What You Can and Cannot Do Online in Minnesota
Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license online, but only if you meet specific conditions. You can renew online if your license is still valid (not expired), you have a Real ID-compliant license or a standard license, and you have not had any major changes to your information since your last renewal. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person.
You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address, if you want to add the Real ID star to a standard license, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). You also cannot renew online if you have had a suspension, revocation, or any restriction added to your license. In those cases, you must visit a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota's online renewal works only for valid licenses with no changes to your name, address, or restrictions since your last renewal.
- You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the online renewal.
- The online process happens through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website and takes about 10 minutes.
- Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DVS office in person with your current license and proof of residency.
Step-by-Step: Renewing Online Through the Secretary of State
Start by going to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and finding the Driver License Renewal section. You will see two options: renew online or schedule an in-person appointment. Click the online renewal link.
Enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your current license information. Review everything on the screen — your name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If anything is wrong or has changed, stop here and schedule an in-person appointment instead, because the online system cannot make corrections.
If all your information is correct, you will confirm that you have not had any violations, suspensions, or medical changes since your last renewal. You will also confirm that your address has not changed. Answer these questions honestly; they determine whether you are allowed to renew online.
Next, you will choose how long you want your license to be valid. Minnesota offers 4-year and 8-year renewals. The cost depends on which you choose. Enter a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Save or print this number.
What Happens After You Submit Your Online Renewal
Once you submit your renewal, the Secretary of State's office processes it within one business day. You will receive an email confirmation with your confirmation number and the expected mailing date of your new license.
Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address currently on file. Standard mailing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date your renewal is approved. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal — you would have needed to renew in person at a DVS office and request expedited printing.
Until your new license arrives, your current license remains valid. You can continue to drive and use it for identification. When the new license arrives, destroy your old one by cutting it in half or shredding it.
When You Cannot Renew Online and Must Go In Person
If your license has already expired, you cannot use the online system. You must visit a DVS office and complete an in-person renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
If you have moved since your last renewal, you must renew in person to update your address. The online system does not allow address changes. Bring proof of your new address along with your current license.
If you want to add the Real ID star to your license or upgrade from a standard license to a Real ID license, you must go in person. You will need to bring your current license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other state ID), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. The Real ID process takes longer than a standard renewal and costs more.
If you have any restrictions, suspensions, or revocations on your record, or if you have had a medical condition develop since your last renewal, you must renew in person. The DVS office will review your driving record and determine whether you can renew.
Real ID and Online Renewal: What You Need to Know
If your current license already has the Real ID star (a small star in the upper right corner), you can renew it online as long as nothing else has changed. The online system will renew your Real ID license and mail you a new Real ID license.
If your current license does not have the Real ID star and you want to add it during renewal, you cannot do this online. You must visit a DVS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. The Real ID upgrade takes longer to process and costs more than a standard renewal.
If you have a standard license (no Real ID star) and you are happy with that, you can renew it online. Your new license will also be a standard license without the Real ID star.
Troubleshooting Common Online Renewal Problems
If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it is because one of your conditions does not meet the requirements. The most common reasons are an expired license, a change of address, a suspension or restriction on your record, or a medical issue flagged in the system. In any of these cases, you must visit a DVS office in person.
If you start the online renewal but cannot finish it, your session may have timed out. Go back to the Secretary of State website and start over. You will not be charged twice if you complete the process again.
If you submitted your renewal online but never received a confirmation email, check your spam folder. If it is not there, contact the Secretary of State's office directly. Have your confirmation number ready if you received one on screen.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact DVS. Bring your confirmation number. They can check the status of your license and remail it if there was a delivery problem.
Finding a DVS Office If You Need to Renew In Person
The Minnesota Secretary of State website has a DVS office locator. Enter your city or ZIP code to find the nearest office. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days.
You can schedule an appointment online through the same website. Scheduling ahead usually means a shorter wait, though walk-ins are also accepted. If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early with all required documents.
Bring your current driver's license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your address, bring proof of your new address. If you are upgrading to Real ID, bring proof of identity and proof of Social Security number as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?
No. The online system only works for licenses that are still valid. If your license has expired, you must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or document showing your Social Security number.
What if I moved but want to renew online anyway?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit a DVS office and bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The office will update your address and issue your new license.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew online?
Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is approved. The approval itself usually happens within one business day. You will receive an email with a confirmation number and expected mailing date.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online in Minnesota. You must visit a DVS office in person with your current CDL, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or document showing your Social Security number.
What if the online system says I cannot renew but I think I should be able to?
Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State's office or visit a DVS office in person. They can review your driving record and explain why you are not able to renew online. Common reasons include a suspension, restriction, or medical flag in the system that you may not be aware of.