Yes, you can renew your Minnesota driver's license online if you meet certain conditions
Minnesota allows online renewal for driver's licenses and identification cards, but only if your license is still valid or expired for less than two years. You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, update your name, correct vision information, or add restrictions. The process takes place through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website, and you'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
The online renewal is faster than visiting a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person. Once you complete the transaction, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. The entire process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, though the physical card can take one to two weeks to arrive depending on mail delivery times.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired less than two years ago and you don't need to make changes to your personal information.
- Minnesota's online renewal happens through the Secretary of State's website, not through a separate app or third-party service.
- You will need your license number, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to complete the renewal.
- Your new license will be mailed to your current address on file, and delivery typically takes one to two weeks after approval.
- If you need to change your address, name, or vision information, you must renew in person at a DVS office instead.
Who can renew online and who must go in person
Online renewal is available only to people whose licenses are currently valid or expired for less than two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to renew in person and may need to retake the written test and road test depending on how long it has been expired.
You must visit a DVS office in person if any of the following explore: you need to change your mailing address, update your legal name, correct your vision information, add or remove driving restrictions, change your gender marker, or obtain a Real ID-compliant license for the first time. You also cannot renew online if you have an outstanding ticket, suspension, or revocation on your driving record.
If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies for online renewal, the Secretary of State's website has a tool that lets you check before you start the process. This saves you time if you discover partway through that you need to visit an office instead.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you begin: your current Minnesota driver's license or ID card, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card for the renewal fee. You will also need access to a computer or mobile device with an internet connection and a web browser.
The renewal fee for a driver's license in Minnesota is $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license. You choose the length when you renew. The fee is paid during the online transaction, and there are no additional charges if you renew through the Secretary of State's website.
Have your current address ready as well. The system will show the address on file with your license, and you can confirm it or update it during renewal. If you need to change your address, you can do so online during the renewal process — the restriction only applies to major changes like a different city or state that would require in-person verification.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Start by going to the Minnesota Secretary of State's website and finding the Driver and Vehicle Services section. Look for the online renewal option, which is clearly labeled. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Once you're verified, the system will pull up your current license information. Review all the details — name, address, date of birth, vision information, and any restrictions. If everything is correct, you can proceed. If you notice an error that you cannot fix online, stop and schedule an in-person appointment instead.
Next, you'll select the length of your new license (four or eight years) and review the fee. Enter your payment information — the system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation number. Save or print this number for your records.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives. If your current license is already expired, you may want to carry a printed copy of your confirmation email as proof of renewal in case you're stopped by law enforcement, though this is not required.
What happens after you renew online
After your renewal is processed, the Secretary of State's office will mail your new license to your address on file. Standard mail delivery typically takes one to two weeks, though it can occasionally take longer depending on your location and mail volume.
You do not need to do anything else while you wait. Your driving record remains active, and you can legally drive with your current expired license until your new one arrives. Once the new license is in your hands, destroy your old one or keep it for your records — Minnesota does not require you to return it.
If you don't receive your new license within three weeks, contact the Secretary of State's Driver and Vehicle Services office. Have your confirmation number ready. They can check the status of your renewal and remail the license if there was a delivery problem.
When you cannot renew online and must visit a DVS office
If your license has been expired for more than two years, online renewal is not an option. You will need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. Depending on how long your license has been expired, you may need to retake the written knowledge test, the vision test, or both. If it has been more than five years, you will likely need to retake the road test as well.
Address changes, name corrections, vision updates, and Real ID applications all require an in-person visit. You will also need to go in person if you have any suspensions, revocations, or outstanding violations on your record. The DVS office staff can tell you what documents you need to bring and what tests you may need to take.
To schedule an in-person appointment, visit the Secretary of State's website and use the appointment booking system. Most DVS offices allow you to book a time slot online, which reduces wait times. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but appointment holders are typically served first.
Real ID and other special license types
Minnesota offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which is required for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. You cannot obtain a Real ID license through online renewal — you must explore in person at a DVS office.
If you already have a Real ID license and it is still valid or expired for less than two years, you can renew it online using the same process described above. The online system will recognize your Real ID status and issue a new Real ID license by mail.
Minnesota also issues Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs), which allow you to cross the U.S.-Canada border by land or sea without a passport. Like Real ID licenses, EDLs cannot be obtained online for the first time, but you can renew an existing EDL online if it meets the expiration requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license will be mailed within one to two weeks after your renewal is processed. Delivery time depends on your location and mail service. You can continue driving with your current license until the new one arrives, even if it is expired.
Can I change my address during online renewal?
Yes, you can update your mailing address during the online renewal process. However, if you need to change your address to a different state or if there are other complications, you may need to visit a DVS office in person to verify the change.
What if I made a mistake during my online renewal?
If you notice an error after you've completed the renewal, contact the Secretary of State's Driver and Vehicle Services office with your confirmation number. They can cancel the renewal and help you start over, or they can correct certain information before your license is printed.
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DVS office. You may also need to retake the written test, vision test, or road test depending on how long it has been expired.
Do I need a Real ID to renew online?
No. You can renew a standard Minnesota driver's license online. If you want to obtain a Real ID license for the first time, you must visit a DVS office in person and bring documents that prove your identity and residency.