Where to renew in Minneapolis

Minneapolis residents renew at the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office located at 445 Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. This is the main Twin Cities location and handles renewals for the entire Minneapolis area. You can also renew by mail or online, depending on your situation — those options are faster and don't require a trip.

The St. Paul office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no Minneapolis-specific DVS office; all in-person renewals for the city go to the St. Paul location. If you prefer not to travel, the mail and online routes are worth considering first.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota allows online renewal for most people, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and a check to the DVS office in St. Paul.
  • In-person renewal at 445 Minnesota Street in St. Paul is necessary only if you need a new photo, have a vision problem, or are renewing after a suspension.
  • You must renew before your expiration date or your license becomes invalid for driving, though you can renew up to one year early.

Online renewal: fastest option for most people

Most Minneapolis drivers can renew online through the Minnesota DVS website without leaving home. You are may be able to access if your license is not suspended, you have not had a vision correction change, and your license is not expired yet. The process takes about 10 minutes: you enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number, then pay the fee by credit or debit card.

A new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The cost is $24.50 for a four-year renewal. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can drive when ready after completing the online transaction. This is the fastest and cheapest option if you do not need a new photo.

Mail renewal: no appointment needed

You can renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed Form DL 44 (process for Minnesota Driver's License), and a check for $24.50 to the DVS office. Mail your packet to: Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, 445 Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55101.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DVS receives your envelope. Your old license stays valid for driving until the new one arrives. This route works well if you want to avoid the office but do not have internet access or prefer not to use a credit card. Include a return address on your envelope so DVS can send the new license back to you.

In-person renewal at the St. Paul office

Go in person if you need a new photo, have had a change in vision correction, are renewing after a suspension, or prefer to handle it face-to-face. Bring your current license, proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $24.50 cash or card. You do not need an appointment.

Wait times vary by day and time of day. Early morning on weekdays is usually shorter than afternoons or Saturdays. The office is at 445 Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. You will receive your new license on the spot if you renew in person, so you can drive home with it when ready.

What happens if your license is expired

Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Minnesota or any other state. You must renew before the expiration date shown on your card. If your license has already expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to the St. Paul office in person and bring proof of residency.

An expired license also affects insurance. Your auto insurance may not cover you if you are in an accident while driving on an expired license, and your insurer may cancel your policy. Renew as soon as you notice the expiration date approaching to avoid this gap.

Renewing after a suspension or revocation

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must appear in person at the St. Paul DVS office with proof that the suspension or revocation has ended. This proof usually comes from the court or from DVS itself in the form of a letter stating your driving privileges have been restored.

Bring that letter, your current license (if you still have it), proof of Minnesota residency, and payment. The office staff will verify that your suspension is lifted before issuing a new license. If you are unsure whether your suspension has ended, call DVS at 651-297-3298 before you go.

Real ID and standard license renewal in Minneapolis

Minnesota offers both Real ID and standard driver's licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. A standard license works for driving but not for those federal purposes.

If you renew online or by mail, you get a standard license by default. To get a Real ID, you must renew in person at the St. Paul office and bring original or certified copies of your birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Minnesota residency. The Real ID costs the same as a standard license ($24.50 for four years) but requires the in-person visit and extra documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I still owe a traffic fine?

Yes. Minnesota does not hold up license renewals for unpaid traffic fines. However, if you do not pay the fine, the court may eventually suspend your license separately, which would prevent you from renewing online or by mail until the suspension is lifted.

How early can I renew before my license expires?

You can renew up to one year before your expiration date. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a last-minute rush. Your new license will have a new expiration date one year from the renewal date, not from your old expiration date.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You must go in person to the St. Paul office. Bring proof of residency and payment. DVS will issue a replacement license with a new expiration date. If you cannot find your old license, tell the staff — they can look up your record by your name and date of birth.

Do I need to take a new written or driving test to renew?

No. Renewal is not a test. You only need to provide your current license and payment. If DVS suspects a vision problem or you have had a suspension, they may ask you to take a vision test, but this is rare during routine renewal.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew yourself, either online, by mail with your own signature, or in person. DVS does not accept proxy renewals or allow someone else to sign your process.