Yes, you can renew online if you meet Minnesota's requirements

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license online through the state's Secretary of State website, but only if your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago. You cannot renew online if your license was suspended, revoked, or if you need to change your address, name, or other information on the card itself. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $24.50, and you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

The online renewal system works only for standard license renewals — not for commercial licenses, motorcycle endorsements, or learner's permits. If your current license has any restrictions or endorsements you want to keep, the online system will preserve them automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your license is currently valid or expired within the last five years.
  • The online renewal costs $24.50 and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
  • You'll need your current Minnesota driver's license number and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person from an online renewal.
  • You must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your address or name.

What you need before you start

Gather your current Minnesota driver's license and a debit or credit card. You'll enter your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number during the process. Have your card information ready but know that you won't be charged until you submit the form.

If you've moved since your license was issued, you cannot complete the renewal online — you'll need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person to update your address. The same applies if you've changed your legal name.

How to renew step by step

Step 1: Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Navigate to the Driver and Vehicle Services section and look for the online renewal option. The direct link is available on the main DVS page under "Online Services."

Step 2: Enter your license information. Type your Minnesota driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license record.

Step 3: Review your information. Check that your name, date of birth, and address match what's on your current license. If anything is wrong, stop here — you cannot correct it online and will need to visit an office in person.

Step 4: Confirm your vision and medical information. Answer the questions about your vision and any medical conditions that might affect your driving. These answers are the same ones you provided on your current license.

Step 5: Enter your payment information. Provide your debit or credit card details. The $24.50 fee will be charged when you submit.

Step 6: Submit and wait for confirmation. After you submit, you'll see a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. Minnesota will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens after you submit

Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. You do not need to do anything else — no visit to an office, no phone call to follow up. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your old one is still legal.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact Driver and Vehicle Services with your confirmation number. Have it ready when you call.

When you cannot renew online

Do not attempt an online renewal if your license is suspended or revoked. The system will reject it, and you'll need to resolve the suspension or revocation at a Driver and Vehicle Services office before you can renew. This includes suspensions for unpaid traffic tickets, child support arrears, or other court-ordered reasons.

You also cannot renew online if your license expired more than five years ago. In that case, you'll need to visit an office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening. If you're unsure whether your license is too old to renew online, call Driver and Vehicle Services or check your license expiration date — it's printed on the front.

Commercial driver's licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and learner's permits cannot be renewed online under any circumstances. You must visit an office in person for those.

Renewing in person if online doesn't work for you

If you need to change your address, name, or other information on your license, you'll need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease works), and proof of your legal name change if applicable. The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes and costs the same $24.50.

You can find the nearest office and check wait times on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Calling ahead saves time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license is expired?

Yes, as long as it expired within the last five years. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Minnesota mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of your submission. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving legally.

What if I made a mistake on my online renewal form?

Contact Driver and Vehicle Services with your confirmation number as soon as possible. Depending on what you entered incorrectly, they may be able to correct it before your license is printed, or you may need to renew again in person.

Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?

No. Commercial driver's licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and learner's permits cannot be renewed online. You must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person.

Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?

No. The online renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an office.