Where to renew your Real ID in Minnesota

You renew a Minnesota Real ID at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in the state. DVS is part of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. You cannot renew by mail, phone, or online — you must go in person to an office location.

Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. The main office is in St. Paul, but you can find a full list of branch locations and their hours on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.

You do not need an appointment at most DVS offices, but some locations now offer appointment scheduling. Check your local office's website or call to see if appointments are available in your area — they can cut your wait time significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID renewal in Minnesota happens only in person at a DVS office; you cannot renew by mail or online.
  • You will need your current driver's license or ID card, proof of Minnesota residency, and proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last renewal.
  • The renewal fee in Minnesota is $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license; you pay at the DVS office when you renew.
  • Your new Real ID will arrive by mail within two to three weeks; you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current Minnesota driver's license or ID card to the DVS office. This is your starting point — the office staff will check it and use it to pull up your record.

You also need proof of Minnesota residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill does not count.

If your legal name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason — bring a document proving the change. This might be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your name has not changed, you do not need this document.

You do not need to bring proof of citizenship or Social Security number to renew a Real ID you already have. The DVS office has that information on file from your original Real ID process.

What happens during your renewal visit

When you arrive at the DVS office, you will check in and wait for your number to be called. Tell the staff member you are renewing your Real ID. They will review your documents, confirm your information, and take a new photo for your license.

You will be asked to sign a form confirming that the information on your license is correct. The staff member will also ask you to choose your license term — four years or eight years. The eight-year license costs more but lasts longer.

After your photo and signature are taken, you will pay the renewal fee at the counter. Minnesota accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. You will receive a receipt and a temporary paper license that you can use right away while your new card is being made.

How long the process takes

Your new Real ID card will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid during this time, so you can use it for travel or identification while you wait.

If you need your new card faster, ask the DVS office staff whether expedited processing is available. Some offices offer this service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location.

Once your card arrives, check it when ready to make sure all the information is correct. If you spot an error, return to the DVS office with your temporary license and the new card to request a correction.

Real ID renewal fees in Minnesota

A four-year Real ID renewal costs $24.50. An eight-year Real ID renewal costs $48.50. These are the standard fees as of the most recent update, though fees can change — call your local DVS office or check the Minnesota Secretary of State website to confirm the current price.

You pay the fee in cash, debit, or credit card at the DVS office when you complete your renewal. There are no additional fees for the temporary paper license or for mailing your new card.

What to do if your name or address has changed

If you have moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new Minnesota address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The DVS office will update your address during renewal.

If your legal name has changed, bring the document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name on your new Real ID. If you changed your name but have not yet updated your license, this renewal is a good time to do both at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Real ID if it is not expired yet?

Yes. You can renew early if you want a longer-term license, if your information has changed, or if your card is damaged. However, your renewal fee does not extend your expiration date — your new card will expire four or eight years from the renewal date, not from your old card's expiration.

What if I lost my current license?

You will need to replace it rather than renew it. Bring your proof of residency and proof of legal name to the DVS office and ask for a replacement. The process is similar to renewal, but you will not have your old license to show. The fee may differ — call your local office to confirm.

Do I need to renew my Real ID before traveling?

Only if your current Real ID is expired or will expire before your trip. If your card is still valid, you can travel with it. Check your card's expiration date before booking travel to avoid surprises.

What if the DVS office finds an error on my current license?

Tell the staff member when ready. They can correct it during your renewal visit. Bring any documents that prove the correct information — for example, a birth certificate if your date of birth is wrong.

Can someone else renew my Real ID for me?

No. You must be present in person at the DVS office to renew your Real ID. The office needs your signature and a new photo, both of which only you can provide.