Minnesota driver's license renewal happens through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, and you can do it by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation and how much time you have.
Minnesota offers three paths to renew: online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions, by mail if you're renewing early, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office if you need it faster or don't may have access to for the other methods. The online option is the fastest and most common route for people whose licenses are still valid or expired less than five years ago. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the state receives your process. In-person renewal at a DVS office can be completed the same day, though wait times vary by location.
Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for this notice to renew — you can start the process up to one year early. However, the state charges the same fee whether you renew early or at the last moment, so timing is a matter of convenience rather than cost.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through mn.gov/dvs is available if your license expired less than five years ago and you have a valid Minnesota address on file.
- Mail renewal works if you're renewing more than 30 days before your license expires, and takes roughly two weeks from receipt.
- In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need to change your address, name, or other information.
- The renewal fee is the same regardless of method, and you can renew up to one year before your license expires.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready if you renew in person; online and mail renewals send your new card by mail.
Online renewal through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety operates an online renewal system at mn.gov/dvs. To use it, you need a valid Minnesota address on file, a license that expired no more than five years ago, and a way to pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The process takes about 10 minutes and you receive a confirmation number when ready.
After you submit your online renewal, the state mails your new license card to the address on file. This typically takes one to two weeks. You can use your old license or the confirmation number you receive as proof of renewal during this time. Online renewal does not let you change your address, name, or other personal information — if you need to update anything, you must renew in person.
Mail renewal for early renewals
If you are renewing more than 30 days before your license expires, you can mail in a renewal process. The state provides a renewal notice with a mail-in form, or you can read the form from mn.gov/dvs if you do not have your notice yet. You will need to include a check or money order for the renewal fee — the state does not accept credit cards by mail.
Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the form or the renewal notice. The state processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, and the entire process usually takes two to three weeks from the time they receive your envelope. Your new license arrives by mail at the address you provided. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.
In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address or legal name, if you want to update your photo, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license. Minnesota has Driver and Vehicle Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on mn.gov/dvs.
Bring your current license or a valid form of identification, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works), and payment for the renewal fee. If you are changing your legal name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will take your photo, process your payment, and give you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your new plastic card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your Minnesota license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a Driver and Vehicle Services office. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The state treats this as a new process rather than a renewal, so the process is longer and the fee is higher than a standard renewal.
Bring your expired license if you still have it, along with a birth certificate or passport for identity, a utility bill or lease for address, and a Social Security card or tax return for your SSN. If you do not have all these documents, the office can tell you what alternatives they will accept. You will take a new written test and vision test before receiving your temporary paper license.
Renewal fees and what they cover
Minnesota charges a flat renewal fee for a standard driver's license, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. The fee covers a four-year license. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license or a license with a motorcycle endorsement, the fee is higher. The state does not offer partial refunds if you renew early.
When you renew, you can also add or update endorsements — such as a motorcycle endorsement or a hazmat endorsement for commercial driving. Adding an endorsement may increase the fee and may require an additional test. Ask about endorsement options when you start your renewal, whether online or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota license if I live out of state now?
No. Minnesota requires you to have a valid Minnesota address on file to renew. If you have moved out of state, you must update your address at a Driver and Vehicle Services office before you can renew, or you need to surrender your Minnesota license and get a license from your new state.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You do not need the renewal notice to renew. You can go to mn.gov/dvs to renew online, read a mail-in form, or visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. The notice is a reminder, not a requirement.
How long is my temporary paper license good for after I renew in person?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 60 days or until your new plastic card arrives, whichever comes first. Most new cards arrive within one to two weeks. If your card does not arrive within 60 days, contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to check the status.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Minnesota does not block license renewal based on unpaid traffic fines or tickets. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid child support, unpaid taxes, or a criminal conviction, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Check your license status on mn.gov/dvs before you attempt to renew.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes. Bring your current license and the name-change document to any Driver and Vehicle Services office.