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

In Minnesota, you can renew your driver's license without visiting a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office if you meet certain conditions. Most people renew by mail or online, which takes a few weeks. If your license is expired by more than five years, or if you need to change information like your address or name, you'll need to go in person or use a different process.

The method you use depends on how long your license has been expired, whether you've had any violations, and what changes you need to make. Minnesota sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, which is a good time to start the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota allows online and mail renewal for most people whose licenses expired less than five years ago and who have no recent violations.
  • You can renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website using your driver's license number and date of birth.
  • Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks; online renewal is faster but requires a valid email address.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you must visit a DVS office in person and may need to retake the written test.
  • Address changes, name changes, and organ donor updates can be done during renewal, but some changes require an in-person visit.

Renewing online through the Minnesota Secretary of State

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address. The system will verify your information against state records.

Online renewal costs the same as mail renewal and takes about one to two weeks for your new license to arrive by mail. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have unpaid traffic violations, or if you need to change your address or name on the license itself.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available if your license expired less than five years ago and you have no active violations. Minnesota will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form you fill out, sign, and mail back along with the fee and a new photo.

You can also request a mail renewal form from a DVS office or read it from the Secretary of State website if you didn't receive a notice. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks after DVS receives your completed form. Send everything to the address listed on the form, not to a local DVS office.

Renewing in person at a DVS office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have a suspended or revoked license, or if you need to change your name or address on the license. You'll also need to go in person if you want to update your organ donor status or if you're changing your sex designation.

Bring your expired license, proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and payment. If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to retake the written knowledge test. Check the DVS website to find an office near you and see current wait times before you go.

What documents and fees you need

Minnesota charges a flat fee for license renewal regardless of the method you choose. The fee covers a four-year license for most adults. You'll need to pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on which renewal method you use.

For mail renewal, include a new photo (4x6 inches, color, taken within the last 30 days) or pay an extra fee for DVS to take one. For online renewal, you upload a digital photo. For in-person renewal, DVS takes your photo at the office. If you're renewing by mail and don't include a photo, your renewal will be delayed.

When your license is expired by more than five years

If your Minnesota license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use mail or online renewal. You must visit a DVS office in person. Depending on how long it's been expired, you may need to retake the written knowledge test and pass a vision screening.

If your license has been expired for more than nine years, you'll need to retake both the written test and the road test, just as if you were getting a license for the first time. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and proof of identity. Call ahead to confirm what tests you'll need to take.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you're renewing in person, you can change your address or name at the same time. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and proof of your legal name change if applicable (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree).

If you're renewing by mail or online, you cannot change your address or name. You'll need to visit a DVS office in person to make those changes, even if your license is current. Some people choose to renew online first, then visit an office later to update their address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you're renewing by mail or online, plan ahead so your new license arrives before the expiration date. If your license has already expired, you must visit a DVS office in person to renew it before you drive again.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use mail or online renewal. You must go to a DVS office in person and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of address. You'll pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

How long does online renewal take?

Online renewal is processed within one to two weeks, and your new license arrives by mail after that. The total time is usually two to three weeks from the date you submit your process online. Mail renewal takes about the same amount of time.

Do I need to renew my license in person if I want to update my photo?

No. For mail renewal, you can include a new photo with your process. For online renewal, you upload a digital photo. You only need to visit in person if you want DVS to take your photo or if you're making other changes like updating your address or name.

What happens if I renew online but the system rejects my process?

The online system will tell you when ready if there's a problem — for example, if you have an active suspension or if your information doesn't match state records. If your process is rejected, you'll need to visit a DVS office in person to complete your renewal.