You can renew at a Driver and Vehicle Services office, by mail, or online depending on your situation

Minnesota offers three ways to renew your driver's license: in person at a DVS office, through the mail, or online through the state website. Which route you take depends on whether you need a REAL ID, whether your license is still valid, and how quickly you need the new one. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office at all.

The state's Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) operates renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State's office. You'll interact with either a physical location, the postal system, or the state's online portal — not a private company or third-party service.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through mn.gov/secretary-of-state works if your license is valid, you don't need a REAL ID, and you haven't changed your name or address since your last renewal.
  • Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires mailing your current license to the state along with a completed form, but you cannot drive during that time.
  • In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if you need a REAL ID, have a suspended license, or cannot use the online or mail options.
  • DVS offices are located in most Minnesota counties, and you can find your nearest location and check wait times on the Secretary of State website.
  • You must renew before your license expires; you cannot legally drive on an expired license, and renewing after expiration requires an in-person visit.

Renewing online through the state website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to mn.gov/secretary-of-state, find the Driver License Renewal section, and follow the prompts. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is charged when ready, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You can only renew online if all of these are true: your license is currently valid (not expired), you have not changed your name since your last renewal, your address on file with DVS is still correct, and you do not need a REAL ID. If any of these conditions don't explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.

Keep your current license until the new one arrives. Once it does, destroy the old one or return it to DVS if you prefer.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you don't need a REAL ID. Request a renewal form from DVS by calling 651-297-2126, or read the form from the Secretary of State website. Complete the form, include your current license, and mail everything to the address listed on the form along with the renewal fee (check or money order only).

Processing takes about two weeks from the time DVS receives your envelope. You cannot legally drive during this period because your license is in the mail. Mail renewal makes sense only if you have time before your license expires and you're willing to be without a valid license temporarily.

If you need a REAL ID or your address has changed, you cannot use mail renewal — you must go in person.

Renewing in person at a DVS office

In-person renewal is required if you need a REAL ID, if your license is expired, if your name has changed, or if your address has changed since your last renewal. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed, bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

DVS offices are located in most Minnesota counties. Find your nearest office and check current wait times on mn.gov/secretary-of-state. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments — check before you go. In-person renewal is usually completed the same day, and you receive a temporary paper license to drive on while your plastic card is mailed to you.

If you need a REAL ID, the process takes slightly longer because you must provide additional identity documents, but the office will tell you exactly what to bring when you call or check online.

What to do if your license is already expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a DVS office in person. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, even if you have a renewal in progress. Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.

The office will process your renewal the same way as a current license, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready so you can drive legally while your new card is mailed.

Finding your nearest DVS office and checking wait times

The Secretary of State website lists all DVS office locations, hours, and current wait times. Go to mn.gov/secretary-of-state, select "Find a Driver License Office," and enter your city or county. The site shows you the nearest locations, whether they take appointments, and how long the wait typically is on that day.

Some offices are busier than others. If your nearest office has a long wait, you can often visit a different location in your region and get through faster. Call ahead if you're unsure whether you need an appointment — policies vary by location.

Understanding REAL ID and when you need it

A REAL ID is a federal security standard for driver's licenses. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not a REAL ID. You cannot get a REAL ID by mail or online — you must renew in person at a DVS office.

When you renew in person, ask the office staff whether you want to add REAL ID to your new license. You'll need to bring additional identity documents (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of your Social Security number and address. The fee is the same as a regular renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renew a driver's license in Minnesota?

The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license is valid for. A standard renewal is typically around $24 to $30, but the exact amount is listed on the Secretary of State website and shown before you pay online or at an office. REAL ID renewals cost the same as standard renewals.

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with DVS before you can renew. Call 651-297-2126 to find out the status of your license and what steps are needed to clear it. Once it's cleared, you can renew through any of the three methods.

What if I move to a different state before my Minnesota license expires?

You should get a driver's license in your new state rather than renewing your Minnesota license. Once you move, your Minnesota license is no longer valid for driving in that state. You can keep it as an ID, but you'll need to get a license from your new state.

How long is a renewed Minnesota driver's license valid?

Most Minnesota driver's licenses are valid for four years from the date of renewal. The expiration date is printed on your new license. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before it expires, reminding you to renew.

What happens if I mail in my renewal and don't receive my new license?

Contact DVS at 651-297-2126 with your confirmation number or license number. They can track your renewal and tell you whether it's still processing or if there was an issue. If your license expires before the new one arrives, you'll need to visit an office in person to get a temporary license so you can drive legally.