Minnesota DVS renewal works through mail, online, or in person depending on your license type and how long it has been expired

Minnesota's Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles driver's license and ID card renewals through three main channels. Most people can renew by mail or online without visiting an office, though some situations require an in-person appointment. The method available to you depends on whether your license is still valid, how close you are to expiration, and what type of license you hold.

Your renewal notice arrives about two months before expiration. That notice contains a unique code you'll need for online renewal. If you don't receive one, you can still renew online or by mail using your driver's license number and date of birth.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota sends renewal notices about two months before your license expires, and you can use that notice to renew online, by mail, or in person.
  • Online renewal through mn.gov/dvs is the fastest option for most people and takes about one week for your new card to arrive.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process, and payment to the address on your renewal notice.
  • In-person renewal at a DVS office is necessary only if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you need to update your photo or address.
  • Renewal fees vary based on license type and validity period; standard passenger licenses cost less than commercial or motorcycle endorsements.

Online renewal through the Minnesota DVS website

The fastest path is the online renewal system at mn.gov/dvs. You'll need your renewal notice (which contains your unique code), your current driver's license number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can complete it from home at any time.

Online renewal is available if your license is still valid or expired less than five years. You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, update your photo, or add a new endorsement like a motorcycle or commercial designation. Your new card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

If you don't have your renewal notice, you can still start the online process using your license number and date of birth, but you'll need to answer security questions to verify your identity. The system will guide you through these steps before you reach the payment screen.

Mail renewal and what to send

Mail renewal requires you to return your current license along with a completed process form. Your renewal notice includes the process form and a prepaid envelope with the DVS address already printed. If you don't have the notice, you can read the process from mn.gov/dvs or request one by calling the DVS customer service line.

Include your current license, the signed process, and payment in the envelope. Mail processing takes two to three weeks from the date DVS receives your envelope. You can track your renewal status online using your license number and date of birth once your process has been received.

Mail renewal works for most situations: valid licenses, expired licenses (within five years), and standard address or name changes. You cannot use mail renewal if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you're adding a new endorsement, or if you need a new photo for any reason.

In-person renewal at a DVS office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you're adding a new endorsement. You'll also need an in-person appointment if you're changing your address and your current address on file is more than 30 days old.

DVS offices operate by appointment only. You can schedule an appointment through mn.gov/dvs or by calling the customer service line. Appointment availability varies by location and season; some offices have openings within days, while others may have a wait of several weeks during busy periods.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment. If you're adding an endorsement, you may need to pass a written test or skills test depending on the endorsement type. The in-person visit typically takes 15 to 30 minutes once you're called.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Standard passenger license renewal costs vary based on how long your new license will be valid. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Motorcycle endorsements, commercial licenses, and other special designations have different fee structures.

You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check during online renewal. Mail renewal payments must be by check or money order made payable to the State of Minnesota. In-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most locations, though a few offices may have limited payment options.

If you're renewing a license that expired more than five years ago, you may be charged a late renewal fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The exact amount depends on how long the license has been expired.

What happens if your license is expired

You can renew a license that expired less than five years ago through mail or online without visiting an office. The renewal process is the same as renewing a valid license, and you don't need to take a new written test or vision screening.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. You'll need to pass a vision screening and may need to retake the written test depending on how long the license has been expired. Some offices also require a new photo when a license has been expired for an extended period.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you've submitted a renewal process. Your renewal is not official until you receive your new card in the mail or leave the DVS office with a temporary document.

Tracking your renewal status

You can check the status of a mail or online renewal through the DVS website using your license number and date of birth. The system shows whether your process has been received, is being processed, or has been mailed. Status updates typically appear within one business day of DVS receiving your process.

If you renewed online, you'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this number in case you need to contact DVS about your renewal. If you renewed by mail and don't see your process in the system after one week, contact customer service to confirm it was received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than a year?

If it's been expired less than five years, you can renew by mail or online. If it's been expired more than five years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening. Contact your local DVS office to confirm what tests are required for your specific situation.

What if I moved and my address on file is outdated?

You can update your address during online or mail renewal if your current address on file is less than 30 days old. If it's been more than 30 days, you must renew in person. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online renewal typically takes one to two weeks for your card to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date DVS receives your envelope. In-person renewal gives you a temporary document when ready, and your permanent card arrives within one to two weeks.

Do I need to take a new written test to renew my license?

No, you don't need to retake the written test for a standard renewal if your license expired less than five years ago. If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to retake the test depending on your age and the reason for the lapse. DVS will tell you what's required when you schedule your in-person appointment.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online or by mail without the notice. For online renewal, use your license number and date of birth to start the process, and you'll answer security questions to verify your identity. For mail renewal, read the process form from mn.gov/dvs or call customer service to request one.