What to do if your Minnesota driver's license has expired

If your Minnesota driver's license has expired, you can renew it through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) by mail, online, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The method you choose depends on how long it has been expired and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most renewals take two to four weeks by mail, while in-person renewals are usually completed the same day.

You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than five years, or unless DPS requires it based on your age or medical history. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to explore for a new license as if you were a first-time applicant, which includes the written test and eye exam.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Minnesota DPS website works for licenses expired less than five years and costs $24.50 for a four-year renewal or $48 for an eight-year renewal.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your expired license, a completed process form, and payment to the DPS address; processing takes two to four weeks.
  • In-person renewal at any Driver and Vehicle Services office takes about 30 minutes and allows you to update your photo, address, or other information on the spot.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore in person and pass the written test and eye exam again.
  • You can drive legally while your renewal process is being processed if you carry proof that you submitted it.

Renewing online through the Minnesota DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license expired within the last five years and you do not need to change your photo or address. Go to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website, select "Driver License Services," and choose the online renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).

The online system will ask you to confirm your current address and personal information. If any details are incorrect, you cannot fix them online — you must renew in person instead. Once you complete the online renewal and payment, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. The new license typically arrives within two to three weeks.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works for licenses expired less than five years. read or request the Driver License Renewal process (Form HSMV 82053) from the Minnesota DPS website, or call 651-297-3298 to have one mailed to you. Complete the form, sign it, and include your expired license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a copy of proof of residence (such as a recent utility bill or lease).

Mail the completed packet to the address listed on the form — currently the Driver and Vehicle Services office in St. Paul. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date DPS receives your process. You can track your process status on the DPS website using your driver's license number. During this time, you can drive legally if you carry a copy of your submitted process or a receipt showing you mailed it.

Renewing in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

In-person renewal is the best option if you need to update your photo, change your address, correct other information, or if your license expired more than five years ago. Minnesota has Driver and Vehicle Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the DPS website.

Bring your expired license, proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment (cash, check, debit card, or credit card). The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. The entire process usually takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Your new license is valid when ready, though you will receive a physical card in the mail within one to two weeks.

Renewal fees and what they cover

Minnesota driver's license renewal fees depend on how long you want the license to be valid. A four-year renewal costs $24.50, and an eight-year renewal costs $48. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew in person and need a replacement photo ID while you wait for your new license in the mail, the office can issue a temporary paper license at no extra charge.

If you are 65 or older, you may be may be able to access for a reduced renewal fee. Ask at the Driver and Vehicle Services office or check the DPS website for current senior rates. Military members on active duty may also may have access to for fee waivers or extensions — contact your local office for details.

What happens if your license expired more than five years ago

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use the online or mail renewal process. You must explore for a new license in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. This means you will need to pass the written knowledge test and the eye exam, just as a first-time applicant would.

You do not need to retake the road test unless you are under 18 or unless DPS specifically requires it based on your driving record or medical history. Bring your expired license, proof of residence, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents), and Social Security verification. The office will schedule your written test, administer the eye exam, take a new photo, and collect payment. Plan to spend one to two hours at the office for the full process.

Driving legally while your renewal is being processed

You can legally drive in Minnesota while your renewal process is being processed, as long as you carry proof that you submitted it. If you renewed online or by mail, print or carry a copy of your confirmation receipt or the mailed process. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid until your new card arrives.

If you are pulled over by police, show them your temporary license or your proof of submission along with your expired license. Law enforcement understands that renewals take time and will not cite you for an expired license if you can demonstrate that your process is in process. However, do not delay — if your process is rejected or lost, you could face a citation for driving with an expired license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?

Yes, if you have proof that you submitted your renewal process. This can be a confirmation email from online renewal, a mailed receipt, or a temporary paper license from an in-person visit. Carry this proof along with your expired license when you drive.

What if I moved and my address is wrong on my expired license?

You must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office so you can update your address. Online and mail renewal do not allow address changes. Bring proof of your new residence, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?

No. Mail renewal uses your existing photo from your expired license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.

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

Online and mail renewals typically take two to four weeks from the date DPS receives or processes your process. In-person renewals issue a temporary license when ready, and the physical card arrives within one to two weeks.

What if my renewal process gets lost in the mail?

You can check the status of your mail renewal on the DPS website using your driver's license number. If it has been more than four weeks and your status shows no progress, contact the DPS at 651-297-3298 to report it and resubmit if necessary.