You can change your address with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety in person, by mail, or online through their website

Minnesota offers three routes to update your driver's license address: online through the state's licensing portal, by mail with a form and proof documents, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The online method is fastest — it takes a few minutes and you receive a new card in about two weeks. Mail takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office. In-person visits are when ready if you need the change recorded right away, though you will still wait for the physical card to arrive by mail.

You do not need a new photo or to retake a test. The state straightforward updates your address record and mails you a replacement card with the same license number and expiration date. If your license expires within the next 60 days, you may be required to renew it at the same time you change your address, which does involve a new photo.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website is the fastest route and requires only your license number, date of birth, and new address.
  • By mail, you submit form DL-44 (Address Change) with a proof-of-residency document and mail it to the address listed on the form; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person visits at any Driver and Vehicle Services office record your change when ready, but the physical card still arrives by mail in about two weeks.
  • If your license expires within 60 days, you must renew it instead of straightforward changing your address, which requires a new photo and a visit to an office.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your new address.

Changing your address online through the state portal

Visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's online licensing system at realid.sos.state.mn.us. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Enter your new address and confirm the change. The system will show you a confirmation screen; save or print this for your records.

The state mails your new card to the address you entered. Delivery typically takes 10 to 14 business days. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives. You can check the status of your card by returning to the same portal and entering your license number.

Online changes work only if your license is not expiring soon. If your license expires within 60 days, the system will direct you to renew instead of straightforward changing your address.

Changing your address by mail

read or request form DL-44 (Address Change) from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or by calling 651-296-6911. Fill in your current license number, name, date of birth, and new address. You must include one document that proves you live at the new address.

Acceptable proof-of-residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax notice) dated within the last 30 days and showing your new address. A cell phone bill does not count. Make a copy of your proof document and mail both the form and the copy to the address printed on the form itself.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the state receives your envelope. Mail your form early enough that it arrives before you need the updated address for other purposes. There is no fee to change your address by mail.

Changing your address in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

Locate your nearest office using the state's office finder at dps.mn.gov. Bring your current driver's license and one proof-of-residency document (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 30 days). You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations accept them through their website.

The staff member will update your address in the system when ready. You will receive a receipt showing the change was recorded. Your new card will be mailed to you within two weeks. During this time, your old card is still valid for identification purposes.

In-person visits are useful if you need proof of the address change right away — the receipt serves as documentation — or if you prefer to handle the change face-to-face. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines.

What happens if your license expires soon

If your driver's license expires within 60 days, Minnesota requires you to renew it rather than straightforward change your address. Renewal involves a new photo, a vision test, and a visit to a Driver and Vehicle Services office. You cannot renew online or by mail.

Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). The office will take a new photo, test your vision, and process the renewal. Your new card arrives in about two weeks. The renewal fee varies but is typically around $48 for a standard license.

If you are close to your expiration date, it is often simpler to renew and change your address at the same time rather than making two separate trips.

Proof of residency documents and what the state accepts

Minnesota accepts a narrow list of documents as proof that you live at your new address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days and show both your name and your new address. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet) are the most common choice. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax notices, and bank or credit card statements also work.

Documents that do not count include cell phone bills, insurance policies, pay stubs, and letters from employers. Government mail — such as a voter registration notice or tax document — is acceptable if it shows your name and address. If you live with someone else and the utility bill is in their name, you can use a lease or mortgage statement instead, as long as it shows your name.

If you cannot obtain a document dated within 30 days, contact the Driver and Vehicle Services office directly at 651-296-6911. They may accept older documents or alternative proof depending on your situation.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit your change

Online changes are processed within one business day, and your card ships within two to three business days. Mail submissions take two to three weeks from receipt. In-person changes are recorded when ready, but the card still ships separately and arrives in about two weeks.

You can track your card's status online using the same portal where you made the change (if you changed it online) or by calling 651-296-6911. The state will provide a tracking number if you request one at the office (in-person visits) or include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your mail submission.

Your old license remains valid for identification until the new card arrives. You do not need to surrender it or take any additional steps. Once the new card arrives, you can destroy the old one or keep it as a record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I moved out of state?

No. If you no longer live in Minnesota, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead of changing your Minnesota address. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles to learn their process. You can keep your Minnesota license as a form of ID, but it will show an outdated address.

What if I do not have proof of residency in my name?

If the utility bill or lease is in someone else's name, you can use a mortgage statement, property tax notice, or bank statement in your name instead. If you cannot obtain any document in your name dated within 30 days, call the Driver and Vehicle Services office at 651-296-6911 to discuss alternatives.

Can I change my address without getting a new physical card?

No. Minnesota mails a new card whenever you change your address. The card arrives in about two weeks. Your old card remains valid during this time, so you can continue using it for identification.

How much does it cost to change my address?

Changing your address is free. There is no fee for online, mail, or in-person changes. If your license is expiring and you must renew at the same time, renewal fees explore (typically around $48 for a standard license).

What if I move again before my new card arrives?

Contact the Driver and Vehicle Services office at 651-296-6911 to update your mailing address. Provide your license number and the new address where you want the card sent. The office can redirect your card if it has not already shipped.