What You Need to Renew in Minnesota
Minnesota renews driver's licenses by mail, online, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Which method you use depends on your license type, how much time has passed since your last renewal, and whether you need to update your address or photo. Most people can renew without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person appointment.
Your current license must not be expired by more than five years for you to renew by mail or online. If it has been longer than that, you will need to explore in person as if getting a license for the first time. Minnesota licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age and license class.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota offers mail, online, and in-person renewal, and most people can choose the method that works for them.
- You will need your current license, proof of residence (like a utility bill or lease), and payment by check, money order, or card depending on your method.
- Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest option and takes about 10 business days for your new license to arrive.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DVS office and cannot use mail or online options.
- Address changes, name changes, and photo updates all have different rules about whether you can handle them by mail or must visit an office.
Renewing Online Through the Secretary of State
The Minnesota Secretary of State website allows you to renew online if your license is current or expired less than five years. You will log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, then answer security questions based on your driving record and personal history. The system verifies your identity this way instead of requiring you to appear in person.
Online renewal costs the same as mail renewal. You pay by debit card or credit card during the process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and it typically arrives within 10 business days. If you need to change your address, you can do that during online renewal, and the new address will print on your license.
You cannot renew online if you need a new photo, if your name has changed, or if your license was suspended or revoked. Those situations require an in-person visit to a DVS office.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is available if your license expired less than five years ago and you do not need a new photo or have other changes that require an office visit. You will need to send your current license, a completed process form (Form DL 44), and payment to the address provided by DVS.
You can read Form DL 44 from the Minnesota Secretary of State website or request it by phone. Payment must be by check or money order made out to the State of Minnesota. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically three to four weeks from the time DVS receives your materials.
If you are changing your address, you can note the new address on your process form, and it will print on your renewed license. However, if you need a new photo or are changing your name, you must visit a DVS office in person.
Renewing in Person at a DVS Office
You can renew in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services office in Minnesota without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and some locations have extended hours on certain days. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Secretary of State website.
Bring your current license, proof of residence (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address), and payment. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you need a new photo, the office will take one during your visit at no extra charge.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you are changing your name, if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you need a new photo. It is also the fastest method if you need your license when ready — you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.
What Documents and Payment You Will Need
For any renewal method, you will need your current Minnesota driver's license. If you are changing your address, you will also need proof of residence — a document showing your name and current address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If you are changing your name, you will need to bring the legal document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Name changes cannot be done by mail or online and require an in-person visit.
Payment amounts vary slightly by license type and length of validity. Standard passenger licenses cost less than commercial licenses. You can pay by cash or check in person, by check or money order by mail, or by debit or credit card online or in person. The Secretary of State website lists the exact fee for your license type.
When Your License Expires and Renewal important date
Your expiration date is printed on your current license. Minnesota does not set a specific important date for renewal before expiration, but driving with an expired license is illegal. You should renew before the expiration date to avoid any legal issues.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online as long as it expired less than five years ago. Once it has been expired for more than five years, you must explore for a new license in person, which involves a written test, vision test, and photo.
If you are renewing by mail, allow at least three to four weeks before your expiration date so your new license arrives in time. If you are renewing online, allow at least two weeks. In-person renewal can be completed the same day you visit the office.
Special Situations: Name Changes, Address Changes, and Photo Updates
A name change requires an in-person visit to a DVS office. You must bring your current license and the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or court order. The office will take a new photo and issue a license with your updated name.
An address change can be handled by mail or online if you are renewing your license anyway. straightforward provide your new address during the renewal process, and it will print on your new license. If you want to change your address without renewing your license, you can do that in person at a DVS office or by mail using a separate form.
A new photo is required every time you renew your license in person. If you are renewing by mail or online, your current photo will be used on your new license. You cannot request a new photo by mail or online; you must visit a DVS office in person if you want a different photo before your next scheduled renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license expired more than five years ago. You must explore for a new license in person at a DVS office. This involves a written knowledge test, vision test, and new photo, similar to a first-time process.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I submit my process?
Online renewal typically takes 10 business days. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks from the date DVS receives your materials. In-person renewal is completed the same day, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.
What if I need my license before the new one arrives?
If you renew in person at a DVS office, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days. This gives you time for your permanent license to arrive by mail. If you renew by mail or online, you will not have a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need your license quickly.
Can I change my address when I renew online?
Yes, you can update your address during online renewal, and the new address will print on your renewed license. You will need proof of residence showing your new address. The change takes effect when your new license arrives.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DVS office?
No, appointments are not required for driver's license renewal at Minnesota DVS offices. You can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The Secretary of State website shows current wait times at each office.