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 Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, by mail, or online through the state website. Which option works for you depends on whether you need a new photo, whether your address has changed, and how soon you need the license. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some circumstances require an in-person visit.

The fastest route is usually online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, which takes minutes and delivers your renewed license by mail within two weeks. If you cannot renew online, the next fastest option is mail renewal, which takes about three weeks. In-person renewal at a DVS office is necessary only if you need a new photo, if your address changed and you cannot update it online, or if you have other complications with your record.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is available if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name since your last renewal.
  • Mail renewal takes about three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and a check to the address provided on the renewal notice.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office is required if you need a new photo, if your address changed, or if you cannot renew online for other reasons.
  • DVS offices are located in most Minnesota counties; you can find the nearest one on the Secretary of State website or by calling 651-296-6911.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment when visiting in person; the fee varies depending on how long you want your license to be valid.

Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website

Start at mn.gov/secretary-of-state and look for the Driver License Renewal section. You will need your current driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against state records and tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access to renew online.

Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and your name matches your current legal documents. If any of these conditions do not explore, the system will direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead. Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will arrive by mail within two weeks.

You do not need to visit an office for online renewal, and you will keep your current photo on your license. This is the least time-consuming option if you are may be able to access.

Mail renewal when you cannot renew online

If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, you should receive a renewal notice in the mail from the Minnesota Secretary of State about 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes a form, instructions, and the mailing address where you send your process.

To renew by mail, sign the form, include your current driver's license, and send a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address on the notice. Do not send cash. Mail your packet at least three weeks before your license expires to allow time for processing and delivery. Once the Secretary of State receives and processes your process, your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file.

Mail renewal keeps your current photo and does not require a visit to an office. However, if your address has changed since your last renewal, you may need to update it in person or contact DVS before mailing your renewal to make sure the new license goes to the correct address.

In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

Visit a DVS office if you need a new photo, if your address has changed and you cannot update it online, or if you have other issues with your record that prevent online or mail renewal. DVS offices are located in most Minnesota counties. Find the office nearest you by visiting mn.gov/secretary-of-state and searching for "DVS office locations" or by calling 651-296-6911.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. If your name has changed, bring a document showing the legal change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. DVS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Processing times at DVS offices vary by location and time of day. Some offices have walk-in service; others require an appointment. Check the office's hours and whether you need to book ahead before you go. Your renewed license with a new photo will be mailed to you within two weeks.

What to bring and what it costs

For any renewal method, you will need to pay a fee. The fee depends on how long you want your license to be valid — typically four years or eight years. As of 2024, a four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal, but prices can change. The renewal notice you receive in the mail will show the exact fee for your situation.

For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of your current address. If your name or address has changed, bring the document that shows the change. If you are renewing online or by mail, you do not need to bring anything — you will complete the process from home.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license is expired, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. Mail renewal follows the same process as described above, but you should contact DVS at 651-296-6911 to confirm the procedure for expired licenses, as some offices may have additional requirements.

If your license has been expired for more than a year, you may need to retake the written test or vision test in person at a DVS office. Call ahead to find out what is required for your specific situation before you visit.

Finding a DVS office and checking hours

The Minnesota Secretary of State website lists all DVS office locations, hours, and whether each office accepts walk-ins or requires appointments. Visit mn.gov/secretary-of-state and search for "office locations" or call 651-296-6911 during business hours. Some offices are open evenings or Saturdays, so check before you plan your visit.

Many DVS offices are located in county government buildings or shared service centers. If you cannot find an office near you, the phone line can direct you to the closest location and tell you whether you need an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I moved to a different address?

If you moved and updated your address with the Secretary of State online, you may be able to renew online. If you have not updated your address yet, you must renew in person or by mail and include proof of your new address. Call 651-296-6911 to confirm whether you can update your address online before attempting online renewal.

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

Online and mail renewals typically take two to three weeks from the time the Secretary of State processes your process. In-person renewal also results in a mailed license, not an when ready one. If you need a license sooner, ask the DVS office whether they can issue a temporary paper license while you wait for the permanent one.

What if I lost my current license and cannot send it with my mail renewal?

Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State at 651-296-6911 before mailing your renewal. They will tell you whether you can proceed without the physical license or whether you need to visit a DVS office in person to report it lost and renew at the same time.

Do I have to get a new photo when I renew?

No. Online and mail renewal keep your current photo. You only get a new photo if you renew in person at a DVS office. If you want a new photo but do not need to renew yet, you can visit a DVS office to request a new photo for a separate fee.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before your license expires. In-person renewal can usually happen earlier, but call your local DVS office to confirm their policy.