Yes, you can renew your Minnesota driver's license online if you meet the state's requirements
Minnesota allows online renewal for driver's licenses and ID cards through its Secretary of State website. The process is faster than going to a branch office — you can complete it in about 10 minutes from home — but not everyone is may be able to access. You must have a valid license that is not expired by more than five years, be a Minnesota resident, and have no medical or legal holds on your record. If you meet those conditions, you can renew online without an appointment or a visit to an office.
The state charges a renewal fee, which varies depending on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. You pay by debit or credit card during the online process. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota driver's licenses can be renewed online through the Secretary of State website if your current license is not expired by more than five years.
- You must be a Minnesota resident with no medical restrictions, legal holds, or pending violations to use online renewal.
- The entire online process takes about 10 minutes and costs between $20 and $40 depending on the validity period you choose.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you need it by a specific date.
- If you do not meet the online requirements, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office or an authorized deputy registrar.
Who can renew online and who cannot
Online renewal is open only to drivers whose licenses are still valid or expired no more than five years ago. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. The same applies if you have any medical restrictions on your license, a suspended or revoked license, or an active court order affecting your driving privileges.
You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information on your license. Address changes can sometimes be handled online through a separate process, but name changes always require an in-person visit. If you are unsure whether you have a hold or restriction on your record, you can call the Secretary of State at 651-296-6911 before you start the online process.
Step-by-step: completing renewal on the Minnesota Secretary of State website
Go to the Secretary of State website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity using this information.
Next, review your personal information on file and confirm it is correct. If anything is wrong — your address, name spelling, or other details — stop and renew in person instead. You cannot correct information through the online process.
Choose your renewal period: four years or eight years. The fee is displayed before you pay. Enter your debit or credit card information to complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Save or print this number; you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.
Fees and what they cover
Minnesota charges different fees based on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year renewal typically costs around $20, while an eight-year renewal costs around $40. These amounts can change, so check the Secretary of State website for the current fee before you pay.
The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. It does not include any additional services like rush delivery. Your license will arrive by standard mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at a Secretary of State office, where you can receive a temporary license when ready.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
After you complete the online process, you will see a confirmation screen with your confirmation number. This confirms that your payment was processed and your renewal request was received. You do not need to do anything else at this point.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the Secretary of State. If you have moved recently and updated your address through the online system, your license will go to your new address. If you have not updated your address, it will go to your old one, so make sure your address is current before you renew.
You can continue to drive using your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Your current license remains valid until it expires, even after you have renewed online.
When you must renew in person instead
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use online renewal. You must visit a Secretary of State office or an authorized deputy registrar in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate).
You also must renew in person if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information; if you have medical restrictions; if you have a suspended or revoked license; or if you have any legal holds on your record. Some of these situations may require additional documents or a vision test. Call ahead to find out what you need to bring.
Finding a Secretary of State office or deputy registrar near you
Minnesota has Secretary of State offices in the Twin Cities and several other locations. You can also renew at an authorized deputy registrar, which is often a local government office or courthouse. The Secretary of State website has a search tool where you can enter your city or zip code to find the nearest location and its hours.
Many deputy registrars do not require an appointment, but some do. Check the location's page on the Secretary of State website before you go, or call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need to book a time slot. Wait times vary by location and time of day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my license expired more than five years ago?
You cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Secretary of State office or deputy registrar. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You may also need to pass a vision test.
Can I change my address when I renew online?
You can update your address through the online renewal process if it is a straightforward change. However, if you need to change your name or have other complications, you must renew in person. The online system will tell you whether your address change can be processed.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. There is no rush or expedited mail option for online renewals. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a Secretary of State office, where you can get a temporary license right away.
What if I do not receive my renewed license after two weeks?
Contact the Secretary of State at 651-296-6911 with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your renewal and help if your license was lost or misdirected in the mail.
Can I renew online if I have a suspended license?
No. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked. You must renew in person, and you may need to resolve the suspension first. Call the Secretary of State to find out what steps are required before you can renew.