What Drive.MN.Gov Does and Who Can Use It

Drive.MN.Gov is Minnesota's online portal where you can renew your driver's license without visiting a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person. The system handles standard renewals — the kind you do when your license is expiring and you have no changes to make to your name, address, or other information on the card itself.

You can renew online if your current Minnesota driver's license is still valid (not expired) or expired less than two years ago. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to visit a DVS office instead. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you need to change your address, name, or other details on your license, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license, you cannot use the online system — you must go to a DVS office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Drive.MN.Gov lets you renew your standard Minnesota driver's license online if it is still valid or expired less than two years ago.
  • You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the renewal.
  • The renewal fee is paid online during the process, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Address or name changes, commercial licenses, and licenses expired more than two years require an in-person visit to a DVS office.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather these items before you log into Drive.MN.Gov: your current Minnesota driver's license (you will need the license number), your Social Security number, and a valid debit or credit card for the renewal fee. Have your license physically in front of you so you can read the number and expiration date accurately.

Check that your address on file with the state is correct. If your address has changed since your license was issued, you cannot update it through the online renewal — you will need to visit a DVS office in person or update your address through the Minnesota Secretary of State's office before you renew online. Updating your address separately takes a few extra days, so plan ahead if you have moved recently.

Step-by-Step: Renewing Online

Step 1: Go to Drive.MN.Gov and select "Renew Your License." The homepage has a clear button for license renewal. Click it to start the process.

Step 2: Enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system uses these to pull up your record. Make sure you type your license number exactly as it appears on your card.

Step 3: Verify your personal information. The system will show your name, date of birth, address, and other details from your current license. Review everything carefully. If anything is wrong — including your address — stop here and do not proceed. You will need to visit a DVS office or contact them to correct the information before you can renew online.

Step 4: Review the renewal terms and confirm you meet the requirements. The system asks you to confirm that your vision is adequate, that you have no medical conditions that would affect your driving, and that you are not subject to any license restrictions. Answer honestly. If any answer is "no," you may need to visit an office in person or provide additional documentation.

Step 5: Pay the renewal fee. Enter your debit or credit card information. The fee varies depending on how long your new license is valid for (typically 4 or 8 years). The system will show you the exact amount before you submit payment.

Step 6: Confirm your submission and save your confirmation number. After payment goes through, the system generates a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal status.

What Happens After You Submit

Once your renewal is submitted and paid, the Minnesota Secretary of State's office processes it. You do not need to do anything else. Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address on file with the state within 7 to 10 business days. If you have a P.O. box on file instead of a street address, your license will be mailed there.

If you need your license before it arrives by mail — for example, if you need to show it at a bank or airport — you can visit a DVS office and request a temporary paper license while you wait for the plastic card. Bring your confirmation number from the online renewal.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State's office at 651-296-6911 or visit a DVS office with your confirmation number. They can check the status and reissue if necessary.

When You Cannot Renew Online

Do not attempt an online renewal if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your name or address, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you have any restrictions or medical conditions that require review. In any of these cases, you must visit a DVS office in person.

You also cannot renew online if you are a new Minnesota resident and this is your first license in the state. New residents must explore in person at a DVS office and bring proof of residency, identity, and Social Security number.

If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for online renewal, call the Minnesota Secretary of State's office at 651-296-6911 before you attempt the process. It is faster than starting online and discovering you cannot finish.

Finding a DVS Office If You Need One

If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Minnesota has DVS locations in most counties. You can find the office nearest you, check its hours, and see current wait times on the Secretary of State's website under "Find a DVS Office."

Bring your current license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring a debit or credit card for the renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use Drive.MN.Gov. You must visit a DVS office in person and go through a full renewal process, which includes vision screening and may require additional documentation depending on how long it has been since your last license.

What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?

You cannot change your address through the online renewal system. You must update your address with the Minnesota Secretary of State before you renew, or visit a DVS office in person to renew and change your address at the same time. Updating your address online takes a few days, so plan ahead if you have recently moved.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is processed. If you need it sooner, you can visit a DVS office with your confirmation number and request a temporary paper license while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.

What payment methods does Drive.MN.Gov accept?

Drive.MN.Gov accepts debit and credit cards. It does not accept cash, checks, or money orders. Make sure your card is valid and has sufficient funds before you start the renewal process.

What if something goes wrong during my online renewal?

If your payment fails or the system disconnects before you finish, your renewal was not submitted. You can start over and try again. If you see an error message, write down the exact message and call the Minnesota Secretary of State's office at 651-296-6911. They can tell you whether your renewal went through or if you need to try again.