How to know if your Minnesota driver's license is valid right now
Your Minnesota driver's license is valid if the expiration date printed on the front has not passed. Look at the card itself — the expiration date appears in the lower right corner and reads "Expires" followed by a month and year. If today's date is before that date, your license is valid. If today's date is on or after the expiration date, your license has expired and you cannot legally drive.
You can also check the status of your license online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website without logging in or creating an account. The tool asks for your driver's license number and date of birth, then tells you whether your license is current or expired. This takes about two minutes and gives you an when ready answer.
If you are unsure of your license number or cannot access the online tool, you can call the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office at 651-297-2126. They can confirm your license status over the phone during business hours.
Key Takeaways
- Check the expiration date printed on the front of your physical license card — if that date has passed, your license is expired.
- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety website has a free online tool that confirms whether your license is valid using only your license number and birth date.
- An expired Minnesota license cannot be used for driving, even if you have only been expired for one day.
- If your license expired more than a year ago, you may need to take the written test again when you renew, not just pay the fee.
What happens if your license is expired
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if the expiration happened yesterday. If you are pulled over, you can be cited for driving with an expired license. The officer may also check whether your license can be renewed by mail or whether you must appear in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
An expired license also cannot be used as proof of identity for other purposes — banks, employers, and government offices will not accept it. If you need a valid ID for something other than driving, you will need to renew your license before you can use it that way.
Renewing your Minnesota license before it expires
You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. Renewing early does not cost extra — the fee is the same whether you renew six months early or on the day it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush and to make sure they have a valid ID for travel or identification purposes.
If your license expired less than a year ago, you can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The mail and online routes are faster and do not require you to retake the written test. You will need to provide your current address and pay the renewal fee.
When you must take the test again
If your Minnesota license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online. Instead, you must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person and retake the written knowledge test. You will also need to pass a vision screening. The road test requirement depends on your age and how long your license has been expired.
This rule exists because the state wants to make sure drivers who have been off the road for a long time are still familiar with current traffic laws. Preparing by reviewing the Minnesota Driver's Manual before your appointment can help you pass the written test on your first try.
Checking your license status online
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety website has a license status checker that works 24 hours a day. Go to the Driver and Vehicle Services section of their website and look for the "Check License Status" tool. You will need your driver's license number and your date of birth.
The tool returns one of three answers: your license is valid and current, your license is expired, or the system cannot find a record matching your information. If the system cannot find your record, call Driver and Vehicle Services to confirm your license number is correct.
What to do if you cannot find your license number
Your driver's license number appears on the front of your card, usually below your photo. If you have lost your license or cannot locate it, you can still check your status by calling Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-297-2126. They will ask you to verify your identity with your name, date of birth, and address before they tell you your license status.
If your license is expired and you have lost the card, you will need to explore for a replacement license when you renew. The replacement fee is separate from the renewal fee. You can do this in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license expired yesterday?
No. In Minnesota, your license is invalid the moment the expiration date passes. Driving with an expired license, even by one day, is against the law and can result in a citation. You must renew your license before you drive again.
How much does it cost to renew a Minnesota driver's license?
The renewal fee varies depending on the type of license and how long you are renewing it for. The standard fee for a four-year renewal is lower than for an eight-year renewal. Check the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or call 651-297-2126 for the current fee amount, as it can change.
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office and retake the written test. Online and mail renewal are only available if your license expired within the last year.
What if the online tool says my license is not found?
This usually means there is a mismatch between the information you entered and what is in the system. Double-check that you entered your license number and birth date correctly. If the problem continues, call Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-297-2126 to verify your information and license status.