What You Need to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Documents required to renew your Minnesota license

To renew your Minnesota driver's license, you need proof of identity, proof of residence, and your current license or ID card. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety accepts a specific list of documents for each category — you cannot substitute one document type for another, and expired documents are not accepted for proof of identity or residence.

You can renew in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's website. The route you choose determines whether you need to bring originals, copies, or just information from your documents.

Key Takeaways

You must bring your current Minnesota driver's license or ID card, plus one document proving your identity and one proving your current address.
Proof of identity must be an original document — a photocopy, screenshot, or expired ID will not be accepted.
Proof of residence can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or other information since your last renewal.
In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office takes about 30 minutes and costs $24.50 for a standard four-year renewal.

Proof of identity documents Minnesota accepts

Minnesota requires an original, unexpired document that shows your name and date of birth. A photocopy, digital image, or expired document will not work. The state accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID card, or a state ID from another state. If you do not have any of these, you can use a certified birth certificate paired with a second document that shows your name and signature — such as a Social Security card, bank statement, or utility bill in your name.

If you were born outside the United States, you can use a U.S. Certificate of Naturalization or a Permanent Resident Card (green card) as your proof of identity. These must also be original and unexpired.

Proof of residence: what documents work

Minnesota requires a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your current address. The most common documents are a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your full name and street address — a PO box is not accepted as proof of residence.

If you cannot obtain a recent document in your name, you can use a document in a spouse's or parent's name if you live at the same address, but you must bring additional proof that you live there — such as a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the document. This adds time to the renewal process, so plan ahead if this applies to you.

Renewing online versus in person

Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your current license is not expired, your address has not changed, your name has not changed, and you have not had any medical or vision restrictions added since your last renewal. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office is required if your license is expired, if you have changed your address or name, or if you need to update any other information. You will need to bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residence. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

Mail renewal: when it is an option

You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or other information since your last renewal. Mail renewal uses the same documents as online renewal — you do not need to send originals. Instead, you complete the renewal form (available on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website), include a photocopy of your current license, and mail the packet to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the state receives your packet, plus mailing time in both directions. If your license will expire before your new one arrives, you should renew online or in person instead. The cost is the same as online renewal: $24.50.

Renewal fees and what they cover

A standard four-year renewal costs $24.50. This fee covers the new license card and processing. If you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost or stolen), that costs an additional $14.50. If you are renewing and requesting a duplicate at the same time, you pay both fees.

If you renew in person and request a temporary paper license while you wait for your new card to arrive, there is no additional charge. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification purposes.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residence, just as you would for a standard in-person renewal. The office may also require you to pass a vision test or written knowledge test if your license has been expired for a long time, depending on how long it has been since you last renewed.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by mail or online if your address and name have not changed. Bring or include your expired license along with your other documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a screenshot or digital copy of my documents?

No. For in-person renewal, you must bring original documents. For mail renewal, you can send photocopies. Digital images, screenshots, and faxes are not accepted for either method.

What if I do not have a current address on file with the state?

You must renew in person and bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your current address. If the document is in someone else's name, bring a notarized letter from that person confirming you live at that address.

How long does a renewed license take to arrive?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after the state processes your renewal. If you renew in person, you can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need your proof of identity and proof of residence.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Minnesota does not suspend license renewal for unpaid traffic fines. However, if your license has been suspended for a separate reason (such as a DUI conviction or medical condition), you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to check your suspension status.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.