Minnesota Renewal Locations and Methods
In Minnesota, you can renew your driver's license at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, by mail, or online depending on your license type and renewal may be able to access. The state operates DVS locations in most counties, and you can find the one nearest you on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Not all renewal methods work for every situation — online renewal has specific restrictions, and mail renewal takes longer than in-person visits.
The fastest option is usually an in-person visit to your local DVS office, where you can complete the renewal the same day. However, if you are renewing a standard Class D license (passenger vehicle) and meet certain requirements, you may be able to renew online or by mail without visiting an office at all.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties; you can find your nearest location on the Secretary of State website and visit without an appointment.
- Online renewal is available only for Class D licenses that are not expired more than one year, have no address changes, and do not require a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and requires you to submit your current license, a completed process, and the renewal fee by check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a DVS office takes 15 to 30 minutes and allows you to renew when ready even if your license is expired or you need a new photo.
- Renewal fees in Minnesota are $24.50 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, and fees do not vary by location.
DVS Office Locations and Hours
Minnesota operates DVS offices in 87 counties, with multiple locations in the Twin Cities area and other large cities. You do not need an appointment — walk-in service is available at all locations during posted business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering limited Saturday hours. Hours vary by location, so check the Secretary of State website before you visit to confirm the office nearest you is open.
If you live in a rural county without a DVS office, you can renew by mail or online, or you can travel to the nearest county office. Some counties also partner with local government offices (such as city halls or county auditors) to provide limited DVS services, though not all locations offer full renewal services. Call ahead if you are unsure whether a satellite location in your area handles renewals.
Online Renewal Requirements and Process
Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest method if you meet all the requirements. You can renew online only if your Class D license is not expired more than one year, you have no address change, you do not need a new photo, and your license does not have any restrictions or endorsements that require testing. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail.
To renew online, you will 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, and you will receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can use while your new physical license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license.
Mail Renewal: Documents and Timeline
Mail renewal is an option for Class D licenses that meet the same restrictions as online renewal — not expired more than one year, no address change, no new photo needed, and no restrictions or endorsements requiring testing. To renew by mail, complete the process form (available on the Secretary of State website), include your current license, and mail both along with your payment to the address listed on the form.
Payment must be by check or money order made payable to the State of Minnesota. Do not send cash. The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. Mail your renewal packet to the address on the process form, and allow 7 to 10 business days for processing and delivery. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license unless you have notified DVS of an address change — in which case you must renew in person.
In-Person Renewal at a DVS Office
In-person renewal is required if your license is expired more than one year, you need a new photo, you have an address change, or you have restrictions or endorsements that require testing. Bring your current license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). You will also need to pay the renewal fee by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
The renewal process at a DVS office typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have a new photo taken, answer questions about your health and driving record, and pay the fee. Your new license is printed on-site and you receive it before you leave. If you need a duplicate license or have other questions, DVS staff can help you at the same visit.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
Minnesota renewal fees are set by state law and do not vary by location or office. A four-year Class D license costs $24.50, and an eight-year Class D license costs $48. You choose the license term when you renew. Fees for other license classes (such as commercial or motorcycle licenses) are higher and vary by class.
At a DVS office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. By mail, payment must be by check or money order. Online, you must use a debit or credit card. If you are renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, DVS will contact you to collect payment before your license is issued.
What to Do If Your License Is Expired
If your Minnesota license is expired by one year or less, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a DVS office — online and mail renewal are not available. You will need to bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your current (expired) license, proof of identity, and proof of address.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Do not drive until your new license arrives. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you must show proof that your renewal is in process (such as a receipt from a mail renewal or a confirmation email from online renewal) to avoid a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota driver's license before it expires?
Yes. Minnesota allows you to renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire one year (or eight years, depending on which term you choose) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew in Minnesota?
A new photo is required every four or eight years when you renew, depending on which license term you chose. If you are renewing online or by mail, you cannot request a new photo — you must use your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DVS office.
How long does it take to receive my new license by mail in Minnesota?
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DVS receives your process. This does not include the time your envelope spends in the postal system before it reaches DVS. Mail your renewal packet early to allow time for postal delivery before your current license expires.
What if I moved to a different address in Minnesota?
If you have changed your address, you must renew in person at a DVS office. Online and mail renewal do not allow address changes. Bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) along with your current license and proof of identity.
Can I renew my Minnesota license if I have an out-of-state address?
No. Minnesota requires you to be a resident to hold a Minnesota driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Minnesota resident, you can renew online or by mail if you meet the other requirements, or you can renew in person when you return to Minnesota.