Yes, you can renew online if you meet Minnesota's requirements
Minnesota allows online renewal for driver's licenses and ID cards, but only if your license is still valid or expired for fewer than five years. You must be at least 21 years old, have a Social Security number on file with the state, and have a current mailing address in Minnesota. The process takes place through the Minnesota Secretary of State's online system and costs the same as renewing in person — currently $24.50 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license.
The renewal is not automatic. You initiate it yourself through the state's website, and the new card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval. You do not need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office unless your situation falls into one of the categories that require in-person renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you are at least 21 years old.
- You will need your current Minnesota driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to start the process on the Secretary of State's website.
- The new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you do not receive a temporary license or digital proof of renewal.
- If you have changed your name, address, or organ donor status, or if your vision has changed, you may need to renew in person instead.
- The fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card during the online process.
Who cannot renew online and must visit an office
Certain situations require you to renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. If your license has been expired for five years or longer, online renewal is not available — you must go to an office. The same applies if you are under 21 years old.
You also cannot renew online if you have changed your legal name since your last license was issued, if you need to update your address to something outside Minnesota, or if you want to change your organ donor status. If your vision has changed significantly or if you wear corrective lenses and did not at your last renewal, you will need an eye exam, which requires an in-person visit. Anyone with a suspended, revoked, or cancelled license must also renew in person.
Steps to renew your license online
Start by going to the Minnesota Secretary of State's online renewal system at mn.gov/sos and selecting the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current Minnesota driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. Have these details ready before you begin.
The system will ask you to confirm your current address and verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history. Once you pass verification, you will review your license information and make any corrections that are allowed online — typically limited to address changes within Minnesota. You will then select your license type (four-year or eight-year) and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new card will be mailed to your Minnesota address within 7 to 10 business days.
What to do if the system rejects your renewal
If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it is usually because one of the restrictions applies — your license is expired by more than five years, you are under 21, or your record shows a suspension or other issue. The system will tell you which reason applies. In that case, you must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person.
You can find office locations and hours on the Secretary of State's website. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Processing times at offices vary, but you can usually walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent card by mail within two weeks.
No temporary license or digital proof when you renew online
Unlike in-person renewal, online renewal does not give you a temporary license or a digital version you can use when ready. Your old license remains valid until your new card arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving during the 7 to 10 business day wait.
If you need to drive before your new card arrives and your old license has already expired, you have a problem — the online system will not let you renew if your license is expired by more than five years, so you cannot use this route. In that case, you must visit an office in person, where you can receive a temporary license on the spot.
Address changes and other updates during online renewal
You can update your mailing address during online renewal, but only if you are staying in Minnesota. If you are moving out of state, you cannot renew online — you must visit an office and explore for a new license with your out-of-state address.
Other changes — name, gender marker, organ donor status, or corrective lens information — cannot be made during online renewal. If you need to change any of these, you must renew in person. The same applies if you want to add a Real ID designation to your license; Real ID renewals require an office visit and proof of citizenship or immigration status.
How long the new card takes and what to do if it does not arrive
After you complete online renewal, the Secretary of State's office processes your request and mails your new card. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date your renewal is approved. If you do not receive your card within two weeks, contact the Driver and Vehicle Services office by phone or through the Secretary of State's website to check the status.
If your card is lost in the mail, the office can reissue it, though you may be charged a replacement fee. Keep your confirmation number from the online renewal process — you will need it if you have to follow up. During the wait, your old license is still valid for driving and identification, so you can continue to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is expired right now?
Yes, as long as it expired fewer than five years ago. If it has been expired for five years or longer, you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
What if I do not have my Social Security number memorized?
You will need it to start the online renewal. If you do not have it, you can find it on tax documents, W-2 forms, or bank statements. If you cannot locate it, you will need to renew in person at an office instead.
Can I use my old license while I wait for the new one to arrive?
Yes. Your old license remains valid until your new card arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification during the 7 to 10 business day wait.
What happens if I move to another state before my new card arrives?
You will need to renew your license in your new state. Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State's office to let them know you have moved out of state; they can cancel your renewal if it has not yet been mailed.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.