What You Can and Cannot Renew Online in Minnesota

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license online through the state's Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) website, but only if you meet specific conditions. You can renew online if your license is still valid or expired for no more than two years, you have no medical or vision restrictions that need updating, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person at a DVS office.

The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year renewal or $48.50 for an eight-year renewal. You pay by debit or credit card during the transaction. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances, though processing times can vary during high-volume periods.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license or a Minnesota ID card instead of a driver's license, you cannot use the online renewal system — those require an in-person visit to a DVS office with specific documents.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your license expired within the last two years, you have no medical restrictions, and your name and address have not changed.
  • Online renewal costs $24.50 for four years or $48.50 for eight years, and you pay by debit or credit card at the time of renewal.
  • Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you do not receive a temporary license during this wait.
  • Real ID licenses and Minnesota ID cards require in-person renewal at a DVS office with original documents.
  • You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the online renewal.

Step-by-Step Process for Online Renewal

Start by going to the Minnesota DVS website at dvs.state.mn.us and selecting the "Renew a Driver's License" option. You will be directed to a find portal where you enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system verifies your identity against state records before allowing you to proceed.

Once verified, you review your current information on file — name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If any detail is incorrect, you must stop and renew in person instead, because the online system does not allow you to change this information. If everything matches, you confirm your information and select your renewal term: four years or eight years.

Next, you choose your payment method (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover debit or credit card) and enter your card details. After payment processes, you receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save this number — you may need it to track your renewal or if questions arise during processing.

What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal

Minnesota DVS processes online renewals in the order they are received. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary license or a paper receipt to use while you wait — your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, as long as it has not already expired.

If your old license has already expired, you technically cannot drive legally while waiting for the new one to arrive. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must go to a DVS office in person and request an interim license, which costs an additional fee.

If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact DVS at 651-297-2126 (Twin Cities area) or 1-888-646-6841 (toll-free). Have your confirmation number ready. DVS can check the status of your renewal and reissue the license if it was lost in transit.

Documents and Information You Need Before Starting

Gather these items before you begin the online renewal process: your current Minnesota driver's license, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will enter your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth into the online system to verify your identity.

Make sure your address on file with DVS is current. If you have moved since your last renewal and have not updated your address with DVS, you must do that in person before renewing online. The online system will not let you change your address — it only allows you to confirm the address already in the system.

If you have changed your name since your last renewal (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you cannot renew online. You must visit a DVS office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Common Reasons Your Online Renewal Will Be Rejected

The online system will stop your renewal if your license expired more than two years ago. Minnesota considers licenses expired longer than two years to be invalid, and you must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of identity to complete the renewal.

If your license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or restrictions on driving at night), you cannot renew online. You must visit a DVS office so an examiner can verify that your medical condition has not changed. The same applies if your license has any endorsements that require testing or verification, such as a motorcycle endorsement or commercial driver's license (CDL) restrictions.

If your name or address does not match what is currently in the DVS system, the online renewal will fail. This happens most often when someone has moved and not updated their address, or when a name change was not processed correctly during a previous transaction. In either case, you must go to a DVS office to correct the information before you can renew.

In-Person Renewal as an Alternative

If you cannot renew online, you can renew in person at any Minnesota DVS office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months), and proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate). The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you receive a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 60 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

In-person renewal costs the same as online renewal — $24.50 for four years or $48.50 for eight years — but you may pay by cash, check, or card. If you need a Real ID-compliant license, you must renew in person and bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or passport card, plus proof of Social Security number and proof of residency.

DVS offices are located throughout Minnesota. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DVS website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Call ahead or check online before you go to avoid a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Minnesota only allows online renewal if your license expired within the last two years. If it expired longer ago than that, you must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of identity.

What if I moved and have not updated my address with DVS yet?

You cannot renew online if your address is not current in the system. Visit a DVS office in person to update your address first, then you can renew online if your license still meets the other requirements. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last three months.

Do I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one to arrive?

No. Online renewal does not include a temporary license. Your old license stays valid until your new one arrives, as long as it has not already expired. If your old license is already expired, you cannot drive legally until the new one arrives. You must visit a DVS office in person to get an interim license if you need to drive before your new license arrives.

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

Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days under normal processing. Delivery time depends on your location and mail service. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, contact DVS at 651-297-2126 or 1-888-646-6841 with your confirmation number.

Can I renew online if I need a Real ID license?

No. Real ID licenses require an in-person visit to a DVS office. You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or passport card, plus proof of Social Security number and proof of residency. The office will issue a temporary Real ID on the spot.