How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Minnesota driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or at a Driver and Vehicle Services office — and which method you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your license is a REAL ID. If your license expires soon and you have not yet renewed, you can start the process right now through the Minnesota Secretary of State website or by visiting an office in person.

The online method is fastest if you are may be able to access: you answer questions about your address and driving record, pay the fee, and receive a temporary digital license on the spot. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time Minnesota receives your process. In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office is when ready — you walk out with your new license the same day.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online if your license is not a REAL ID, you have not changed your address, and you have no medical conditions or restrictions to update.
Mail renewal requires you to send a completed form MV5 along with your current license and payment to the address on the form; processing takes about two weeks.
In-person renewal at any Driver and Vehicle Services office takes about 30 minutes and your new license is ready the same day.
REAL ID licenses must be renewed in person because you must show original documents proving your identity and Minnesota residency.
The renewal fee is $48 for a four-year license or $96 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your method.

Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website

Minnesota's online renewal system is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You go to the Secretary of State website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and answer questions about your current address, medical conditions, and driving record. If everything matches Minnesota's records and you have no changes to report, you can pay the fee by credit or debit card and receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can use while your physical license is in the mail.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license is a REAL ID (marked with a gold star), if you have moved to a new address since your last renewal, if you have any medical conditions or restrictions, or if your driving record shows violations or suspensions. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Your new physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary digital license is valid for driving during that time, though some insurance companies and law enforcement may not yet recognize it — if you need a physical card when ready, go in person instead.

Mail renewal using form MV5

To renew by mail, read or request form MV5 from the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Fill in your current information, sign and date the form, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash.

Minnesota processes mail renewals in the order they are received. Most applications are processed within two weeks, though during busy periods it can take longer. You can track the status of your renewal by calling the Driver and Vehicle Services customer service line or checking the Secretary of State website if you have a confirmation number.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you have moved since your last renewal, you must renew in person or update your address before mailing the form — mail renewal does not allow address changes. If you need your license before the new one arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.

In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

You can walk into any Driver and Vehicle Services office in Minnesota and renew your license on the spot. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have moved, you must bring proof of your new address.

The office will take a new photo, verify your information, collect the renewal fee, and issue your new license before you leave. The whole process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You can find office locations and hours on the Secretary of State website, and some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.

In-person renewal is required if you hold a REAL ID license, because you must show original documents proving your identity and Minnesota residency. It is also the only option if you have changed your address, have medical conditions to report, or need your new license the same day.

REAL ID license renewal requirements

A REAL ID license is marked with a gold star and is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If your current license is a REAL ID, you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office — you cannot renew online or by mail.

When you renew a REAL ID in person, you must bring original documents proving your identity and Minnesota residency. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document showing your current address.

If you do not have a REAL ID and want one, you can request it during in-person renewal. The fee is the same as a standard license renewal. If you want to keep your current non-REAL ID license, you can renew it by mail or online as long as you meet the other requirements.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Minnesota charges $48 for a four-year driver's license renewal or $96 for an eight-year renewal. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You cannot choose the length of your renewal — Minnesota assigns it based on your age and when your current license expires.

Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders made payable to the State of Minnesota — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. If you are renewing by mail and do not have a check or money order, you can renew online or in person instead.

What to do if your license has expired or is about to expire

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it by mail or in person using the same process. You cannot renew an expired license online — you must go to a Driver and Vehicle Services office or mail in form MV5. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you have applied for renewal.

If your license expires within 30 days, you can renew now using any method. Minnesota recommends renewing at least two weeks before expiration to avoid driving with an expired license. If you are close to expiration and choose mail renewal, understand that processing takes about two weeks — if your license expires before your new one arrives, you will be driving illegally until the new one comes.

If you need to drive before your renewal is processed, you can request a temporary paper license at any Driver and Vehicle Services office. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and costs $5. You can also renew in person to get your new license the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota license if I have moved out of state?

No. You must be a Minnesota resident to hold a Minnesota driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department to find out what documents you need and whether they will give you credit for your Minnesota license.

What happens if I renew online but my information does not match Minnesota's records?

The online system will tell you when ready that you are not may be able to access and will not process your renewal. You will need to renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office so staff can verify your identity and update your records. Bring your current license and proof of your address.

How long is my temporary digital license valid after online renewal?

Your temporary digital license is valid for driving until your physical license arrives, which is usually 7 to 10 business days. After that, you must have your physical license. Some insurance companies and law enforcement may not yet recognize the digital license, so keep your current physical license with you as backup.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Yes, you can renew your license even if you have unpaid traffic fines. However, Minnesota may suspend your license for unpaid fines, and you will not be able to renew until the suspension is lifted. Check the Secretary of State website or call customer service to see if your license is currently suspended.

What if I need my new license before the mail renewal arrives?

You can go to a Driver and Vehicle Services office and request a temporary paper license for $5, which is valid for 30 days. Or you can renew in person to get your new license the same day. If you choose to wait for mail renewal, your temporary digital license (if you renewed online) or your current physical license is still valid for driving until the new one arrives.

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.