What you'll pay to renew your Minnesota driver's license

A standard Minnesota driver's license renewal costs $24.50 if you renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, or $20.50 if you renew by mail. The difference covers the in-person transaction fee. If you're renewing online through the state's system, the cost is also $20.50. These are the base fees for a regular five-year license renewal for someone who has no violations or suspensions on their record.

The actual amount you pay depends on which renewal method you choose and whether you need any add-ons, like a Real ID endorsement or a duplicate license. If you're paying by check or money order through the mail, you'll also need a stamp for the envelope, which adds a small amount to your total cost.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Minnesota driver's license renewal costs $24.50 in person or $20.50 by mail or online.
  • A Real ID endorsement adds $10 to your renewal fee if you don't already have one.
  • You can renew online if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year.
  • Renewing by mail takes about two weeks, while online renewal is when ready once approved.
  • If you need a duplicate license or a replacement card, that costs $10 and can be done at any DVS office.

Real ID endorsement and additional costs

If you want a Real ID endorsement on your renewed license — which you'll need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025 — you'll pay an extra $10 on top of the renewal fee. This brings your total to $34.50 in person or $30.50 by mail or online. You'll need to bring specific documents to prove your identity and Minnesota residency, such as a birth certificate, passport, or utility bill.

A duplicate license (a replacement card with the same information as your current one) costs $10 and can be ordered at any DVS office. This is different from a renewal and doesn't extend your license expiration date. If you've lost your license or need an extra copy, this is the option to choose.

How to renew by mail and what it costs

Mail renewal is the cheapest option at $20.50, but it requires that your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than a year. You'll mail your current license along with a completed process form to the address provided by Minnesota DVS. The state will mail your new license back to you, which typically takes about two weeks.

You'll need to pay by check or money order made out to the State of Minnesota. Add the cost of a postage stamp to your total. If you're renewing a Real ID license by mail, the fee is $30.50 instead of $20.50, and you'll need to include copies of your identity and residency documents rather than showing originals.

Online renewal fees and may be able to access

Online renewal through the Minnesota DVS website costs $20.50 for a standard license or $30.50 for a Real ID endorsement. You can pay by debit card or credit card. The process is when ready — once your process is approved, your license is valid right away, though the physical card will arrive by mail within about two weeks.

You're may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year. You cannot add a Real ID endorsement online if you don't already have one; you'll need to go in person or by mail with documents. If your license status is unclear, you can call Minnesota DVS at 651-296-6911 to check before you attempt to renew.

In-person renewal at a DVS office

Renewing in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office costs $24.50 for a standard license or $34.50 with a Real ID endorsement. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The transaction is completed on the spot, and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your new card is mailed to you.

In-person renewal is the only option if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than a year. It's also the fastest way to get a Real ID endorsement, since you can show your original documents and have the endorsement added when ready. DVS offices are located throughout Minnesota, and you can find the one nearest you on the state website.

When your renewal fee might be different

The fees listed above explore to standard renewals for drivers with no violations or suspensions. If you have an active suspension or revocation on your record, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go in person. Some suspensions require you to pay reinstatement fees in addition to the renewal fee, which vary depending on the reason for the suspension.

If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fees are higher. A CDL renewal costs $40 in person or $36 by mail or online. Real ID endorsements on a CDL cost an additional $10. If you're unsure whether your license is a standard or commercial license, check the class listed on your current card.

Payment methods and where to send your money

Minnesota DVS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at in-person offices. For mail renewal, you must send a check or money order made out to the State of Minnesota. Online renewal requires a debit or credit card. Do not send cash through the mail.

If you're renewing by mail, the process form will include the mailing address where you should send your payment and documents. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. If you're paying online, the payment is processed when ready and securely through the state's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, but only if it expired within the last year. If it's been expired for more than a year, you must renew in person at a DVS office and may need to retake the written test. Call 651-296-6911 to confirm your situation before you attempt to renew.

Do I have to pay the Real ID fee if I don't want the endorsement?

No. You can renew without a Real ID endorsement for $20.50 by mail or online, or $24.50 in person. However, you'll need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight after May 7, 2025, so many people add it during renewal to avoid a second trip.

What if I'm renewing a commercial driver's license?

CDL renewals cost $40 in person or $36 by mail or online — higher than standard licenses. You may also need to pass a medical exam depending on the type of CDL you hold. Check the Minnesota DVS website for CDL-specific requirements.

Can I renew my license if I have a suspension?

No, not by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DVS office. You may also need to pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee, depending on why your license was suspended. Contact DVS before you go to find out what documents and fees you'll need.

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

By mail, about two weeks. Online, your license is valid when ready, but the physical card arrives by mail in about two weeks. In person, you get a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your new card is mailed.