How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Minnesota Renewal Options: Online, Mail, or In-Person

Minnesota offers three ways to renew your driver's license: online through the state's website, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photograph.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes from home and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal is necessary if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photograph, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Your renewal fee depends on the license type and how many years you are renewing for. Standard passenger licenses cost $24.50 for four years or $48.50 for eight years. You cannot renew online if your address has changed, your name has changed, or if you are renewing a CDL or motorcycle endorsement.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is available only if your license has been expired for five years or less, your address and name have not changed, and you do not hold a CDL or motorcycle endorsement.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks for processing plus 7 to 10 business days for delivery, so plan ahead if your license expires soon.
In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you need a new photograph.
You will need your current license, proof of Minnesota residency, and payment by credit card, debit card, or check — cash is not accepted by mail or online.
Minnesota does not require a vision test or written exam for standard license renewals unless the state flags your record.

Online Renewal Through the Minnesota Secretary of State

To renew online, go to the Minnesota Secretary of State's website and select the Driver License Renewal option. You will need your current license number, the date of birth printed on it, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card only). The system will ask you to confirm your address and verify that your name and address match state records.

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes. Once you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have changed your address or legal name since your last renewal, if you hold a CDL, or if you are adding or renewing a motorcycle endorsement. If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail Renewal: Documents and Timeline

To renew by mail, request a renewal process from a DVS office or read the form from the Secretary of State's website. Complete the process by hand or type it, sign it, and mail it with your current license and payment to the address listed on the form. Payment must be by check or money order — credit cards are not accepted by mail.

Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks for the DVS to process your process, plus 7 to 10 business days for the new license to arrive by mail. Total time is usually 3 to 4 weeks. You can drive using your current license during this period.

Include a copy of proof of Minnesota residency with your mailed process. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, property tax statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days and showing your current address. Do not mail your original documents — send copies only, as the DVS will not return them.

In-Person Renewal at a DVS Office

Visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office to renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person — online and mail renewal are not options.

In-person renewal includes a new photograph, so you will receive your new license on the spot or within a few days if the office needs to process it. Most DVS offices do not require an appointment, but you can schedule one online to reduce wait time. Check the office locator on the Secretary of State's website to find the nearest location and current hours.

If you are renewing a CDL or adding a motorcycle endorsement, you must renew in person. You may also be required to pass a vision test or written exam depending on your record and the type of license you hold. The DVS will notify you if testing is required.

Documents You Need for Any Renewal Method

For all renewal methods, you must provide your current Minnesota driver's license. If you are renewing by mail or in person and your address has changed, bring proof of your new Minnesota address dated within the past 60 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, property tax statement, or bank statement all work.

If your legal name has changed since your last renewal, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Mail renewal may be possible with a name change, but you must contact a DVS office first to confirm.

If you have changed your address or name, you will need to renew in person or by mail — online renewal will not process if your information does not match state records. Do not attempt to renew online if you know your address or name has changed; the system will reject your process and you will lose your fee.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

Standard passenger driver's licenses cost $24.50 for a four-year renewal or $48.50 for an eight-year renewal. Motorcycle endorsements add $10.50 to the renewal fee. Commercial driver's licenses have different fees depending on the class and endorsements; contact a DVS office for the exact amount.

Online and in-person renewal accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Mail renewal accepts check and money order only — do not send cash by mail. If you renew online or in person by card, the fee is charged when ready. If you renew by mail, do not send cash; use a check or money order payable to "Minnesota Department of Public Safety."

If your renewal process is rejected or incomplete, the DVS will return it with an explanation. If you paid by check, the check will be returned uncashed. If you paid online and your process is rejected, contact the DVS to request a refund.

What Happens If Your License Expires

You can renew your license up to one year after it expires. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license rather than renew — this requires an in-person visit, a new photograph, and a written exam. Contact a DVS office for details on the new license process.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can show the confirmation number from your online renewal or a copy of your mailed process to prove you have renewed, but the officer may still issue a citation. Renew before your license expires to avoid this risk.

If your license expires while you are out of state, you can still renew online or by mail from anywhere. In-person renewal requires you to visit a Minnesota DVS office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Minnesota does not automatically block renewal for unpaid traffic fines. However, if a court has suspended your license for non-payment, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out whether your license is suspended and how to resolve it.

How long does it take to get my new license if I renew in person?

If you renew in person at a DVS office, you will receive your new license on the spot in most cases. Some offices may mail it to you within a few days if they need to process the photograph. Ask the office staff when you arrive.

What if my current license is damaged or lost?

If your license is damaged, lost, or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must request a replacement. Contact a DVS office or visit the Secretary of State's website to request a duplicate license. A duplicate costs $10.50 and arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. Minnesota allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not extend the expiration date — your new license will expire eight years (or four years, depending on which term you choose) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.

Do I need a new vision test when I renew?

No vision test is required for standard license renewals unless the DVS flags your record based on age, medical history, or a previous violation. If a test is required, the DVS will notify you before you renew. In-person renewal includes a vision screening at the office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.