Minnesota renewal fees depend on your license type and how long you renew it for
Minnesota charges different renewal fees based on whether you hold a standard driver's license, a commercial driver's license (CDL), or an ID card. The state also offers renewal periods of four or eight years, and the fee changes based on which you choose. A standard driver's license renewed for four years costs less than an eight-year renewal, but you'll renew more often.
As of 2024, a four-year standard driver's license renewal costs $24.50. An eight-year renewal costs $48.75. These are the base fees charged by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. If you renew by mail or online, there are no additional processing fees beyond these amounts.
Commercial driver's licenses cost more. A four-year CDL renewal is $48.75, and an eight-year CDL renewal is $97.50. Minnesota ID cards (non-driver identification) follow the same structure: $24.50 for four years, $48.75 for eight years.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Minnesota driver's license renewal costs $24.50 for four years or $48.75 for eight years as of 2024.
- Commercial driver's licenses cost $48.75 for four years or $97.50 for eight years.
- Minnesota ID cards cost the same as standard licenses: $24.50 for four years or $48.75 for eight years.
- You pay only the renewal fee itself when you renew by mail or online; there are no separate processing or handling charges.
- Fees may change year to year, so confirm the current amount on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website before you pay.
How to pay your renewal fee
Minnesota accepts payment by check, money order, or credit card, depending on how you renew. If you renew online through the state's website, you must pay by credit or debit card. If you renew by mail, you can send a check or money order with your process.
Do not send cash by mail. Make checks or money orders payable to "Minnesota Department of Public Safety." Include your driver's license number on the check so the payment is matched to your record. Mail your payment and renewal form to the address listed on the renewal notice you receive from the state.
If you renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices may have additional payment options, so call ahead if you have a preference.
When your renewal fee is higher
You may pay more than the standard renewal fee if you need to add endorsements to your license, such as a motorcycle endorsement or hazmat endorsement for commercial drivers. Each endorsement adds a separate fee. Minnesota charges $10 for most endorsements when added during renewal.
If you renew in person and need a duplicate or corrected license issued at the same time, there is an additional $10 fee for the duplicate. This is separate from your renewal fee.
Drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked must pay a reinstatement fee before they can renew. Reinstatement fees range from $50 to $680 depending on the reason for suspension and how many times you have been suspended. You must pay the reinstatement fee before the renewal fee takes effect.
Refunds and fee disputes
Minnesota does not refund renewal fees once your process has been processed and your new license has been issued. If you discover an error on your renewed license, you can request a corrected license, but this does not refund your original renewal fee. The corrected license itself is free if the error was made by the state.
If you paid by check or money order and your process was rejected before processing (for example, because required documents were missing), the state will return your payment. This can take several weeks. If you paid by credit card and your process was rejected, contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to request a refund.
Comparing four-year and eight-year renewal costs
Choosing between a four-year and eight-year renewal affects how often you pay and how much you pay per year. An eight-year renewal costs twice as much upfront but spreads the cost over twice as long, making it cheaper per year. A four-year renewal costs less money now but requires you to renew again sooner.
| License Type | 4-Year Renewal | 8-Year Renewal | Cost Per Year (4-Year) | Cost Per Year (8-Year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Driver's License | $24.50 | $48.75 | $6.13 | $6.09 |
| Commercial Driver's License | $48.75 | $97.50 | $12.19 | $12.19 |
| Minnesota ID Card | $24.50 | $48.75 | $6.13 | $6.09 |
The difference in cost per year is small, so your choice should depend on your preference for renewal frequency rather than savings. Some drivers prefer the four-year option because they move, change their appearance, or want to update their information more often. Others prefer eight years to reduce the number of times they handle renewal paperwork.
What happens if you don't pay your renewal fee
If you submit a renewal process without payment, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety will not process it. Your current license remains valid until its expiration date. You must pay the renewal fee and resubmit your process before your license expires, or your license will become invalid.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you have submitted a renewal process. The state considers your license expired on the date printed on it, regardless of whether you have applied to renew. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you submitted a renewal process, but this does not prevent a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license without paying the full fee?
No. Minnesota does not offer reduced or partial renewal fees based on income or hardship. The fee is the same for all drivers. If you cannot afford the renewal fee at the time your license expires, you must wait until you can pay it, then submit your process. Your license will be expired during this time, so you cannot legally drive.
Do I have to pay the renewal fee if I renew online?
Yes. Online renewal requires payment by credit or debit card before your process is submitted. You cannot complete an online renewal without paying the fee. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
What if I paid the wrong amount?
Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety when ready. If you underpaid, you will need to send the difference before your process can be processed. If you overpaid, the state will either refund the difference or explore it to a future renewal, depending on the amount and your request.
Does Minnesota charge a fee to renew a license that has been expired for more than a year?
Yes. An expired license is renewed at the standard renewal fee, regardless of how long it has been expired. However, if your license was suspended or revoked, you must pay the reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee. The reinstatement fee is higher and depends on the reason for suspension.
Are there any discounts for renewing multiple licenses at once?
No. Minnesota charges the renewal fee for each license separately. If you hold both a standard driver's license and a motorcycle endorsement, you pay one renewal fee. If you hold a standard license and a separate ID card, you pay two separate fees.