Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires
You can renew your Minnesota driver's license as early as 12 months before your expiration date. This means if your license expires on March 15, 2025, you can start the renewal process on March 15, 2024. The state allows this early window to give you flexibility — you don't have to wait until the last minute, and you can time your renewal around your schedule rather than a important date.
The one-year window applies whether you renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, by mail, or online. However, the method you choose affects how soon you can actually complete the renewal and receive your new license. Some routes are faster than others, and some have restrictions on how early you can submit.
Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date it is issued (or five years if you are under 21). This means renewing early does not shorten the life of your new license — you still get the full term, it just starts earlier.
Key Takeaways
- You can begin renewing your Minnesota driver's license up to 12 months before the expiration date printed on your current license.
- Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest method and can be completed in minutes if you meet the requirements.
- Mail-in renewal takes two to three weeks for processing, so submit your materials well before you need the new license.
- In-person renewal at a DVS office is when ready if you bring all required documents, but you may need an appointment depending on your location.
- Your new license will be valid for eight years from the issue date, regardless of when during the renewal window you explore.
Online renewal is available up to one year early and takes the least time
The Minnesota Secretary of State's online renewal system opens your renewal window exactly 12 months before your expiration date. You can log in to your account on the state's website and complete the entire process in 10 to 15 minutes if you meet the requirements. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is only available if your current license is valid (not expired or suspended), you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail instead.
You will need your current Minnesota driver's license number and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the online process. The renewal fee is the same regardless of method.
Mail-in renewal works up to one year early but takes longer to process
You can mail in your renewal process and documents as soon as you are within the 12-month window. The Minnesota Secretary of State accepts mail-in renewals year-round, and there is no rush processing option. Standard processing takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your materials, though it can occasionally take longer during busy periods.
Mail-in renewal requires you to submit a completed Form HSMV 14-015 (process for Minnesota Driver's License), your current license, proof of residence (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. If you have changed your name or address, you will need additional documents. The state provides a checklist on its website so you can verify what you need before you send anything.
Because mail takes time to arrive and processing takes additional time, renewing by mail early is a good strategy if you know you will need your new license by a specific date. Sending materials in at the start of your renewal window gives you a buffer if something gets lost or if processing takes longer than expected.
In-person renewal at a DVS office is when ready but may require an appointment
You can walk into any Driver and Vehicle Services office during the 12-month renewal window and complete your renewal on the spot. If you bring all required documents and your payment, you will receive your temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Many DVS offices now require appointments, so check the office locator on the Minnesota Secretary of State website before you go.
In-person renewal requires your current driver's license, proof of residence, and payment. If you have changed your name, you will need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, court order, or similar). The staff at the DVS office can tell you on the spot if your documents are acceptable or if you need to bring something else.
In-person renewal is the best option if you need your new license quickly or if you do not meet the requirements for online renewal. It is also the only option if your current license is suspended or revoked.
What happens if you renew before your current license expires
Your old license remains valid until its printed expiration date, even after you receive your new one. You do not need to destroy it or turn it in. Many people keep their old license as a backup or for their records. The new license straightforward becomes your primary document once it arrives.
If you renew early and then move before your new license arrives, you can update your address online or at a DVS office. You do not need to start the renewal process over. The address on your new license will reflect the update you make.
Reasons to renew early instead of waiting until expiration
Renewing early gives you control over timing. If you know you will need your license for travel, a job, or another purpose, you can complete the renewal when it is convenient rather than scrambling at the last minute. Early renewal also means you avoid the rush that happens in the weeks before expiration dates, which can mean shorter wait times at DVS offices and faster mail processing.
Early renewal is also useful if you are planning to change your address or name soon. You can renew with your current information now and then update your address or name later without needing a full renewal. This saves you time and money compared to renewing twice.
If your current license is about to be suspended or revoked due to unpaid traffic fines or other issues, renewing early does not prevent that suspension. The suspension applies to your driving privileges, not to the license document itself. You should address the underlying issue before renewing.
Fees and payment for early renewal
The renewal fee is the same whether you renew one day after becoming may be able to access or on your expiration date. Minnesota charges a flat fee for an eight-year driver's license renewal. The exact amount varies slightly depending on whether you renew online, by mail, or in person, because online and mail renewals do not include the in-person service fee. Check the Minnesota Secretary of State website for the current fee amounts.
Payment methods depend on your renewal method. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail-in renewal accepts checks or money orders made payable to the State of Minnesota. In-person renewal at a DVS office accepts cash, debit, credit cards, and checks, depending on the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota driver's license more than one year early?
No. The Minnesota Secretary of State system will not allow you to start the renewal process until exactly 12 months before your expiration date. If you try to renew earlier than that, the online system will reject your request, and a DVS office will turn you away.
What if my license expires while I am waiting for my renewed license to arrive?
Your old license remains valid until the printed expiration date, even if you have already submitted your renewal process. You can continue to drive and use your old license for identification until your new one arrives. If your new license has not arrived by your expiration date, you can print a temporary license from the Minnesota Secretary of State website or visit a DVS office for a paper temporary license.
Do I have to renew in person if I renew early?
No. If you meet the requirements for online renewal (valid license, no medical restrictions, no name or address changes), you can renew online as soon as you enter the 12-month window. Mail and in-person renewal are also available throughout the window. Choose the method that works best for your schedule.
Will my new license have a different expiration date if I renew early?
Your new license will expire eight years from the date it is issued, not eight years from your old license's expiration date. If you renew 11 months early, your new license will expire 11 months later than your old one would have. This gives you a longer total period of validity.
Can I renew early if my license is suspended?
No. You must renew in person at a DVS office, and the office will not process your renewal if your license is currently suspended or revoked. You must resolve the suspension first by paying outstanding fines, completing required courses, or addressing whatever caused the suspension.