Renewing your Minnesota driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license through three routes: online at mn.gov/dvs, by mail using the renewal notice the state sends you, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Online renewal is fastest — you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. By-mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you need to update your photo or address, though you'll wait in line at an office.

You're may be able to access to renew online or by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, and your current license is not expired by more than five years. If any of those don't explore to you, you must renew in person at a DVS office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal at mn.gov/dvs takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $24.50 for a standard four-year license.
  • Mail renewal uses the renewal notice mailed to you by the state and takes about two weeks; you do not need to visit an office.
  • In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than five years ago, or if you need a new photo.
  • You must renew before your expiration date or within a grace period; driving on an expired license is not permitted.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses require in-person renewal and cost $10 more than a standard license.

Renewing online through the Minnesota DVS website

Go to mn.gov/dvs and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the homepage. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system will verify your identity using information on file with the state.

The online form takes about 10 minutes. You cannot change your address, name, or photo online — if you need any of those updated, you must renew in person. After you submit payment, the state mails your new license to the address on file. Standard licenses cost $24.50 for a four-year renewal. If you need your license sooner, you cannot pay extra for expedited mail through this route.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

The state mails renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope, a renewal form, and instructions. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it back with your payment. Do not send cash — pay by check or money order only.

Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the state receives your envelope. You do not need to visit an office, and the cost is the same as online renewal: $24.50 for a standard four-year license. If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail — call the DVS at 651-296-6911 to request a replacement form, or renew online or in person instead.

Renewing in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

Visit any DVS office with your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 30 days), and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you're changing your name or address, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or utility bill for address changes.

You'll take a new photo at the office unless you're renewing a Real ID license and your photo is less than four years old. Processing is when ready; you'll receive a temporary paper license and your plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Standard licenses cost $24.50. Real ID licenses cost $34.50 and require proof of citizenship or legal residency — bring a passport, birth certificate, or immigration document.

When you must renew in person

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical conditions that restrict your driving, or if your license expired more than five years ago. You also must renew in person if you need a Real ID license, want to change your photo, address, or name, or if you're upgrading from a standard license to a Real ID.

If your license is suspended, contact the DVS or the court that issued the suspension to understand what you need to do before you can renew. Suspensions are often tied to unpaid traffic fines, child support, or insurance lapses. The DVS website has a lookup tool where you can check your license status.

What happens if your license expires

You cannot legally drive once your license expires. If you're caught driving on an expired license, you face a fine and a misdemeanor charge. Start the renewal process before your expiration date — do not wait until the last day.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew online or by mail as long as it expired fewer than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test. Check your license expiration date now and begin renewal at least two weeks before that date.

Real ID licenses and what they cost

A Real ID license meets federal identification standards and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Real ID licenses cost $34.50 for a four-year renewal, which is $10 more than a standard license. You must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship or legal residency — a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or immigration document.

If you already have a Real ID license and are renewing it, you do not need to bring citizenship documents again unless your name has changed. You can renew a Real ID online or by mail if your current license is not expired by more than five years and you have no suspensions or medical restrictions. The new Real ID license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, if it expired fewer than five years ago. You can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DVS office and may need to retake the written and vision tests. Do not drive on an expired license.

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

Online and in-person renewals take 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes about two weeks total, including time for the state to receive and process your envelope. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the office if you renew in person.

What if I need to change my address when I renew?

You must renew in person at a DVS office to change your address. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 30 days. Online and mail renewal do not allow address changes.

Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Minnesota?

No. A Real ID is required only to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard driver's license is sufficient for driving. You can choose which type to renew when your license expires.

What if my renewal notice got lost in the mail?

Call the DVS at 651-296-6911 and request a replacement form, or renew online at mn.gov/dvs instead. You do not need the physical notice to renew — it's just a convenience. You can also renew in person at any DVS office without it.