Where to renew your Minnesota driver's license
You can renew your Minnesota driver's license at any Deputy Registrar office across the state, or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes — but it's only open to people whose licenses are not suspended or revoked, who have no medical restrictions, and whose licenses haven't been renewed online more than once before.
If you don't meet the online requirements, or prefer to renew in person, find your nearest Deputy Registrar office using the Secretary of State's office locator. These are not DMV branches; they're often located in city halls, libraries, or private businesses. Call ahead to confirm hours and current wait times, since they vary widely by location.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50, but only works if your license is valid, unrestricted, and hasn't been renewed online in the past two times.
- In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office requires your current license, proof of residence, and payment; the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on the office.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you renew, whether you renew online or in person.
- Minnesota driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration without losing time on your new license's validity period.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your current Minnesota driver's license, which serves as your primary ID. You'll also need one document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work, and it must show your name and address. The document can be up to 60 days old.
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, the address proof becomes required, not optional. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Deputy Registrar will keep a copy.
The cost and timeline for renewal
Online renewal costs $24.50 and takes about 10 minutes to complete. In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office costs $24.50 as well. Both methods accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash, though some offices may have their own payment policies — call ahead if you want to confirm.
After you renew, your new license is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner — for travel or work — some Deputy Registrar offices can issue a temporary paper license on the spot, though this varies by location.
When you cannot renew online
Online renewal is blocked if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions (like corrective lenses required), or if you've already renewed online twice in a row. The system also won't let you renew online if your license has been expired for more than one year.
If any of these explore to you, go to a Deputy Registrar office in person. Bring the same documents listed above. The office staff will process your renewal the same way, and your new license will still arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing before your license expires
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you're traveling or know you'll be busy on or near your birthday. The important thing to know: if you renew early, your new license's expiration date is still based on your birthday, not the date you renewed. You don't lose time on the new license by renewing early.
For example, if your birthday is in March and your license expires in March 2025, you can renew in March 2024. Your new license will still expire in March 2027 — the standard eight-year term — not in March 2026.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can renew it using the same process as a regular renewal — online or at a Deputy Registrar office. Bring the same documents and pay the same fee.
If your license expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew. You'll need to start over with a new license process, which requires a written test, a vision test, and a new photo. Contact a Deputy Registrar office or the Secretary of State to begin the new process process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
Yes, you can renew online from anywhere, as long as you meet the online renewal requirements. If you need to renew in person and you're out of state, you'll need to wait until you return to Minnesota or contact the Secretary of State about other options.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Deputy Registrar will keep a copy and update your record. You can renew online only if you haven't changed your name; if you have, you must go in person.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a Deputy Registrar office?
Most Deputy Registrar offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not take appointments. Some locations may have online scheduling; call your local office to ask. Arriving early in the day or mid-week often means shorter waits.
What if I lose my new license before it arrives?
Contact the Secretary of State's office to report it lost. You can request a replacement, which costs an additional fee and takes another 7 to 10 business days to arrive. In the meantime, your old license is still valid until your new one was supposed to arrive.
Can I renew if my license was suspended for unpaid tickets?
No. You must resolve the suspension first by paying the tickets or working out a payment plan with the court. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Online renewal will still be blocked until the suspension is cleared from the system.