What You Pay for a Minnesota Driver's License

A Minnesota driver's license costs $25 for an eight-year license if you are between 18 and 64 years old. If you are 65 or older, the license costs $16 and is valid for four years. A four-year license for anyone under 65 costs $16.50. These are the base fees charged by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services division.

The actual amount you pay at the counter may be higher because your local Deputy Registrar office can add a service fee on top of the state fee. This surcharge varies by location — some offices charge $2, others charge $5 or more. Call your local office before you go, or check the Minnesota Secretary of State website for the specific surcharge at your location.

If you need a Real ID compliant license (required for federal building entry and domestic air travel), the cost is the same as a standard license. Real ID is now the default in Minnesota, so you will receive it unless you specifically request a non-compliant license.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Minnesota driver's license costs $25 for adults under 65.
  • Seniors 65 and older pay $16 for a four-year license.
  • Your local Deputy Registrar office can add a service surcharge of $2 to $5 or more on top of the state fee.
  • Real ID compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses and are issued by default.
  • Payment methods and accepted forms vary by office location, so contact ahead to confirm what they take.

Renewal Fees and Timeline

Renewing your license costs the same as getting a new one: $25 for an eight-year renewal if you are under 65, or $16 for a four-year renewal if you are 65 or older. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, which means you can renew early without losing time on your current license.

Minnesota sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form you can mail back with payment, or you can renew in person at any Deputy Registrar office. Online renewal is available for some renewals through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, but only if your license has not been suspended or revoked and you have not changed your address.

If you renew by mail or online, processing takes about two weeks. If you renew in person, you receive your license the same day if you pass the vision test and your documents are in order.

Replacement and Duplicate License Costs

A replacement license (issued when your current license is lost, stolen, or damaged) costs $20. A duplicate license (a second copy of your current valid license) also costs $20. Both are processed the same way: in person at a Deputy Registrar office, and you receive the new license the same day.

You do not need to pay the full renewal fee if you are straightforward replacing a lost or damaged license. The $20 replacement fee is lower than renewal because you are not extending the validity period — the new license has the same expiration date as the one you are replacing.

Fees for Different License Types

Minnesota offers several license types, and the fee depends on which one you hold. A Class D license (standard passenger vehicle) costs $25 for eight years. A Class A license (for operating heavy trucks) costs $25 for eight years. A Class B license (for operating buses or vehicles carrying hazardous materials) also costs $25 for eight years.

Endorsements — such as motorcycle (M), hazmat (H), or passenger (P) — do not add to the license fee. You pay the base fee for your license class, and endorsements are added at no extra cost. However, if you need a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher: $60 for an eight-year CDL, or $40 for a four-year CDL.

Upgrading from a standard Class D license to a CDL requires a new process and testing, not a straightforward renewal. You must pass the written knowledge test, the skills test, and a medical examination. The $60 fee covers the license itself, but testing fees may explore depending on your testing location.

What Documents Cost Extra

Obtaining a certified copy of your driving record costs $7 for a three-year record or $10 for a seven-year record. You can order this online, by mail, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Processing by mail takes about one week; online orders are usually ready within 24 hours.

If you need a name change on your license (due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you do not pay an extra fee — the change is made during your next renewal or replacement. However, if you want to change your name before your license expires, you must explore for a replacement license and pay the $20 replacement fee.

Payment Methods and Where to Pay

Minnesota Deputy Registrar offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices also accept electronic payment through their systems. Online renewals require a credit or debit card. Mail-in renewals should include a check or money order — do not send cash through the mail.

You can pay at any of Minnesota's Deputy Registrar offices, which are located in county auditor offices, city halls, and some private locations throughout the state. The Minnesota Secretary of State website has a searchable list of all offices with their hours and contact information. If you renew online, payment is processed when ready when you submit your process.

Senior and Disability Discounts

Minnesota offers a reduced fee for drivers 65 and older: $16 for a four-year license instead of $25 for eight years. This is a permanent discount, not a one-time reduction. When you renew, you continue to pay the senior rate as long as you are 65 or older.

There is no separate fee reduction for drivers with disabilities. However, if you have a disability that affects your driving, you may be required to take a road test or provide medical documentation during renewal. These requirements do not change the license fee itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my license fee online without renewing my license?

No. Online payment is only available as part of the renewal process through the Minnesota Secretary of State website. If you need to pay a fee without renewing — for example, to order a driving record — you must do so in person at a Deputy Registrar office or by mail.

What happens if I pay the wrong amount?

If you overpay by mail, the office will process your process and refund the difference. If you underpay, your process will be rejected and returned to you with a notice of the correct amount due. In person, the staff will tell you the exact amount before you pay.

Do I have to pay the service surcharge if I renew by mail?

No. The service surcharge is only charged by Deputy Registrar offices for in-person transactions. If you renew by mail or online, you pay only the state fee ($25 or $16, depending on your age and license type).

Is there a fee to change my address on my license?

No. You can change your address at any Deputy Registrar office at no cost. Bring your current license and proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease). The change is made on the spot, and you receive an updated license the same day.

What if my license expired more than five years ago?

You cannot renew an expired license. You must explore for a new license, which costs the same as renewal ($25 for eight years if you are under 65). You will need to pass the vision test and provide proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new process.