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive separately by mail. Mail renewal is useful if you cannot visit an office during business hours, but it is slower than online renewal and does not work if you need to update your address or photograph.
If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the DVS at 651-297-2126 or visiting a DVS office in person. You can also read the renewal form from state.mn.us if you prefer to start the process without waiting for the notice.
Renewing in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office
In-person renewal is required if you are changing your address, upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license, or if you need your new license the same day. DVS offices are located in most Minnesota counties; you can find the nearest one and check hours on state.mn.us. Bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of Minnesota residency.
Proof of identity can be your passport, military ID, tribal ID, or a certified birth certificate. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 30 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or property tax statement in your name. If you are changing your address, bring a document showing your new address.
The renewal process takes about 30 minutes. You will have your photograph taken, answer questions about your information, and pay the renewal fee. If you request a REAL ID upgrade, the process takes slightly longer because the office must verify your Social Security number and citizenship status. You can walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, or you can wait for the permanent license to arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
REAL ID compliance and what it means for your renewal
A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal standards for identification. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Minnesota driver license without the star will not work for these purposes after that date.
If your current license does not have the gold star, you can upgrade during renewal. You must renew in person and bring proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) and proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers). The fee is the same as a standard renewal; there is no extra charge for REAL ID compliance.
If you renew online or by mail, you will receive a standard license without the star. You can upgrade to REAL ID at any time by visiting a DVS office in person, even if your license is not expiring soon.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or a DWI conviction. You can check your license status on state.mn.us or by calling DVS at 651-297-2126.
If there is a suspension or revocation on your record, contact the agency that imposed it to find out what you need to do to have it removed. Once it is cleared, you can renew through any method. If you need to drive before your license is renewed, you may be able to request a limited license for work or medical purposes; ask DVS about your options.
Renewing after a name change or address change
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed.
If your address has changed, you must also renew in person or update your address separately before renewing by mail or online. You can update your address on state.mn.us without renewing your license, which takes effect when ready. Once your address is updated, you can renew by mail or online if you meet the other requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
Yes. Minnesota allows you to renew up to one year after expiration. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. Contact DVS to confirm whether you need to retake the test.
How much does a Minnesota driver license renewal cost?
A four-year renewal for drivers under 65 costs $24.50. An eight-year renewal for drivers 65 and older costs $40.75. If you upgrade to REAL ID at the same time, there is no additional fee. Payment methods vary by renewal method: online and in-person accept debit or credit cards, while mail renewal requires a check or money order.
What if I move out of Minnesota before my license expires?
You do not have to renew your Minnesota license if you move to another state. You can explore for a license in your new state whenever you are ready. Your Minnesota license remains valid until it expires, even if you no longer live in Minnesota, though you cannot use it as proof of residency in another state.
How do I check the status of my renewed license?
You can check the status on state.mn.us by logging into your account with your driver license number and date of birth. If you renewed by mail, you can also call DVS at 651-297-2126 to ask when your license was mailed. Licenses typically arrive 7 to 10 business days after processing.
Can someone else pick up my renewed license for me?
No. If you renew in person, you must be present for your photograph and to sign the process. If you renew by mail or online, your new license is mailed to the address on file. You cannot have someone else pick it up at a DVS office.