Minnesota renewal options: online, mail, or in person
Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how long you want it to last, and whether you need to update your photo or address.
If your license hasn't expired yet and you haven't changed your name, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license is already expired, your address changed, or you want a Real ID (the federal standard required for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025), you'll need to go in person.
Minnesota licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age. You can renew up to one year before expiration, which gives you time to plan ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mail renewal work only if your current license is still valid and you haven't changed your name or address.
- Real ID renewal requires an in-person visit and documents like a birth certificate, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
- Minnesota charges $24.50 for a four-year renewal and $48.50 for an eight-year renewal, with no online discount.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last moment.
- If your license is expired, you must renew in person; you cannot drive on an expired license even if you've started the renewal process.
Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website
The fastest way to renew is online at mn.gov/sos. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The process takes about 10 minutes.
Online renewal works only if all of these are true: your license is still valid (not expired), you haven't changed your name, your address hasn't changed, and you don't need a Real ID. If any of these don't explore to you, you'll be directed to mail or in-person renewal instead.
After you complete online renewal, Minnesota mails your new license to the address on file. It typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal: what to send and how long it takes
To renew by mail, you'll need to request a renewal form from Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services or read it from mn.gov/sos. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license must still be valid, your name and address must be unchanged, and you cannot be renewing for a Real ID. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after Minnesota receives your form, plus mailing time both ways.
Mail renewal is slower than online, so use it only if you don't have internet access or prefer not to pay by card. If you're close to your expiration date, online renewal is safer because you'll know when ready whether it went through.
In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, your name changed, your address changed, or you want a Real ID. Minnesota has Driver and Vehicle Services offices in most counties. You can find the nearest one and check wait times at mn.gov/sos.
Bring your current license (or expired license if it's been less than five years since expiration), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If you're renewing for a Real ID, you'll also need an original or certified birth certificate and one additional document proving your identity (passport, military ID, or tribal ID).
In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on the office and time of day. You'll have your photo taken and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Real ID renewal: what's required and why it matters
Real ID is a federal security standard. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID license or passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you want to renew your license as a Real ID, you must do it in person.
For Real ID renewal, bring your current license, an original or certified birth certificate, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and two documents proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
The Real ID fee is the same as a standard license renewal ($24.50 for four years or $48.50 for eight years). Your new license will be marked with a gold star in the top right corner, showing it meets federal standards.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Minnesota charges $24.50 to renew for four years or $48.50 to renew for eight years. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There is no discount for online renewal.
Your age determines how long you can renew for. If you're under 65, you can choose four or eight years. If you're 65 or older, you can renew for four years only. Licenses expire on your birthday in the year the renewal period ends.
You can renew up to one year before expiration. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date, especially if they travel or need a Real ID.
What to do if your license has already expired
If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew it. If it expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit and the same documents as a Real ID renewal.
You cannot legally drive on an expired license, even if you've started the renewal process online or by mail. If you're pulled over, an expired license can result in a citation. If your license expired recently and you need to drive before you can renew in person, check whether your state has a grace period or whether you can get a temporary permit (Minnesota does not offer either, so plan ahead).
If you're renewing in person after expiration, bring your expired license along with your current documents. The office will process your renewal the same way as a current license renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota license if I moved out of state?
No. You must renew your Minnesota license in person if you've moved, because you need to update your address. If you've moved to another state, you should get a license from your new state instead. You can keep your Minnesota license as a Real ID for federal purposes, but your primary license should match your current address.
How do I renew if I changed my name?
You must renew in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and your other required documents. The office will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.
What happens if I renew online but then realize I made a mistake?
Contact Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services right away at 651-297-3298. If you catch the error before your new license is mailed, they may be able to stop it. If it's already mailed, you can request a corrected license in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
Do I need a Real ID if I don't fly or visit federal buildings?
No. A standard license is fine for driving and most everyday uses. Real ID is required only for domestic flights and federal building access. You can choose to renew as a standard license or Real ID — it's your choice.
Can I renew my license if I'm on a visa or temporary status?
Yes, but you must renew in person. Bring your current Minnesota license, your visa or immigration document, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Your new license will be valid only as long as your immigration status allows you to be in the United States.