Minnesota driver's licenses renew every four or eight years depending on your age
Minnesota sends you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice tells you whether you can renew by mail, online, or must visit a driver's license office in person. Most people under 65 can renew online or by mail without an appointment. If you are 65 or older, or if your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office.
The state charges $48 for a four-year renewal and $96 for an eight-year renewal if you choose the enhanced Real ID version. Standard renewals cost less but cannot be used for federal air travel or entry to military bases after May 7, 2025. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or check.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota mails renewal notices 60 days before expiration and tells you in that notice whether you can renew online, by mail, or must visit an office.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and you receive your new license by mail within 5 to 7 business days.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice, a check or money order, and a new photo if your current one is older than eight years.
- In-person renewal at a DVS office requires a valid ID, proof of residence, and proof of Social Security number, and you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
- If your name, address, or other information has changed since your last renewal, you may need to bring additional documents or visit an office instead of renewing online.
Renewing online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your renewal notice says you are may be able to access. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and vision information.
You will need to upload a new photo or use the photo on file. If you want to use an existing photo, it must be less than eight years old and taken without glasses, hats, or filters. If you do not have a suitable photo, you can take one with your phone or computer camera in good lighting. The system will guide you through the photo requirements.
After you pay the renewal fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license arrives by mail in 5 to 7 business days. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail with the renewal notice
Mail renewal works if your renewal notice says you are may be able to access and your photo is less than eight years old. Sign the back of your renewal notice, include a check or money order for the correct fee, and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.
If your photo is eight years old or older, you must include a new photo with your mailed renewal. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last 30 days, show your face clearly without glasses or hats, and have a plain white or off-white background. Write your driver's license number on the back of the photo in pencil.
Mail processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the DVS office receives your envelope. Your new license arrives separately by mail. If you need your license sooner, visit a DVS office instead.
Renewing in person at a Minnesota DVS office
You must renew in person if you are 65 or older, your license has been expired for more than one year, your renewal notice says you must visit an office, or your name or address has changed. Bring your current driver's license or ID, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).
You do not need an appointment at most DVS offices, but some locations accept appointments through the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are usually less busy on weekday mornings and more crowded on Fridays and near the end of the month.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives in 5 to 7 business days.
What to do if your name or address has changed
If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last renewal, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DVS office and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your record and issue a new license with your current name.
If you have moved to a new address, you can renew online or by mail as long as your renewal notice says you are may be able to access. The system will ask you to confirm your new address during online renewal. If you are renewing by mail, write your new address on the renewal notice before you send it. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.
Minnesota DVS office locations and hours
Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. The main office is in St. Paul at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 150, but you can renew at any DVS location in the state. Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings.
You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Some smaller towns have limited hours or are open only certain days of the week. If you live far from an office, online or mail renewal may save you a trip.
Renewing an expired or suspended license
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DVS office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of address, and proof of Social Security number.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office or call 651-297-3298 to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take to restore it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota license before the renewal notice arrives?
You can renew online or by mail starting 60 days before your license expires, even if you have not received the notice yet. Use the Minnesota Secretary of State website to check your renewal date and start the process. If you are renewing in person, you can visit a DVS office anytime before expiration.
What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for the new one?
If you renewed online or by mail, you can continue driving with your current license until the new one arrives, even if the expiration date has passed. If you renewed in person, your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent license by mail.
Do I need a Real ID to renew my Minnesota driver's license?
Real ID is optional. A standard renewal costs less but cannot be used for federal air travel or military base entry after May 7, 2025. An enhanced Real ID renewal costs more but meets federal requirements. You choose which type when you renew.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
An unpaid traffic ticket does not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have an unpaid fine, the court may place a hold on your license. Contact the court that issued the ticket to learn about a hold exists and how to clear it.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You do not need the renewal notice to renew online. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you want to renew by mail, call 651-297-3298 to request a new notice or visit a DVS office to renew in person.