What you pay to renew your Minnesota driver's license
A standard driver's license renewal in Minnesota costs $24.50 if you renew by mail or online. If you renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, the fee is the same: $24.50. This is the base fee for a five-year renewal, which is the standard term for most drivers in Minnesota.
The fee covers the license itself and the processing of your renewal. You do not pay extra for choosing mail or online over in-person renewal — the cost is identical across all three methods. However, if you choose to renew by mail, you will also need to pay for postage to send your materials to the state, which is typically a few dollars depending on how you mail it.
Some drivers pay more than $24.50 because they are renewing a license that has been expired for longer than a certain period, or because they are adding endorsements (like a motorcycle endorsement) to their license. If your license has been expired for more than five years, Minnesota may require you to take a written test and vision test again, which involves additional fees and a visit to a DVS office.
Key Takeaways
- The standard renewal fee for a five-year Minnesota driver's license is $24.50, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
- Online and mail renewal cost the same amount; mail renewal requires you to pay postage separately, which adds a few dollars to your total cost.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may face additional testing fees and must renew in person at a DVS office.
- Adding endorsements like a motorcycle or commercial endorsement to your license increases the renewal fee beyond the base $24.50.
How to pay when you renew online or by mail
If you renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, you pay the $24.50 fee by credit card or debit card at the time you submit your renewal. The online system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You receive a confirmation number when ready after payment, and your new license is mailed to you within one to two weeks.
If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order for $24.50 with your renewal packet. Do not send cash through the mail. Make the check or money order payable to "State of Minnesota." Mail your completed form, payment, and any required documents to the address listed on the renewal notice you received. Processing by mail typically takes three to four weeks from the time the state receives your packet.
In-person renewal at a DVS office
When you renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office, you pay the $24.50 fee at the counter. DVS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, though some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.
In-person renewal is the fastest option: you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day, and your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. This method is useful if your license is expiring soon and you need proof of a valid license when ready.
When your renewal costs more than $24.50
If you are adding a motorcycle endorsement (M endorsement) to your license during renewal, the fee increases. A motorcycle endorsement adds $10.50 to your renewal fee, making the total $35. If you are adding a commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement, the cost is higher and varies depending on the type of commercial endorsement.
Drivers who renew after their license has been expired for more than five years cannot renew by mail or online. They must renew in person and may be required to pass a written knowledge test and a vision test. These tests do not have separate fees, but the in-person visit is mandatory, and you may need to schedule an appointment at a busy office.
If you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license beyond a straightforward renewal, you may need to visit a DVS office in person. Some changes can be made during online renewal, but others require an office visit, and the fee structure may differ.
Payment methods accepted at each renewal channel
| Renewal Method | Payment Methods | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) | $24.50 |
| By Mail | Check or money order | $24.50 plus postage |
| In Person at DVS Office | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card | $24.50 |
Finding a DVS office near you
Minnesota has Driver and Vehicle Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Some offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, while others have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Larger cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul have multiple offices.
If you live in a rural area far from a DVS office, renewing by mail or online may be more practical than driving a long distance. Both methods cost the same as in-person renewal and do not require you to take time off work to visit an office.
What happens if you do not pay or your payment fails
If you renew online and your credit or debit card is declined, the system will notify you when ready and your renewal will not be processed. You can try again with a different card or choose to renew by mail or in person instead.
If you renew by mail and your check bounces or is not accepted, the state will return your renewal packet and you will need to resubmit with a valid payment method. This delays your renewal by several weeks. If you renew in person and your payment method is declined, the DVS office will not issue your temporary license until payment is received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the renewal fee in installments?
No. Minnesota does not offer payment plans for driver's license renewals. The full $24.50 fee must be paid at the time of renewal, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Do I have to pay the renewal fee if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Once your driving privileges are restored, you can renew your license and pay the standard $24.50 fee.
What if I lose my license before it expires — do I have to pay to replace it?
Yes. A replacement license (called a duplicate) costs $10.50 and is different from a renewal. If you then renew that replacement license before it expires, you pay the standard $24.50 renewal fee. The two fees are separate.
Is the $24.50 fee the same for all drivers, including seniors?
Yes. Minnesota charges the same $24.50 renewal fee to all drivers regardless of age. However, drivers age 87 and older can renew for a shorter term (one or two years instead of five), which may affect the fee structure — contact a DVS office for details on senior renewal options.
Can I renew my license if I owe back child support or taxes?
Minnesota may suspend your license if you owe certain debts, including back child support or unpaid taxes. You cannot renew a suspended license. You must resolve the debt first, then renew your license and pay the $24.50 fee.