You can renew at any Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office, by mail, or online depending on your situation
Minnesota offers three main paths to renew your driver's license: in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, by mail through the postal system, or online through the state's website. Which option works for you depends on whether you need a Real ID-compliant license, whether your license is still valid, and how soon you need the new one. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website works if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a Real ID upgrade.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment to the address listed on the Secretary of State website.
- In-person renewal at any DVS office is required if your license is expired by more than one year, you need a Real ID, or you have changed your name or address.
- DVS offices are located in most Minnesota counties; you can find the nearest one and check wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and payment when you renew in person; requirements vary slightly if you are upgrading to Real ID.
Online renewal through the Secretary of State website
The fastest and most convenient option for most people is to renew online at the Minnesota Secretary of State's Driver and Vehicle Services portal. You can complete the entire process from home in about 10 minutes. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is available only if all of these conditions are true: your current license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal, you do not need a Real ID upgrade, and you have not had any medical suspensions or restrictions added to your record. If any of these do not explore to you, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.
To renew online, you will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Mail renewal for people who cannot go online
If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal but your license is still valid, you can renew by mail. read or request the renewal form from the Secretary of State website, fill it out, and mail it along with your current license and payment to the address provided on the form. The process takes about two weeks from the time the office receives your envelope.
Mail renewal works well if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a Real ID. If your license has already expired by more than one year, or if you need to update your address or name, you must renew in person at a DVS office.
Keep a copy of your mailed form and payment confirmation in case questions arise. The Secretary of State office does not send a receipt, so having your own record protects you if your envelope is lost in transit.
In-person renewal at Driver and Vehicle Services offices
You must renew in person if your license has expired by more than one year, if you need a Real ID upgrade, if you have changed your name or address, or if you have any medical restrictions or suspensions on your record. Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties, and you can visit any of them — you do not have to go to the office in your home county.
To find the nearest office and check current wait times, visit the Secretary of State website and use the office locator tool. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Booking ahead can save you an hour or more of waiting, especially at busy locations in the Twin Cities area.
Bring your current license, your Social Security number (or a document showing it), proof of your current address, and payment. If you are upgrading to Real ID, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and two forms of ID. The office staff will tell you exactly what documents you need when you call or book your appointment.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
| Situation | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Standard renewal (no address or name change) | Current license, Social Security number, payment |
| Address or name change | Current license, Social Security number, proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), payment |
| Real ID upgrade | Current license, Social Security number, proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate), two forms of ID, proof of address, payment |
| License expired more than one year | Current license (or expired license), Social Security number, proof of address, payment |
Real ID requirements and timing
If you want a Real ID-compliant license, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a DVS office in person. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025. If your current license does not have the star, you will need to upgrade.
Real ID renewal takes longer than standard renewal because the office must verify your citizenship documents and run additional background checks. Plan for a 30- to 45-minute appointment, depending on how busy the office is. Your new Real ID license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your appointment.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a standard driver's license in Minnesota varies depending on how long the license is valid for. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Real ID upgrades cost the same as a standard renewal — there is no additional fee for the Real ID designation itself.
You can pay by debit card, credit card, or check. If you are renewing in person, the DVS office accepts card payments at the counter. If you are renewing by mail, include a check with your form. Online renewal requires a debit or credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a DVS office. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year. Bring your expired license, Social Security number, proof of address, and payment. The office will process your renewal the same way as a current license.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person at a DVS office, you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your appointment — you do not get it on the spot. Bring your old license with you when you travel during this waiting period.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
It depends on the office. Some DVS locations accept walk-ins, while others require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Check the Secretary of State website for your nearest office to see whether appointments are required. Booking ahead usually means a shorter wait.
What if I changed my name since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a DVS office and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need your current license, Social Security number, and payment. The office will update your name and issue a new license.
Can I renew my license if I do not have a Social Security number?
You will need to renew in person at a DVS office. Bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other government-issued identification that shows your legal name and date of birth. Call the office ahead of time to confirm what documents they will accept in place of a Social Security number.