Yes, you can renew your Minnesota driver's license online if you meet certain conditions

Minnesota allows online renewal through its Secretary of State website, but not everyone qualifies. You can renew online if your license is still valid (not expired more than five years ago), you have no medical or legal restrictions on your driving record, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. If you meet these requirements, the process takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50.

If you do not meet these conditions — for example, if your license expired more than five years ago or you have changed addresses — you will need to renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office instead. This guide walks you through what online renewal requires, who cannot use it, and what to do if you need to renew another way.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license is valid, you have no medical holds or legal restrictions, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
  • You will need your current Minnesota driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
  • The online renewal fee is $24.50, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DVS office in person, and you will need to bring your current license, proof of residence, and proof of identity.
  • Minnesota driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.

Who can and cannot renew online

You are may be able to access for online renewal if all of these are true: your current license has not expired more than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions or legal holds on your driving record, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and you are renewing a standard driver's license (not a commercial license or motorcycle endorsement). If any of these do not explore to you, online renewal is not available.

You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have a medical condition flagged on your record, if you are changing your name or address, or if you are adding or removing endorsements like motorcycle or commercial driving privileges. In these cases, you must go to a DVS office in person. You also cannot renew online if you are a commercial driver — those renewals always require an in-person visit.

What you need to renew online

Before you start, gather your current Minnesota driver's license and have your Social Security number ready. You will also need a valid payment method — Minnesota accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Do not start the process unless you have all three of these items available.

The online system will ask you to enter your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. It will then show you the information on file and ask you to confirm it is correct. If anything is wrong — even a small detail — stop and visit a DVS office instead, because you cannot make corrections online.

How to renew through the Minnesota Secretary of State website

Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and look for the Driver License Renewal section. You will see a link for online renewal; click it to begin. The system will walk you through several screens where you confirm your identity, review your current information, and choose your payment method.

After you submit your payment, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save this number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal. Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

What happens if your information has changed

If you have moved, changed your name, or updated any other information since your last renewal, you cannot use online renewal. You must visit a DVS office in person to make these changes. Bring your current license, a document proving your new address (like a utility bill or lease), and a document proving your identity (like a passport or state ID).

The same rule applies if you want to add an endorsement, remove a restriction, or correct any error on your license. Even small mistakes — a misspelled middle name, a wrong date — require an in-person visit. Do not try to work around this by renewing online with old information and then updating later; the system will reject your renewal if it detects a mismatch.

When you can renew and how long it takes

Minnesota allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Your expiration date is your birthday, so you can start the renewal process on your birthday the year before. For example, if your license expires on March 15, 2026, you can renew starting March 15, 2025.

Online renewal is when ready — you will see your confirmation on screen right after payment. However, your physical license card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. If you need to drive before it arrives, your current license remains valid. If you need a license sooner than that, you can visit a DVS office in person and receive a temporary license on the spot.

What to do if you cannot renew online

If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, find your nearest DVS office on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. You can search by city or zip code. Call ahead if you can — some offices take appointments, and wait times vary by location.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (like a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your identity (like a passport, military ID, or birth certificate). If you have changed your address, also bring a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The in-person renewal fee is the same as online: $24.50. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than five years ago?

No. If your license expired more than five years ago, Minnesota considers it too old to renew by mail or online. You must visit a DVS office in person and may need to retake the written test and eye exam, depending on how long it has been expired.

What if I have a medical restriction on my license?

You cannot renew online if you have any medical restrictions or holds. You must visit a DVS office in person so a staff member can review your medical status and determine whether the restriction should remain, be removed, or be updated.

Will my new license arrive before my current one expires?

Usually yes — if you renew online, your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, and your expiration date is your birthday. However, if you renew very close to your birthday, there is a small chance it may not arrive in time. Your current license remains valid to drive until the new one arrives, even if your birthday passes.

Can I change my address when I renew online?

No. Online renewal only works if your address has not changed. If you have moved, you must visit a DVS office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

What if I made a mistake during online renewal?

Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State Driver License Office by phone or visit a DVS office in person. Bring your confirmation number from your online renewal. Staff can help you correct errors, though some corrections may require you to renew again or visit in person.