Where to renew your Minnesota driver's license
You can renew your Minnesota driver's license at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office run by the state, or through the mail if you meet certain conditions. The state operates DVS locations in most counties; you can find the office nearest you on the Minnesota Secretary of State website by entering your zip code. If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residence (like a utility bill or lease), and a valid form of identification if your license has expired more than five years.
Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that need updating. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires; that notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the DVS office receives your materials.
If you cannot visit an office or use mail renewal, you may also renew online through the Secretary of State's website if you meet specific requirements: your license must not be expired, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have any changes to your address, name, or medical information. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes effect when ready after payment.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before that date.
- In-person renewal at a DVS office requires your current license, proof of residence, and a valid ID if your license has been expired for more than five years.
- Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired and you have no medical or restriction changes; it takes two to three weeks.
- Online renewal is available if your license is current and you have no address, name, or medical updates needed.
- Standard renewal licenses are valid for four years; you will pay the same fee regardless of which method you choose.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your current Minnesota driver's license to any DVS office. If your license has expired more than five years ago, you will also need a valid form of identification such as a passport, military ID, or tribal ID. You must show proof of your current address using a document dated within the last 30 days—a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a document proving the legal change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you will need to pass a medical examination and bring the completed medical certificate form with you.
Fees and how long renewal takes
A standard four-year driver's license renewal costs $48 in Minnesota. This fee is the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. If you are renewing a CDL, the cost is higher and varies depending on the type of commercial endorsement you hold; the DVS office can tell you the exact amount when you arrive.
In-person renewal at a DVS office typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from receipt. Online renewal is when ready—your new license number and expiration date appear on your account right after you pay, though the physical card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
When your license expires and renewal important date
Your Minnesota driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to one year before that date, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face additional requirements such as retaking the written test or vision screening, depending on how long it has been expired.
If your license expired more than five years ago, the DVS office will treat it as a new process rather than a renewal. You will need to pass the written knowledge test, the vision test, and the driving test. This process takes longer and costs more than a standard renewal, so renewing before your license expires is significantly simpler.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)
If you hold a commercial driver's license, you must renew in person at a DVS office. You cannot renew a CDL by mail or online. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of residence, a valid form of ID if your license has expired more than five years, and a completed medical examination form signed by a licensed medical examiner or doctor.
The medical examination verifies that you meet federal standards for commercial driving—vision, hearing, blood pressure, and other health factors. You must schedule this exam before you go to the DVS office; the office cannot perform it for you. The exam costs money (the amount varies by provider), and you will pay the DVS renewal fee on top of that. CDL renewal takes about 30 to 45 minutes in the office once you have the medical certificate in hand.
What to do if you have changed your address or name
If you have moved to a new address in Minnesota, you can update it during renewal. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 30 days. If you have moved out of state, you cannot renew your Minnesota license; you will need to get a license from your new state instead.
If you have changed your legal name, bring the document that proves the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or court order. The DVS office will update your name on your new license at the time of renewal. If you are renewing by mail and your name has changed, call the DVS office before mailing your materials to confirm the correct procedure for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but it will not be treated as a straightforward renewal. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to retake the written test, vision test, and driving test, and you will pay a higher fee. If it expired less than five years ago, you may only need to retake the vision test. Contact your local DVS office to confirm what you will need to bring.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a DVS office?
Most DVS offices accept walk-ins, but some locations require appointments, especially in larger cities. Check the Minnesota Secretary of State website for your local office to see whether appointments are needed. Even if walk-ins are accepted, arriving early in the day usually means shorter wait times.
What if I lost my current license?
You will need to get a replacement license before you can renew. Bring your proof of residence and valid ID to a DVS office and request a replacement. Once you have the replacement in hand, you can renew it at the same time or wait until closer to your expiration date. The replacement fee is separate from the renewal fee.
Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes. Online renewal does not require a vision test if your current license is valid and has no restrictions. If your license has a vision restriction (such as "corrective lenses required"), you can still renew online as long as you are not changing that restriction.
How will I know when my license is about to expire?
Minnesota sends a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your birthday. The notice includes your renewal options and a prepaid envelope if you choose to renew by mail. If you do not receive a notice, you can check your expiration date on your current license or contact your local DVS office.