What you need to do to renew in Minnesota

To renew your Minnesota driver's license, you can do it online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you answer questions about your information, pay the fee, and receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you can't renew online, you'll need to visit an office or mail in your renewal process with required documents.

Your license expires on your birthday. Minnesota sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for it to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, though you may face a late fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs less than renewing in person, but only works if your address hasn't changed and your vision is still good.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed process form, and payment, and takes about two weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office is when ready — you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
  • You'll need to provide proof of your Social Security number, Minnesota residency, and identity, regardless of which method you choose.

Online renewal: fastest if you're may be able to access

You can renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if your license is not expired, your address hasn't changed, and you don't need to update your vision information. You'll log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your current information, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The fee varies depending on how many years you're renewing for — typically $24.50 for a four-year renewal or $48 for an eight-year renewal.

After you complete the online renewal, Minnesota mails your new license to the address on file. The process takes 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive out of state before your new license arrives, you can print a temporary license from the same website.

Mail renewal: no office visit required

To renew by mail, you'll need to complete the Driver's License Renewal process (Form DL 44) and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your current license and payment. You can read the form from the Minnesota Secretary of State website or request one by calling the Driver and Vehicle Services line. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time Minnesota receives your process. Send your materials to the address on the form, not to a local office. Keep a copy of your process for your records. If your license has expired, you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost.

In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a form of photo identification if your current license is expired.

Visit the Secretary of State website to find the office nearest you and check current wait times. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring all required documents to avoid having to return for a second visit.

What documents and information you'll need

For any renewal method, you'll need to provide proof of your Social Security number, proof that you live in Minnesota, and a form of identification. Acceptable documents for Social Security proof include your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For residency, you can use a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If your name has changed since your last license, you'll need to provide legal documentation of the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you're renewing in person and your current license is expired, bring an additional photo ID such as a passport or state ID card. For online renewal, you won't need to submit documents — Minnesota verifies your information against existing records.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

The renewal fee depends on how long you want your new license to be valid. A four-year renewal costs $24.50, and an eight-year renewal costs $48. If you renew in person, the fee is slightly higher — $27 for four years or $54 for eight years. The difference covers the cost of the in-person transaction. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you'll owe an additional late fee of $20.

You cannot choose a one-year or two-year renewal in Minnesota — the state only offers four-year and eight-year options. If you're unsure which length to choose, the eight-year option spreads the cost over more years, though you'll pay more upfront.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but not online. You'll owe a $20 late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. Renewing after expiration does not require you to retake the written or driving test — you straightforward pay the extra fee and submit your renewal process with the same documents as a regular renewal.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you could receive a citation. If you need to drive before your renewal is processed, renew in person to receive a temporary license the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?

If you've moved within Minnesota, you can renew by mail or in person and update your address at the same time. Online renewal is not available if your address has changed. When you renew in person or by mail, provide your new address and proof of residency at your new location, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

How long does it take to get my license in the mail after I renew online?

Online renewals are mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to use it. If you need a license before your new one arrives, you can print a temporary license from the Secretary of State website when ready after completing your online renewal.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

If your license is lost or stolen, you'll need to replace it before you can renew. Visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person to report the loss and receive a replacement. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew using any method. A replacement license costs $20.

Do I need to retake the vision test or written test to renew?

For online and mail renewal, you don't retake any tests. For in-person renewal, the office may conduct a vision screening to make sure your eyesight still meets the standard. If you fail the vision screening, you may be required to visit an eye care provider and submit a vision report before your renewal is completed.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes, you can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're planning to travel or want to avoid renewing close to your birthday. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire one year (for a four-year renewal) or eight years (for an eight-year renewal) from the date you renew, not from your original expiration date.