How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

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

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license through three routes: mail, the state's online system, or at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Mail renewal is the slowest but requires no appointment. Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is fastest if your license hasn't expired more than five years ago and you haven't changed your address. In-person renewal at a DVS office takes about 30 minutes once you're called, but you'll need an appointment booked through the same website.

Your renewal notice arrives about two months before your license expires. The notice includes a barcode and instructions for each method. If you've lost the notice, you can still renew online or visit an office without it — the barcode just speeds up the process.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is fastest and available if your license expired within the last five years and your address hasn't changed.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks but requires only your renewal notice, a check or money order, and a return envelope.
In-person renewal at a DVS office requires an appointment booked online and takes about 30 minutes once you're called.
Your renewal notice arrives two months before expiration and includes the barcode and fee amount you'll need.
If your address changed, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must visit a DVS office in person.

Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your current license has not expired more than five years ago, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and you have not had any medical suspensions or restrictions added. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth.

The system will display your current information and ask you to confirm it. You'll pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, typically arriving within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready — keep this for your records in case the license doesn't arrive as expected.

Mail renewal with your renewal notice

Mail renewal works if you have your renewal notice. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, sign it, and enclose a check or money order for the renewal fee (the amount is printed on your notice). Do not send cash. Mail everything to the address shown on the notice in a regular envelope.

Processing takes four to six weeks from the date DVS receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your renewal notice. If you need to drive before it arrives, your old license remains valid until the new one is issued. If you don't receive your license within six weeks, contact DVS to confirm they received your payment.

In-person renewal at a DVS office

In-person renewal is required if your address has changed, you have medical restrictions to update, or you prefer to walk out with a temporary license the same day. Book an appointment through the Minnesota Secretary of State website by selecting your nearest DVS office and choosing an available time slot. Appointments typically fill two to four weeks out, depending on the office.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The office will take a new photo, confirm your information, and issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person using the same process. Online renewal is not available once your license has expired, even if it expired only days ago. The state treats an expired license as a new issuance rather than a renewal, which is why the online system closes that option.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license in person at a DVS office. This requires a different set of documents, including proof of identity and proof of residency, and you'll need to pass a vision test and written exam. Contact DVS or visit the Secretary of State website to see the full list of documents required for a new license process.

Fees and payment methods

Minnesota driver's license renewal costs vary by license type and how long you're renewing it for. A standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact fee is printed on your renewal notice. You can pay by cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card, depending on your method: online and in-person accept all methods, while mail renewal accepts only check or money order.

If you're renewing in person and paying by check, bring a blank check — DVS will fill in the amount. If you're mailing a check, write the amount and sign it before sending. Do not send cash by mail under any circumstances.

Renewing with a name change or address change

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license with your current photo.

If your address has changed, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a DVS office in person and bring proof of your new address dated within 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax statement. A bank statement or credit card statement is not accepted as proof of address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You don't need the renewal notice to renew online or in person — you can use your driver's license number and date of birth instead. The notice straightforward makes the process faster because it includes a barcode. If you're mailing your renewal, you'll need the notice because it includes the mailing address and fee amount.

What if I move out of state before my license expires?

You should explore for a license in your new state rather than renew your Minnesota license. Once you move, your Minnesota license is no longer valid for driving in that state. Most states require you to explore for a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving, so check your new state's requirements.

How long is my license valid after I renew it?

Minnesota driver's licenses are valid for either four or eight years from the date of issuance, depending on which term you chose when you renewed. Your renewal notice will show which term you selected. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your new license.

What if my renewal check gets lost in the mail?

Contact DVS after six weeks if you haven't received your new license. They can check whether your payment was received and deposited. If the check was lost, DVS can tell you whether to stop payment on the original check and send a new one, or whether they've already processed your renewal.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

Yes. Minnesota does not hold up license renewals for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if you have an active suspension on your license for any reason — unpaid child support, medical reasons, or a DWI conviction — you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact DVS to find out whether your license has an active 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.