Your license stops being valid the moment it expires, and driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota

An expired Minnesota driver's license cannot be used to drive. If you get pulled over, you will be cited for driving without a valid license, which carries a fine of $25 to $100 for a first offense. Police will not arrest you on the spot for an expired license alone, but the citation goes on your driving record and can affect your insurance rates.

You also cannot use an expired license as identification for other purposes — boarding a plane, entering a federal building, or opening a bank account. Some private businesses may still accept it as secondary ID, but government agencies will not.

The good news: Minnesota gives you a grace period. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, and you can continue driving legally during that year. If you miss the expiration date, you have a short window to renew before the penalties kick in.

Key Takeaways

  • Driving on an expired Minnesota license is a traffic violation that results in a fine of $25 to $100 and a mark on your driving record.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date printed on your card, and you remain legal to drive during that entire year.
  • Minnesota does not have a formal grace period after expiration — your license is invalid the day it expires, though enforcement varies.
  • You can renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if you have a valid Social Security number and no medical restrictions.
  • If you renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office, bring your current license, proof of residence, and payment; the process takes about 15 minutes.

How to renew before your license expires

The easiest route is to renew online at mn.gov/sos under the Driver and Vehicle Services section. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not changing your name or address. If any of those explore, you must renew in person.

To renew in person, visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office. Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and payment. The fee is $24.50 for a standard five-year renewal. The office will take a new photo, process your paperwork, and issue a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.

What happens if you drive after expiration

If you are stopped by police after your license has expired, you will receive a citation for driving without a valid license. This is a misdemeanor traffic violation in Minnesota. The fine ranges from $25 to $100 for a first offense, and the violation appears on your driving record for three years.

A citation does not result in jail time for an expired license alone, but it will likely increase your car insurance premiums. Some insurers may drop you if you accumulate multiple violations. If you are involved in an accident while driving on an expired license, your insurance may deny your claim, leaving you personally liable for damages.

If you are stopped multiple times with an expired license, the penalties increase. A second violation within five years can result in a fine up to $200 and possible license suspension.

Renewing after your license has already expired

If your license has expired, you can still renew it through the same online or in-person process. There is no separate "reinstatement" fee — you pay the standard renewal fee of $24.50. However, you cannot legally drive to the Driver and Vehicle Services office to renew in person. You will need to arrange a ride with someone whose license is current, or use a taxi or rideshare service.

Online renewal is still your fastest option if you are may be able to access. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you should not drive until it arrives. If you need to drive before then, you can request a temporary license at a Driver and Vehicle Services office, which is valid for 30 days.

Special situations: Medical restrictions and name changes

If your license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office so the restrictions can be reviewed and updated if necessary. Bring your current license, proof of address, and any medical documentation your office requires.

If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal petition, you must renew in person and bring proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The renewal fee remains $24.50.

How long your renewed license is valid

A standard Minnesota driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew up to one year before that date, so you have a full year window to get it done without any rush.

If you are over 65, your license is valid for four years instead of five. If you are a commercial driver, your license is valid for four years and has different renewal requirements — contact Driver and Vehicle Services for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my renewal to arrive?

Yes, if you renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The office will issue a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed. This temporary license is valid for driving, so you can legally drive home and continue driving until your new card arrives.

What if I lost my license and it has also expired?

You will need to explore for a replacement license, not a renewal. Bring your proof of identity and proof of address to a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The fee is $24.50, and you will receive a temporary license on the spot. You cannot renew online if your license is lost.

Does Minnesota have a grace period after expiration?

No formal grace period exists. Your license is invalid the moment it expires. However, enforcement varies — some officers may issue a warning for a license expired by a few days, but you should not count on this. Renew before the expiration date to avoid any risk.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

Yes, you can renew online from anywhere if you meet the may be able to access requirements. If you need to renew in person, you can visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office in Minnesota, or contact the office to ask about mail-in renewal options for out-of-state residents.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

If you are renewing online, you can update your address during the renewal process. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The renewal fee is the same regardless of an address change.