Minnesota renewal works by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at mn.gov/dvs, by mail using a renewal notice, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Which route you can use depends on whether your license is expired, how long it's been expired, and whether you need to change information like your address or name. Most people who are current on their license can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about two months before your license expires. It contains a barcode and instructions for online or mail renewal. If you don't receive one, you can still renew online using your driver's license number and date of birth. The renewal fee is $48 for an eight-year license (or $24 for a four-year license if you're over 65), and you'll pay by credit card online or include a check with a mail renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online at mn.gov/dvs, by mail using your renewal notice, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days.
  • If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test or written exam.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the expiration date.
  • If you've changed your name or address, you can update it during renewal, but a legal name change requires a certified document like a marriage certificate or court order.

Online renewal at mn.gov/dvs

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is current or expired less than five years. Go to mn.gov/dvs, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. You'll answer questions about whether your address, name, and medical information are still correct. If everything is the same, the process takes about 10 minutes.

You'll pay the $48 renewal fee by credit card, and Minnesota will mail your new license to the address on file. The new license arrives in 5 to 10 business days. You don't need to visit an office, take a photo, or pass any tests unless you're renewing after a long lapse. If you need to change your address or name, you can do that online during renewal, but a legal name change requires you to upload a certified document like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Mail renewal using your renewal notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can renew by mail without going online. Fill out the notice, include a check for $48 (or $24 if you're over 65), and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Include a copy of proof of your current address if you've moved since your last license was issued — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

Mail renewal takes longer than online: expect 2 to 3 weeks for processing, plus mail delivery time. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you don't have your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail by calling Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-296-6911 to request a mail renewal form. Mail renewal works only if your license is current or expired less than five years.

In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you're changing your name and don't have a certified document to mail in. Bring your current license (or expired license if you still have it), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address. If you're changing your name, bring the certified document — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — in the original or a certified copy.

Minnesota has Driver and Vehicle Services offices in most cities. Find the nearest one and its hours at mn.gov/dvs under "Office Locations." You can make an appointment online to avoid waiting, though walk-ins are also accepted. At the office, you'll have your photo taken, pay the $48 fee, and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. If your license has been expired more than five years, you may need to pass a vision test or written exam.

Renewing after a long lapse (more than five years expired)

If your Minnesota license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. The office will require a vision test and may require you to pass a written exam on Minnesota traffic laws. You'll also need to provide proof of your Social Security number and current address, just as with a standard in-person renewal.

The written exam covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, available free at mn.gov/dvs under "Study Materials." The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you fail the vision test, you may be able to renew with restrictions (like "corrective lenses required") or you may be denied renewal until your vision improves. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.

Changing your address or name during renewal

You can update your address during online or mail renewal without extra steps — just enter your new address when prompted. If you're renewing in person, tell the office staff about your address change and they'll update it on the spot. Address changes take effect when ready on your new license.

A legal name change is more involved. If you're renewing after marriage, divorce, or a court-ordered name change, bring the certified document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to an in-person renewal. If you're renewing online or by mail, you can upload a scanned copy of the certified document during the process. Minnesota will not process a name change without the certified document — a copy of an old license or a letter is not enough. Once the office receives and verifies your document, your new license will show your new name.

Real ID and REAL ID-compliant licenses

Minnesota offers both standard driver's licenses and REAL ID-compliant licenses, which meet federal security standards for air travel and federal building access. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner. If you want a REAL ID license when you renew, you must renew in person and bring additional proof of identity and citizenship: a passport, passport card, or birth certificate (original or certified copy), plus proof of your Social Security number and current address.

A standard driver's license is still valid for driving in Minnesota and for most purposes. You only need a REAL ID license if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. The federal important date has been extended multiple times, but it is currently set for May 2025. The REAL ID license costs the same as a standard license ($48 for eight years), so the choice is yours based on your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Minnesota allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid renewing close to the expiration date. Online and mail renewal work the same way whether you're renewing early or at the last minute.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online at mn.gov/dvs using your driver's license number and date of birth, or you can call Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-296-6911 to request a mail renewal form. You don't need the notice to renew — it's just a convenience.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it at the office. Your permanent license should arrive by mail before then. If it doesn't, contact Driver and Vehicle Services to check the status.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Not unless you renew in person. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew at a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person.

What if I moved and didn't update my address before my license expired?

You can update your address during renewal. If you're renewing online or by mail, enter your new address. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and tell the office staff. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.