What to bring when you renew in Minnesota

To renew your Minnesota driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety accepts a specific list of documents for each category — you do not need to guess which ones work. Most people can renew by mail or online without visiting an office, but the documents you need depend on which method you choose.

If you are renewing in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office, you will need one document from the identity list, one from the residency list, and your current license. If you are renewing by mail or online, the requirements are simpler because the state already has your information on file.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewal requires one proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), one proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your current license.
  • Mail renewal requires only your current license and a completed process form; you do not need to submit other documents unless the state requests them.
  • Online renewal through the state website requires your current license number, Social Security number, and date of birth — no documents to mail in.
  • If your name has changed since your last license, you must bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree to prove the change, regardless of renewal method.
  • Real ID-compliant documents (marked with a gold star) are required if you plan to use your license to board a domestic flight after May 7, 2025.

Documents for in-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

When you renew in person, bring your current Minnesota driver's license, one document proving your identity, and one document proving you live in Minnesota. The state accepts specific documents in each category and will not accept others, so check the list before you go.

For proof of identity, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, permanent resident card, tribal ID card, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of two secondary documents, such as a Social Security card plus a school transcript or medical record.

For proof of residency, bring a document showing your current Minnesota address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, insurance policy, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 30 days (or within the last 90 days for mortgage statements and property tax statements).

Documents for mail renewal

Mail renewal is simpler because the state already has your information. You need only your current license and a completed process form. The form is called the Driver's License process (Form DL 44), and you can read it from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or request it by phone.

Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license to the address shown on the form. Do not send copies of other documents unless the state specifically asks you to. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the office receives your materials.

You cannot use mail renewal if your name has changed, if your address has changed and you do not have a document to prove the new one, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must renew in person.

Documents for online renewal

Online renewal through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website requires no documents to mail in. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start the process. The system verifies your identity using information already in the state database.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not suspended or revoked, your name has not changed, and your address has not changed. If any of those explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person instead. Online renewal is when ready — you receive a temporary digital license when ready and your physical license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Name or address changes during renewal

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must bring proof of the change along with your other documents. Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption papers. You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed — you must go to a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person.

If your address has changed but your name has not, you can renew by mail if you include a document proving your new Minnesota address. If you do not have a residency document, you must renew in person. Online renewal will not work if your address has changed.

Real ID requirements and what they mean for your documents

Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner. If your current license does not have this star, you can request a Real ID upgrade when you renew.

To get a Real ID license, you must renew in person and bring documents that meet Real ID standards. Your proof of identity must be an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, passport, passport card, certificate of naturalization, or permanent resident card. A driver's license, school ID, or Social Security card will not work for Real ID purposes. Your proof of residency must be an original document (not a copy) showing your name and current address.

If you renew by mail or online without requesting Real ID, your new license will not have the gold star and you will not be able to use it for flights or federal building access. You can upgrade to Real ID later by visiting an office in person.

What happens if you do not have the required documents

If you do not have acceptable proof of identity or residency, you cannot renew your license until you obtain one. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety website lists all acceptable documents, and you can call the office to ask whether a specific document will work before you make a trip.

If you have lost your birth certificate or passport, you can order a replacement from the issuing agency — the state vital records office for a birth certificate, or the U.S. State Department for a passport. These replacements take time to arrive, so plan ahead if you need to renew soon. In the meantime, you can renew your license in person using a combination of secondary documents if you have them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you may need to renew in person instead of by mail or online. If your license expired more than one year ago, contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to confirm which renewal method is available to you. You will still need the same documents — your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency if renewing in person.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to renew in person?

No. You do not need your Social Security card. The state will ask for your Social Security number, but you can provide it verbally or on the process form. Bring one of the accepted identity documents instead, such as a passport or birth certificate.

What if my utility bill or lease is in someone else's name but shows my address?

Most residency documents must show your name and address. A utility bill or lease in someone else's name will not work. Bring a different document that shows both your name and your current address, such as a bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail addressed to you.

Can I renew online if I have a temporary license?

No. Online renewal requires a valid, non-temporary Minnesota driver's license. If you have a temporary license, you must renew in person or by mail. Bring your temporary license along with your other required documents.