Documents and information required for a Minnesota license renewal
To renew your Minnesota driver's license, you need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The specific documents depend on whether you are renewing by mail, online, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Minnesota does not require you to pass a new written or road test during a standard renewal unless your license has been expired for more than one year or you have certain medical conditions.
The state accepts a limited list of documents for each category. Bringing the wrong documents will delay your renewal, so verify what you have before you go to the office or submit your process.
Key Takeaways
- You must provide one form of government-issued photo ID, one proof of Minnesota residency, and your Social Security number to renew.
- Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had certain violations in the past five years.
- Mail renewal requires a completed Form DL-44 and the same documents as in-person renewal, plus a check or money order for the renewal fee.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
- Minnesota charges different fees depending on your age and the length of your renewal period; fees range from approximately $30 to $85.
Documents you must bring for in-person renewal
Proof of identity: Bring one government-issued photo ID. Minnesota accepts a valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or an expired Minnesota driver's license or ID card (even if expired). You cannot use a school ID, work ID, or library card.
Proof of Minnesota residency: Bring one document showing your current name and Minnesota address. The state accepts a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, property tax statement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A piece of mail addressed to you at your Minnesota address is not enough on its own.
Social Security number: You do not need to bring a card, but you must provide your nine-digit number. DVS staff will verify it with the Social Security Administration.
Bring your current Minnesota driver's license or ID card if you have one. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Online renewal: who can use it and what to submit
Minnesota allows online renewal through the state's online services portal at mn.gov/dvs. You can renew online only if all of the following are true: your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions or conditions on your license, you have not been convicted of certain traffic violations in the past five years, and you are renewing a standard Class D license (not a commercial license or motorcycle endorsement).
To renew online, you will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. You will also need a valid payment method—a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The online system will not accept cash or money orders. After you submit your renewal, the state will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically takes 5 to 10 business days after approval.
If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail renewal: forms and fees
To renew by mail, read and complete Form DL-44 from the DVS website or request it by phone at 651-297-2126 or 1-888-646-6841. Mail the completed form along with copies of your proof of identity and proof of residency. Do not mail original documents; send copies only. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to "Minnesota DVS."
Mail your packet to the address listed on Form DL-44. Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks after the state receives your process. If you need your license sooner, renew in person instead. Do not send cash through the mail.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. If you are moving, update your address before you mail your renewal so the license arrives at the correct location.
In-person renewal at a DVS office
To renew in person, visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office in Minnesota. Bring all required documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, your current license, and be prepared to provide your Social Security number. You will fill out a short form at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. In-person renewal typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after you pay the fee. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to you within 5 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.
DVS offices are located in most Minnesota counties. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the state website. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Call ahead or check online before you go.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Minnesota renewal fees depend on your age and how long your new license will be valid. Drivers under 65 typically renew for four years; drivers 65 and older renew for two years. The state charges approximately $30 to $40 for a four-year renewal and $20 to $25 for a two-year renewal, though exact amounts vary. If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than one year, you may pay a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee.
Payment methods vary by renewal route. Online renewal accepts debit cards, credit cards, and electronic checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices, though some offices may have different payment options. Call your local DVS office to confirm what they accept.
When you must renew in person instead of by mail or online
You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than one year. In that case, you must renew in person at a DVS office. You may also be required to retake the written knowledge test if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you have certain medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or hazmat endorsement, you must renew in person. The same applies if you have medical restrictions on your license or if you have been convicted of certain traffic violations. If you are unsure whether you can renew by mail or online, call DVS at 651-297-2126 or check the state website before you submit your process.
Common mistakes that delay renewal
The most common error is bringing documents that do not meet the state's requirements. For example, a utility bill dated more than 30 days ago will not count as proof of residency, and a school ID will not count as proof of identity. Check the dates on your documents and verify the list of acceptable documents before you explore.
Another frequent mistake is submitting an incomplete Form DL-44 or providing incorrect information. Make sure you sign and date the form and that all fields are filled in clearly. If you mail your renewal, include copies of your documents, not originals, and include payment. If payment is missing or the check is not signed, the state will return your process without processing it.
If you are renewing online, make sure your license is not expired and that you meet all other may be able to access requirements. Attempting to renew online when you do not meet the criteria will result in a rejection, and you will have to start over with a mail or in-person renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota license if it has been expired for two years?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a DVS office. You may also be required to retake the written knowledge test. Bring all required documents and be prepared to spend 30 to 45 minutes at the office. Call ahead to confirm whether your local office requires an appointment.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order—along with your other required documents. If you are renewing by mail, send a copy of the name-change document. If you are renewing online, you may not be able to complete the process and should renew in person or by mail instead.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. If you renew online, the state mails your license within 5 to 10 business days after approval.
Can I renew my license if I do not have a proof of residency document?
No. Minnesota requires one document showing your current name and address dated within the last 30 days. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, contact your local DVS office to ask about alternative documents or options.
What happens if I renew online but I do not meet the requirements?
The online system will reject your process during the verification step. You will not be charged, and you can then renew by mail or in person. Do not attempt to renew online multiple times; instead, use the mail or in-person route from the start if you know you do not meet the online requirements.