Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few straightforward conditions
You can renew your Minnesota driver's license through the state's online system if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical suspensions, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $24.50, and you pay by debit or credit card. Your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
The online renewal system is run by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services division. You do not need to visit a branch office, take a new photo, or retake a vision test — the state uses your existing photo and records from your current license.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical holds or address changes on file.
- The online renewal costs $24.50 and takes about 10 minutes; you pay by debit or credit card at the time of renewal.
- Your new license is mailed to the address on your current license and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license expired more than a year ago, you have a medical suspension, or your address changed, you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
What you need before you start
Gather your current Minnesota driver's license and have it nearby — you will need your license number and the date of birth printed on it. You also need a debit or credit card to pay the $24.50 renewal fee. Make sure the mailing address on your current license is still correct; the state will send your new license to that address, and you cannot change it during an online renewal.
If you have moved since your last renewal, you cannot use the online system. You will need to renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.
The step-by-step renewal process
Go to the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services website and look for the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license record and confirm your name, address, and photo.
Review the information on the screen to make sure it is correct. If anything is wrong — your name, address, or other details — stop and renew in person instead, because you cannot fix those details online. Once you confirm everything is accurate, you will be taken to the payment page. Enter your debit or credit card information and complete the transaction.
After payment goes through, you will see a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. The state will send you a receipt by email if you provide an email address. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
When you cannot renew online
If your current license expired more than one year ago, the online system will not let you proceed. You must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address if it has changed, and payment of $24.50 in cash or card.
You also cannot renew online if you have a medical suspension on your record. These suspensions are placed by the state when a doctor reports a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely. To clear a medical suspension, you must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person and provide medical clearance from your doctor.
If your address has changed since your last renewal, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address. The online system cannot update your address during renewal.
What happens after you renew
Once your renewal is complete, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. You do not need to do anything else. When the new license arrives in the mail, destroy your old one by cutting it in half or shredding it.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact Driver and Vehicle Services to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready. If there was a problem with your payment or your information, the state will contact you by phone or mail.
Renewing before your license expires
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date or to get a new photo if their current one is outdated. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until closer to the expiration date.
If you are planning a trip and want to make sure your license arrives before you leave, renew at least two weeks in advance to account for mail delivery time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. If your license has any kind of suspension — medical, financial, or traffic-related — you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The office staff can tell you what you need to do to clear the suspension before you can renew.
What if I moved and need to update my address?
You cannot change your address during an online renewal. You must go to a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill or lease, and renew there. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.
Do I get a new photo when I renew online?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, 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?
Your new license is typically mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your renewal. Mail delivery time varies by location, so allow a few extra days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact Driver and Vehicle Services with your confirmation number.
Can I renew online if my license is expired?
Only if it expired less than one year ago. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.