What you need to renew your Minnesota ID in person or by mail

Minnesota ID renewal happens through the Department of Public Safety, and you can do it either in person at a driver's license exam station or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary ID the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but requires no trip to an office.

Your current ID must not be expired by more than five years, and you must not have any address changes, name changes, or corrections needed on the card itself. If any of those explore to you, you must renew in person. You'll also need to renew in person if your ID was lost, stolen, or damaged.

Both routes require the same documents: your current Minnesota ID, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. The fee is $16.50 for a four-year ID or $24.50 for an eight-year ID, paid by cash, check, or card depending on your method.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew by mail only if your ID is not expired by more than five years and you have no address, name, or correction changes.
  • In-person renewal at a driver's license exam station takes about 30 minutes and gives you a temporary ID to use when ready.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to mail in your current ID, proof of address, and payment to the Department of Public Safety.
  • Both methods require proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or bank statement.

Renewing in person at a driver's license exam station

Find your nearest exam station on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website by entering your city or zip code. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time. Bring your current ID, proof of address, and payment.

When you arrive, tell the staff member you are renewing your ID. They will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper ID valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you. The permanent card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If you need your ID sooner, you can request expedited processing at the time of renewal for an additional $10 fee. Expedited cards arrive within 3 to 5 business days instead.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read the ID Renewal by Mail form from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website, or call 651-296-6911 to request one. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, and ID number. Do not sign the form yet.

Gather your current ID, proof of address dated within the last 60 days, and the completed form. Write a check or money order for $16.50 (four-year ID) or $24.50 (eight-year ID) made payable to the State of Minnesota. Do not send cash.

Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Your current ID will be returned to you along with your new card within two to three weeks. If you do not receive your new ID within four weeks, call 651-296-6911 to check the status.

When you must renew in person instead

You cannot use the mail route if your address has changed since your current ID was issued. You also cannot renew by mail if your name has changed or if you need any corrections made to the information on your card — such as a corrected date of birth or middle name.

If your current ID was lost, stolen, or damaged, you must renew in person. The same applies if your ID is expired by more than five years. In all these cases, go to a driver's license exam station with your documents and payment.

What counts as proof of current address

Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check or tax document.

A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of address for this purpose. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can bring a signed letter from that person confirming you live there, along with the utility bill. The letter must include their name, address, phone number, and signature.

What happens after you renew

If you renewed in person, your temporary paper ID is valid for 30 days. Use it anywhere you would use your regular ID during that time. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days (or 3 to 5 if you paid for expedited processing).

If you renewed by mail, you will not have an ID to use until your new card arrives. Plan your renewal at least three weeks before you need to use your ID for anything. Once your new card arrives, your old ID is no longer valid.

If your new card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Department of Public Safety at 651-296-6911. Have your ID number and the date you submitted your renewal ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my ID if it expired more than five years ago?

No, you must renew in person if your ID is expired by more than five years. Mail renewal is only for IDs expired five years or less. Go to a driver's license exam station with your expired ID, proof of address, and payment.

What if I moved and my ID still shows my old address?

You must renew in person because you have an address change. Mail renewal cannot be used when your address has changed. Visit a driver's license exam station with your current ID, proof of your new address, and payment.

How long is my temporary paper ID good for?

Your temporary paper ID is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it at the exam station. Your permanent card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so you will have both for a short time. Once your permanent card arrives, use that instead.

Can I renew by mail if my ID was damaged?

No, damaged IDs must be renewed in person. Bring your damaged ID, proof of address, and payment to a driver's license exam station. The staff will take a new photo and issue you a temporary ID while your permanent card is mailed.

What if I need my ID before the mail renewal arrives?

Renew in person instead. You will receive a temporary paper ID valid for 30 days the same day, and your permanent card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot wait that long, pay the extra $10 for expedited processing to get your card in 3 to 5 days.