Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing after a name change, also bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring your birth certificate unless you are renewing for the first time or your license has been expired for more than five years.

For an online renewal, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, has no medical restrictions, and your name and address have not changed since your last renewal.
  • In-person renewal at any DVS office requires your current license, proof of residence, and your Social Security number.
  • A renewed license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, or four years if you are 65 or older.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after renewal; you can continue driving on your old license until the new one arrives.

How to renew online

Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State's website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will be asked to enter your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records.

Once verified, you will answer questions about whether your address, name, and medical status have changed. If you answer yes to any of these, you must renew in person instead. If you answer no to all of them, you can proceed to payment. The renewal fee is $24.50 for a standard eight-year license if you are under 65, or $12.25 for a four-year license if you are 65 or older.

After payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can use your old license to drive until the new one arrives.

How to renew in person at a DVS office

Find your nearest DVS office on the Secretary of State's website and check its hours. Many offices operate by appointment only, so you may need to book a time slot online before you go. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but wait times can be long, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon.

Bring your current license, proof of residence, and your Social Security number. If you have changed your name, bring the certified document that shows the change. Fill out Form DL-44 (process for Minnesota Driver's License) before you arrive; you can read it from the DVS website or pick up a copy at the office.

At the counter, a staff member will review your documents, take a new photo, and process your payment. The fee is the same as online renewal: $24.50 for eight years if you are under 65, or $12.25 for four years if you are 65 or older. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for less than five years, you can renew it using the same process as a current license — online if you meet the conditions, or in person at any DVS office. You will need the same documents: your expired license, proof of residence, and your Social Security number.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and you will need to provide additional documents. Bring your expired license, a certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of residence, and your Social Security number. You will also need to pass the vision test and the written knowledge test, just as if you were getting a license for the first time. This process takes longer than a standard renewal and may require a second visit.

Renewing after a name change

If you have changed your name since your last renewal — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you must renew in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, proof of residence, and your Social Security number. A certified copy means an official document issued by the court, vital records office, or other government agency, not a photocopy you made yourself.

The staff member at the DVS office will verify the name change document and update your record. Your new license will show your new name and will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your old license with your former name until the new one arrives, though you may want to carry the name change document with you as proof of the change.

Timeline and what to expect after renewal

If you renew online, your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, the timeline is the same — the license is printed and mailed from a central facility, not at the DVS office. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives, even if the old one is expired.

Check the mail carefully when your new license arrives. If it is damaged, has the wrong information, or does not arrive within 14 business days, contact DVS to report the problem. You can reach them by phone at 651-297-3298 or through the Secretary of State's website. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your old one is expired, you can request a temporary paper license at the DVS office, though this is rarely necessary since you can legally drive on an expired license while waiting for your renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I do not have proof of residence?

No, proof of residence is required for both online and in-person renewal. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, or insurance bill dated within the last three months. If you have just moved and do not have a recent bill in your name, contact DVS before you go to ask what alternative documents they will accept.

What if I lost my Social Security number or do not have it memorized?

You will need your Social Security number to renew. If you do not know it, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 before you attempt to renew. For in-person renewal, you can bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or W-2 form.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

Yes, a new photo is taken every time you renew, whether online or in person. For online renewal, you will be asked to upload a photo or take one with your device's camera. For in-person renewal, the DVS office will take a photo of you at the counter.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No, you must renew in person if someone else cannot do it for you. Minnesota does not allow a family member or representative to renew on your behalf. You must appear at the DVS office yourself to have your photo taken and sign the process.

What if my address changed but I do not have proof of residence at the new address yet?

You will need to renew in person and bring proof of residence at your new address. If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, contact DVS to ask what documents they will accept as proof — some offices will accept a lease signed by both you and the landlord, a mortgage statement, or a letter from your landlord on official letterhead.