What You Need to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Documents and information required for Minnesota license renewal

To renew your Minnesota driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and your current license or ID card. The state does not require you to pass a new written or road test unless you are renewing a commercial license or your license has been expired for more than five years. Most people can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office.

The exact documents you bring depend on which renewal method you choose and whether you are renewing a standard license, a Real ID, or a commercial license. Minnesota also requires you to verify your Social Security number and legal name, even if nothing has changed since your last renewal.

Key Takeaways

You must bring your current Minnesota driver's license or ID card, one proof of identity document, and one proof of residency document to any renewal method.
If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to visit a DVS office unless your license has been expired for more than five years or you are changing your name or address.
A Real ID renewal requires an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document — a copy is not accepted.
Commercial license renewals always require an in-person visit and a new medical certificate if you hold a hazmat endorsement.
Minnesota charges different fees for standard renewals, Real ID renewals, and commercial renewals; fees vary based on how many years you renew for.

Proof of identity documents Minnesota accepts

Minnesota requires one document that proves your identity. The state accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of two documents from a secondary list: a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a bank statement, a utility bill, or a lease agreement.

Your current Minnesota driver's license or ID card counts as proof of identity for renewal purposes, so you do not need to bring a second identity document if you still have it. If your license has been lost, stolen, or expired for more than five years, you must bring a primary identity document to the DVS office.

Proof of residency documents Minnesota accepts

You need one document showing your current Minnesota address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, vehicle registration, insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you have moved recently and your driver's license address no longer matches your actual residence, bring the residency document showing your new address. If you are renewing online or by mail and your address has not changed, you may not need to submit a residency document — the DVS will verify your address on file.

Differences between standard renewal and Real ID renewal

A standard Minnesota driver's license renewal requires proof of identity and residency but does not require original documents. A Real ID renewal requires an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or naturalization document. Photocopies and certified electronic documents are not accepted for Real ID.

Real ID licenses cost more than standard licenses and take longer to process. If you renew a standard license in person at a DVS office, you can usually drive home with a temporary license the same day. Real ID renewals are mailed to you and arrive within 5 to 10 business days. You cannot renew a Real ID by mail or online; you must visit a DVS office in person.

Commercial license renewal requirements

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DVS office in person and pass a new written test on commercial driving rules. You also need to bring your current CDL, proof of identity, proof of residency, and a current medical certificate signed by a licensed medical examiner.

The medical certificate is required for all CDL holders and must be dated within the last 24 months. If your CDL includes a hazmat endorsement, you must also pass a hazmat knowledge test and provide proof that you have passed a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check. Commercial license renewals take longer than standard renewals and require an appointment at most DVS offices.

Renewal by mail, online, or in person

Minnesota offers three renewal methods, and each has different document requirements. Online renewal is the fastest and requires only your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number — no documents need to be mailed. You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address.

Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form (available on the Minnesota DVS website), and payment to the DVS. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the DVS receives your materials. In-person renewal at a DVS office requires your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and payment. You receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 5 to 10 business days.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a DVS office. You will need to pass a new written test and an eye exam, and you may be required to pass a road test depending on how long your license has been expired.

Fees and renewal periods for Minnesota licenses

Minnesota license renewal fees depend on the type of license and how many years you renew for. Standard driver's license renewals cost different amounts for 4-year and 8-year renewals. Real ID renewals cost more than standard renewals. Commercial license renewals have separate fees and may include additional charges for hazmat endorsements or medical certificate processing.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you renew early, your new expiration date is calculated from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew. This means renewing early does not give you extra time on your license. Payment methods accepted at DVS offices include cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only.

Name or address changes during renewal

If you have changed your name or address since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) or proof of your new address, along with your proof of identity and residency documents. You cannot process a name change by mail or online.

If you have changed your address but not your name, you can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired. The DVS will update your address on file during the renewal process. If you are changing your address to outside Minnesota, you must surrender your Minnesota license and obtain a license from your new state.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DVS office in person, bring your proof of identity and residency, pass a written test and eye exam, and possibly a road test. The DVS will determine whether you need a road test based on how long your license has been expired.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to renew my license?

No, you do not need to bring your Social Security card. You will provide your Social Security number verbally or on the process form. Bring one primary proof of identity document instead, such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID.

What happens if I renew online but my address has changed?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew by mail or in person and bring proof of your new residency. If you attempt to renew online without updating your address first, the renewal will be rejected.

How long does a Real ID renewal take in Minnesota?

Real ID renewals are mailed to you and arrive within 5 to 10 business days after you complete your in-person visit at a DVS office. You cannot pick up a Real ID the same day. Bring your original birth certificate or passport to the office, as copies are not accepted.

Do I need a new medical certificate to renew my commercial license?

Yes, you must bring a current medical certificate signed by a licensed medical examiner dated within the last 24 months. If your certificate has expired, you must obtain a new one before you visit the DVS office to renew your commercial license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.