Minnesota driver's license renewal works online, by mail, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office
Minnesota offers three paths to renew your driver's license, and which one you can use depends on how much time is left before yours expires and whether you need a new photo. The online renewal system is the fastest and most convenient for most people, but it has restrictions: you can only use it if your license is not yet expired and you do not need a new photograph. If your license has already expired or you want a new photo, you must renew in person or by mail.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety manages all renewals. You do not need to visit a state office — you can go to any Deputy Registrar office, which are located in city halls, county offices, and some retail locations across the state. The state website has a locator tool to find the office nearest you.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $20.50, but only works if your license has not expired and you do not want a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs $20.50, and works for expired licenses, but you cannot request a new photo by mail.
- In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office takes about 30 minutes, costs $20.50, and is the only option if you need a new photograph.
- You will need your current driver's license number and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or e-check) for online or mail renewal.
- Minnesota licenses are valid for four years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Online renewal: fastest option for unexpired licenses
The online renewal system at mn.gov/dvs is the quickest way to renew if your license has not yet expired. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer a few questions about changes to your address or medical conditions, and pay the $20.50 fee with a credit card, debit card, or e-check. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal does not include a new photograph — your new license will use the photo from your current one. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person.
You can renew online up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, the online system will not let you proceed — you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Mail renewal: works for expired licenses but takes longer
To renew by mail, you send your current driver's license to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety along with a check or money order for $20.50. You do not fill out a form — the state processes the renewal based on the license itself. Mail your license to: Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1500, St. Paul, MN 55101.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the state receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed back to you. Mail renewal works even if your license has expired, which makes it the only option besides in-person renewal for people whose licenses are no longer valid. However, you cannot request a new photograph by mail — your new license will use your current photo.
Do not mail cash. Use a check or money order only. Include your current license in the envelope so the state can match your renewal to your existing record. If you are concerned about mailing your license, in-person renewal is a safer choice.
In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office
Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office is the only way to get a new photograph on your license. You bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and $20.50 in cash or card. The office takes a new photo, processes your renewal on the spot, and mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal works whether your license is expired or not. The appointment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Some Deputy Registrar offices accept walk-ins; others require you to book a time slot online. Check the office locator on mn.gov/dvs to see what your nearest location offers and whether you need an appointment.
Bring your proof of address even if you have not moved. The state requires it at every in-person transaction. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A credit card or cell phone bill does not count as proof of address.
What happens if your license has already expired
Once your license expires, you cannot drive legally in Minnesota, and you cannot renew online. Your only options are mail renewal or in-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office. Both work for expired licenses with no penalty — the state treats an expired renewal the same as a timely one.
If you have been driving on an expired license, renewing it does not create a separate violation or fine. However, if you are stopped by law enforcement while your license is expired, you can be cited. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired to avoid that risk.
Fees and payment methods
Minnesota driver's license renewal costs $20.50 regardless of which method you choose. Online and in-person renewal accept credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — the state does not accept card payments by mail.
The $20.50 fee covers a four-year license. Minnesota does not offer shorter renewal periods or reduced fees for partial years. If you renew early (up to one year before expiration), your new license will still be valid for four years from the date you renew, not from the date your old one would have expired.
How to find your nearest Deputy Registrar office
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety maintains a searchable map of all Deputy Registrar locations on mn.gov/dvs. Enter your city or zip code to see offices near you, their hours, whether they take appointments, and what services they offer. Some offices handle only driver's license renewals; others handle vehicle registration and title work as well.
Call ahead if you are unsure whether an office can handle your renewal or if you want to confirm their hours. Many offices close for lunch or have limited evening hours. If the nearest office has a long wait, you can travel to any other Deputy Registrar in the state — your location does not matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes. Minnesota does not impose a time limit on how long after expiration you can renew. You can renew by mail or in person at any time. However, you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives, so renew as soon as possible if you need to drive.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Online renewal includes a field to update your address. If you renew by mail, include a note with your new address in the envelope. If you renew in person, tell the Deputy Registrar your new address when you arrive. Your new license will show the updated address.
Do I need to pass a vision test or written test to renew?
No. Renewal does not include a written test or road test. Some offices may ask you to read a line on a chart to confirm you can see well enough to drive safely, but this is a quick check, not a formal vision test. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, the state may require a doctor's report.
How long is my new license valid?
Minnesota driver's licenses are valid for four years from the date you renew. Your new license will show an expiration date four years in the future. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before that date expires.
What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?
Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to report it lost and request a replacement. You can do this online at mn.gov/dvs or by calling the Driver and Vehicle Services line. You may be able to get a temporary paper license to drive while you wait for your replacement.