How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Minnesota driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at realid.sos.state.mn.us, by mail using the renewal notice the state sends you, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Which route you can use depends on whether your license is Real ID compliant and how much time remains before it expires. Online renewal is fastest — you can finish in minutes — but only works if your current license is Real ID compliant and you have not changed your address, name, or other core information since your last renewal.

If you cannot renew online, mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the date the state receives your materials. In-person renewal at a DVS office is when ready: you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within two weeks. All three routes cost the same: $48 for an eight-year license (the standard term for drivers 21 and older), or $24 for a four-year license if you prefer a shorter renewal cycle.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at realid.sos.state.mn.us is the fastest option if your current license is Real ID compliant and your personal information has not changed.
Mail renewal requires you to return the renewal notice the state sends you, along with proof of residence and a new photo, and takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at any Driver and Vehicle Services office gives you a temporary license when ready and costs the same as the other methods.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
A Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for domestic air travel starting May 2025.

Online renewal: fastest route if your license is Real ID compliant

Go to realid.sos.state.mn.us and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online. You are may be able to access if your current license is Real ID compliant (marked with a gold star), your address and name have not changed, and your license is not expired or suspended. If all three conditions are met, you can complete the renewal in five to ten minutes by confirming your information, paying the $48 fee with a debit or credit card, and uploading a new digital photo.

After you submit, the state mails your new plastic license within two weeks. You do not receive a temporary license, so if you need to drive before the card arrives, you can print a temporary license from the website or show your old license. Online renewal does not work if your address has changed, your name has changed, or your current license is not Real ID compliant — in those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal: what to send and how long it takes

The state mails you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and a form you sign and return. To complete mail renewal, you need to send back the signed form, a new photo (4 by 6 inches, color, taken within the last six months), and proof of your current address. Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address.

Mail your materials to the address on the renewal notice. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the state receives your envelope. You do not receive a temporary license by mail, so plan ahead if you need to drive during that window. If you lose the renewal notice, you can request a new one by calling the Driver and Vehicle Services customer service line at 651-297-3298 or by visiting a DVS office in person.

In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

Walk into any DVS office with your current driver's license, proof of your current address, and a new photo (4 by 6 inches, color, taken within the last six months). The office staff will verify your information, take a new photo if you prefer not to bring one, and process your renewal on the spot. You pay the $48 fee by debit card, credit card, or cash. You walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and the state mails your plastic license within two weeks.

In-person renewal works for all situations — whether your address has changed, your name has changed, your license is not Real ID compliant, or you straightforward prefer to handle it face-to-face. DVS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open Saturday mornings. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times at dps.mn.gov under Driver and Vehicle Services. No appointment is required, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Real ID compliance and what it means for your renewal

A Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID compliant license or passport to board a domestic flight in the United States. If your current license does not have the gold star, you can renew it as a Real ID license in person or by mail, but not online.

To renew as Real ID in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), proof of your date of birth (birth certificate or passport), proof of your address, and proof of your legal name if it differs from your birth certificate (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). By mail, you send the same documents along with the signed renewal form and a new photo. The fee is the same: $48 for eight years. If you renew online and your license is already Real ID compliant, the new license will also be Real ID compliant automatically.

Timing: when you can renew and how long it takes

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license up to one year before it expires. This means if your license expires on June 15, 2025, you can renew starting June 15, 2024. Renewing early does not shorten the life of your license — your new license will still expire eight years from the date you renew (or four years if you choose the shorter term). The state mails renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew in person or online.

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a vision test. This is a different process and costs more. To avoid this, renew before your expiration date. If you are unsure when your license expires, check the front of your card or log into realid.sos.state.mn.us with your license number and date of birth.

Cost and payment methods

A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $48. You can also choose to renew for four years at $24 if you prefer a shorter renewal cycle. All three renewal methods — online, mail, and in person — charge the same fee. Online and in-person renewals accept debit cards, credit cards, and (in person only) cash. Mail renewal requires you to include a check or money order payable to the State of Minnesota, or you can pay by credit or debit card online after mailing your materials.

There are no additional fees for Real ID compliance. If you renew in person and the office takes your photo, there is no separate photo fee. If you bring your own photo, you do not pay extra. The $48 or $24 covers the license itself and all processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have moved to a different address?

Yes. If you moved within Minnesota, you can renew in person or by mail. Online renewal does not work if your address has changed. In person, bring your new address proof (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). By mail, include the same proof with your renewal form and photo.

What if I changed my name since my last renewal?

You must renew in person or by mail, not online. Bring or send a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your legal name change. The state will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DVS office?

No appointment is required. Walk in during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., some locations Saturday mornings). Wait times vary by location and time of day. Check dps.mn.gov for your nearest office and current wait times before you go.

What happens if my license expires before my renewal arrives by mail?

If you mailed your renewal materials before your license expired, you can still drive on your expired license for a grace period while waiting for the new one. However, it is safer to renew in person or online to avoid any issues. If your license has already expired and you did not renew before that date, you must explore for a new license, not a renewal.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying fines, completing required programs, or meeting other conditions set by the court or the state. Contact Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-297-3298 to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension.

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.