Yes, you can renew your Minnesota driver's license online if you meet the state's requirements

Minnesota allows online renewal through its Secretary of State website, but only if your license is not expired by more than one year and you have no medical conditions, address changes, or name changes to report. You cannot renew online if you need a Real ID, a corrected vision prescription, or a new photo. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person — $24.50 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license.

If you do not meet these conditions, you must renew in person at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office or through the mail. Understanding which route applies to you before you start saves time and prevents rejected submissions.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license is current or expired less than one year ago, and you have no address, name, or medical changes.
  • You will need your current Minnesota driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
  • Real ID compliance cannot be handled online — if you need a Real ID-compliant license, you must renew in person at a DVS office.
  • Processing takes about two weeks after you submit, and your new license will arrive by mail.
  • If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online and must visit a DVS office in person.

Who can renew online in Minnesota

You are may be able to access for online renewal if all of the following are true: your current license is not expired, or expired less than 12 months ago; you have no changes to your name, address, or medical information since your last license was issued; you do not need a Real ID; and you do not need a corrected vision prescription or new photograph.

If your license expired more than one year ago, Minnesota requires you to renew in person. The same applies if you have changed your address, name, or medical status, or if you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license. You also cannot renew online if you are under 21 and need a new photo, or if you have any outstanding traffic violations or holds on your driving record.

What you need to start an online renewal

Before you begin, gather your current Minnesota driver's license and have the last four digits of your Social Security number ready. You will also need a valid payment method — Minnesota accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The state does not accept checks, money orders, or cash for online renewal.

Have your license in front of you when you log in. You will need to enter your license number exactly as it appears, and the state will ask you to verify information like your date of birth and address. If any of this information is incorrect on your current license, you cannot fix it online and must renew in person instead.

Steps to renew your license online

Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will be directed to create or log into your account. Enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm it is correct.

Review the vision and medical questions. Answer honestly — if you have developed any new medical conditions that affect your ability to drive, or if your vision has changed, you must report this. Lying on these questions can result in your license being suspended or revoked. Once you confirm all information is accurate, enter your payment details and submit. You will receive a confirmation number when ready.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to verify your renewal was processed, you can log back into your account and check the status.

Real ID and why you cannot get it online

Real ID is a federal security standard for state-issued identification. Minnesota began issuing Real ID-compliant licenses in 2017, and as of May 2025, you need a Real ID license or passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not Real ID-compliant.

You cannot upgrade to Real ID online. If you want a Real ID license, you must visit a DVS office in person and bring original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Minnesota residency — typically a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address like a utility bill or lease. The office will take a new photo and issue your Real ID license on the spot or mail it within two weeks, depending on the office's process.

What happens after you submit your online renewal

The Minnesota Secretary of State processes online renewals in batches. Your submission is confirmed when ready, but the actual processing takes about two weeks. During this time, the state checks your driving record for any holds, unpaid tickets, or suspensions. If a problem is found, you will be notified by mail and your renewal may be denied.

Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. You do not need to do anything else — no signature is required upon delivery. If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Minnesota DVS office. Keep your confirmation number from your online submission in case you need to reference it.

When you must renew in person instead

Visit a Minnesota DVS office if your license expired more than one year ago, you have changed your name or address, you need a Real ID, you have a medical condition affecting your driving, or you need a corrected vision prescription. You will also need to renew in person if you are under 21 and your photo is more than four years old, or if you have any active suspensions or holds on your record.

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Processing at a DVS office usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Your new license can be issued the same day or mailed within two weeks, depending on whether you pay for a Real ID upgrade and whether the office has the equipment to print licenses on site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my license expired more than a year ago?

You cannot renew online and must visit a Minnesota DVS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You may also need to pass a vision test depending on how long ago your license expired.

Can I renew online if I changed my address?

No. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a DVS office so the state can verify your new address. Bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days.

What if I forgot my license number?

You will need your license number to start an online renewal. If you cannot find it, you must renew in person at a DVS office instead. Bring your Social Security card and proof of identity so staff can look up your license number in the system.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Processing takes about two weeks after you submit your renewal. Your new license will arrive by mail within that timeframe. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Can I renew online if I have a medical condition?

No. If you have any medical condition that affects your ability to drive — including vision problems, seizure disorders, or sleep apnea — you must renew in person. A DVS examiner will review your condition and may require a medical evaluation before issuing your new license.