What You Need Before You Start
Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few basic requirements. You need a valid Minnesota driver's license that is not expired by more than five years, a Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. You also need an email address where the state can send your confirmation.
The online renewal process works only for standard license renewals — not for address changes, name changes, or if you need to add endorsements like a motorcycle rating. If any of those explore to you, you will need to renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office instead.
Before you begin, gather your current driver's license and have your payment card ready. The entire process takes about 10 minutes if your information is current in the state system.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is not expired by more than five years and you are not making changes to your name, address, or endorsements.
- The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid — Minnesota offers one-year, four-year, and eight-year renewal periods.
- You will receive a temporary digital license when ready after completing the online renewal, and your physical card will arrive by mail within two weeks.
- The state sends a confirmation email to the address you provide, so keep that email in a safe place in case you need to prove your renewal status.
Step 1: Go to the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services Website
Open your web browser and go to the official Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services website at dps.mn.gov. Look for the section labeled "Renew Your License Online" or search the site for "online renewal." The state website is the only place to do this — do not use third-party sites that claim to handle renewals, as they charge extra fees and are not necessary.
Once you find the online renewal portal, you will see a button or link to start the process. Click it to begin. The system will ask you to confirm that you meet the basic requirements (no name change, no address change, license not expired more than five years). Answer honestly — if you do not meet these requirements, the system will stop and direct you to renew in person instead.
Step 2: Enter Your Personal Information and Verify Your Identity
The system will ask for your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. Enter these exactly as they appear on your current license and in the state's records. The system uses this information to pull up your existing license record.
Minnesota uses an identity verification step to confirm you are who you say you are. The system may ask you security questions based on your history — for example, questions about previous addresses or vehicles you have registered. Answer these accurately. If you cannot answer them or the system cannot verify your identity, you will need to renew in person.
Step 3: Review and Update Your Information
Once your identity is verified, the system displays your current license information on the screen. Review everything carefully: your name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. This is your chance to catch errors before they print on your new card.
If you spot a mistake in your name or address, stop here. The online system cannot fix these — you will need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person to make corrections. If everything is correct, confirm it and move forward.
Step 4: Choose Your Renewal Period and Pay the Fee
Minnesota offers three renewal periods: one year, four years, or eight years. The fee depends on which period you choose — longer periods cost more upfront but mean you renew less often. The system shows you the exact fee for each option before you commit.
Select the renewal period you want, then enter your credit or debit card information to pay the fee. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Your card will be charged when ready, and you will receive a receipt number on screen. Write down or screenshot this number — it is your proof of payment.
Step 5: Receive Your Temporary License and Confirmation
After payment goes through, the system generates a temporary digital license that you can view and save on your phone or print. This temporary license is valid when ready and shows your new expiration date. You can use it as proof of a valid license while you wait for your physical card.
The state also sends a confirmation email to the address you provided during renewal. This email contains your receipt number, your temporary license information, and tracking details for your physical card. Keep this email — it serves as proof that your renewal was completed if anyone questions your status.
What Happens After You Renew Online
Your new physical driver's license will arrive by mail within two weeks in most cases, though it can take up to three weeks depending on mail volume. The card comes from a state printing facility, not from the Driver and Vehicle Services office you might normally visit.
Until your physical card arrives, use your temporary digital license or print a copy of it if you need to show proof of a valid license. Once the physical card arrives, destroy your old license by cutting it in half or shredding it — do not throw it away intact, as it contains personal information.
If your new card does not arrive within three weeks, contact Driver and Vehicle Services through the dps.mn.gov website or call the customer service line listed there. Have your receipt number from the renewal confirmation email ready when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is already expired?
Yes, as long as it expired no more than five years ago. If it has been expired longer than five years, you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The online system will tell you when ready if your license is too old to renew online.
What if I need to change my address at the same time?
The online renewal system does not allow address changes. You must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person to change your address and renew your license at the same time. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee.
Can I use the temporary digital license to drive right away?
Yes. The temporary digital license is valid when ready after you complete the online renewal. You can drive with it, and you can show it to law enforcement if stopped. Print a copy if you prefer to carry a physical copy, or keep it on your phone.
What if my payment is declined?
If your credit or debit card is declined, the system will tell you when ready and will not process your renewal. Check that your card number, expiration date, and security code are entered correctly, then try again. If the card is still declined, contact your bank to confirm the card is active, then return to the renewal website and start over.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. Your new card will have the same photo unless you choose to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person to have a new photo taken.