Where to renew your Minnesota driver's license
You can renew your Minnesota driver's license at any Deputy Registrar office, which are scattered across the state in city halls, county offices, and private businesses. The Minnesota Secretary of State website has a search tool that shows you the nearest location, hours, and whether you need an appointment. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to book ahead.
You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must be a Minnesota resident, and you cannot have any restrictions or endorsements that require a new photo or vision test. The Secretary of State mails you a renewal form when your license is getting close to expiration — watch for it about 60 days before your expiration date.
Online renewal is available for some drivers through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, but only if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and you do not need a new photo. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew in person at any Deputy Registrar office, by mail if your license expired less than five years ago, or online if you have no address changes and do not need a new photo.
- In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and payment by cash, check, or card — fees vary by license type and length.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks after the Secretary of State receives your form, so send it at least a month before your expiration date.
- If your license has expired more than five years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
- You can check your license expiration date and renewal status on the Minnesota Secretary of State website using your driver's license number.
What documents and information you need
For in-person renewal, bring your current Minnesota driver's license and one document that proves you live in Minnesota — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address all work. If your address has changed since your last license, bring the proof of your new address.
You will also need to bring payment. Renewal fees depend on how long your license is valid for: a four-year license costs one amount, and an eight-year license costs more. The Deputy Registrar office you visit will tell you the exact fee when you arrive or when you call ahead.
For mail renewal, the Secretary of State sends you a renewal form automatically. Fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it back in the envelope provided. Do not send cash through the mail.
What happens during an in-person renewal
When you arrive at a Deputy Registrar office, you will check in and wait your turn. A staff member will review your documents, take a new photo for your license, and may ask you to read a line on an eye chart to confirm your vision is acceptable. This vision screening is quick — it is not a full eye exam.
You will answer questions to confirm your information is correct and pay the renewal fee. The staff member will then print your new license on the spot or tell you it will arrive by mail within a certain timeframe. Most offices issue licenses when ready, but some mail them out within a few days.
The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. If you need a new license before the mailed one arrives, ask whether the office can issue a temporary paper license you can use while you wait.
Renewing by mail: timeline and what to expect
Mail renewal works only if your current license is not expired or expired less than five years ago, you have no address changes, and you do not need a new photo. The Secretary of State mails you a renewal form about 60 days before your expiration date — check your mailbox starting two months before your license expires.
Fill out the form, include your payment, and mail it back to the address on the form. The Secretary of State processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Your new license will arrive by mail two to three weeks after they receive your form, so send it at least a month before your expiration date to avoid running out of time.
If you do not receive the renewal form in the mail, you can read it from the Minnesota Secretary of State website or call them to request one. Keep your old license until the new one arrives — you can use it to drive until your expiration date.
Online renewal: who can use it and how it works
Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You cannot use online renewal if your license is already expired, if you have moved to a new address, if you need a new photo, or if your license has any restrictions or endorsements that require updating.
To renew online, go to the Secretary of State website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will review your information, pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card, and receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks.
Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal because there is no staff time involved. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, the website will tell you during the process — you can stop at any point and choose in-person or mail renewal instead.
What to do if your license has expired more than five years ago
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a Deputy Registrar office in person. The office will treat your renewal more like a new license process: you will need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
You will also take a written test on Minnesota traffic laws and signs, and you will have your vision screened. The written test is the same one new drivers take — you can study the Minnesota Driver's Manual on the Secretary of State website before you go. Bring the manual or study materials with you if you want to review before the test.
This process takes longer than a standard renewal — plan for 45 minutes to an hour. Fees may be higher because you are essentially getting a new license rather than renewing an old one. Call the Deputy Registrar office ahead of time to ask about their specific requirements and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire one year from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired. Some people renew early to avoid a rush if they know they will be busy later.
What if I moved out of Minnesota?
You cannot renew your Minnesota license by mail or online if you have moved. You must go to a Deputy Registrar office in person and bring proof of your new address. If you have moved out of state, you will need to get a license from your new state instead — Minnesota will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives there.
How long can I drive on an expired license?
You cannot legally drive on an expired license. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. If your license expires while you are waiting for your renewal to arrive by mail, ask the Deputy Registrar office whether they can issue a temporary paper license you can carry until the new one comes.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
Not always. If you renew by mail or online, your old photo stays on your license. If you renew in person, the Deputy Registrar office will take a new photo. If you want to keep your old photo when renewing in person, ask the staff member — some offices allow this, though policies vary.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
A lost license is a replacement, not a renewal. You will need to go to a Deputy Registrar office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, and pay a replacement fee. The office will take a new photo and issue you a new license with the same expiration date as your old one.