What you need to renew in Minnesota

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's self-service portal. Which method works for you depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need to update your address or other information.

Your license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, and four years if you are 65 or older. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so there is no rush — but waiting until the last week before expiration limits your options.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota offers three renewal paths: online through the state portal (fastest, if you are may be able to access), by mail (takes two to three weeks), or in person at a DVS office (same-day results).
  • You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have not had a name change since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your address or photo.
  • Renewing by mail requires a completed process form, your current license, and a check or money order; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DVS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment; you leave with a temporary license the same day.
  • The renewal fee is $24.50 for a standard eight-year license; add $5 if you want a Real ID-compliant license.

Renewing online through the Minnesota portal

The fastest option is the state's online renewal system at dvs.mn.gov. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the fee with a debit or credit card, and receive a temporary digital license on screen. Your physical license arrives by mail in five to seven business days.

Online renewal works only if all of these are true: your current license has not expired, you have not changed your name since your last renewal, you do not need to update your address, and you do not want to change your photo. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.

The fee for online renewal is $24.50 for a standard eight-year license. If you want your new license to be Real ID-compliant (required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 2025), add $5 to the fee.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read or request the process for Minnesota Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the DVS website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $24.50 (or $29.50 for Real ID) to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your process. You can track your process status on the DVS website using your driver's license number. During this time, your current license remains valid, so you can continue to drive legally.

Renew by mail if you have a name change since your last renewal, need to update your address, want a new photo, or straightforward prefer not to visit an office. You cannot renew by mail if your license has already expired.

Renewing in person at a DVS office

Walk into any Driver and Vehicle Services office in Minnesota with your current license, proof of your current address, and payment. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You will fill out the process form on site, have your photo taken, and leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

In-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times for your nearest office on the DVS website before you go. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it (such as a Social Security card or tax return) if you have one; it is not required but speeds up the process.

Choose in-person renewal if you need a new photo, have a name change, want to update your address, or need your license the same day. The fee is the same as mail renewal: $24.50 for standard, $29.50 for Real ID.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means taking the written test, the vision test, and the driving test, and paying the full process fee (around $40). You will also need to provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.

If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still renew by mail or in person using the standard renewal process. Online renewal is not available once your license has expired.

Real ID and what it means for your renewal

Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Minnesota driver's license will not be accepted as identification for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. If you plan to fly or enter a federal facility, you will need either a Real ID-compliant license or a passport.

When you renew, you can choose to add Real ID compliance for an extra $5. You will need to show proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address at the time of renewal. If you renew online, you cannot add Real ID — you must renew in person or by mail and check the Real ID box on your process.

Real ID is optional. If you do not fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license works fine for driving and most other purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota license if I live out of state now?

No. Minnesota requires you to be a resident to hold a Minnesota license. If you have moved to another state, you should get a license in your new state. You can renew a Minnesota license only if you still live in Minnesota or are a member of the military stationed outside the state.

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

You cannot renew without your current license in hand. Instead, you must report it lost or stolen to the DVS and then explore for a replacement. You can do this in person at any DVS office or by mail using Form DL-44. The replacement fee is $24.50.

How long does my temporary paper license last after in-person renewal?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within five to seven business days, but the temporary gives you a buffer if there is a delay. Do not throw it away until your new license arrives.

Can I renew online if I changed my name after marriage or divorce?

No. Online renewal is not available if you have had a name change since your last renewal. You must renew in person or by mail and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

What if I want to change my address during renewal?

You can update your address during any renewal method. If you renew online, you can change your address in the portal before you pay. If you renew by mail or in person, you update your address on the process form. Your new license will be mailed to your new address once it is processed.