Minnesota driver's licenses renew every four or eight years depending on your age

Minnesota sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, by mail, or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website — but not all methods work for every situation. If you're under 21, have certain medical conditions, or are renewing for the first time after a suspension, you must go in person.

The state charges a renewal fee that varies based on your license type and how many years you're renewing for. Standard passenger licenses cost less than commercial licenses. If you renew before your current license expires, you won't lose any time on your new one — it starts the day you get it, not the day the old one would have ended.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota mails renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation.
  • Online renewal is fastest and cheapest if you're over 21, have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last license.
  • In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if you're under 21, have vision or medical conditions, or are renewing after a suspension or revocation.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to any in-person appointment.
  • A new license takes about two weeks to arrive by mail after you renew; you can request a temporary paper license at the DVS office to use when ready.

Renewing online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you meet the requirements. You must be at least 21 years old, have no medical restrictions on your license, and your address must be the same as what's on file with the state. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).

The process takes about 10 minutes. You answer questions about your address, any name changes, and whether your vision has changed. The state charges a flat renewal fee — currently $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license — and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

If you're denied online renewal, the system will tell you why and direct you to renew in person or by mail instead. Common reasons include a recent address change that hasn't been processed yet or a medical condition flagged in your record.

Renewing by mail if you can't go online or in person

Mail renewal is available if you don't meet the online requirements but don't need to appear in person. You'll receive a renewal form with your notice; fill it out, include a copy of your current license, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Processing takes about three to four weeks from the time the state receives your envelope.

Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal. You cannot pay by credit or debit card through the mail — only check or money order. If you've moved since your last license, you'll need to include proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Mail renewal is slower than online, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, but there's no way to speed up the process once you've mailed your form.

Renewing in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

In-person renewal is required if you're under 21, have medical restrictions or vision problems on your license, are renewing after a suspension or revocation, or if you've changed your name or address and need to update your record. You can also choose to renew in person even if you're not required to — some people prefer it because you get a temporary paper license on the spot and can leave with proof of renewal.

Find your nearest DVS office on the Minnesota Secretary of State website and check their hours before you go. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, but some have limited weekend hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices offer online scheduling to reduce wait times.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance document dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. The DVS office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot.

What happens if your license has been suspended or revoked

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license online or by mail. You must go to a DVS office in person, and the office will check your record before processing the renewal. If your suspension is still active, they will not renew your license until the suspension is lifted.

Suspensions in Minnesota are typically lifted automatically once you've met the requirements — paying fines, completing a DUI program, or serving a waiting period. Check your suspension status on the Secretary of State website or call the DVS at 651-296-6911 before going to the office. If your suspension has been lifted, bring proof of completion (certificate from a program, receipt of payment, or court documents) to speed up the process.

If your license was revoked rather than suspended, renewal is more complex and may require a hearing or reinstatement process. The DVS office can tell you what steps you need to take.

Fees and what to expect after you renew

Minnesota charges $24.50 for a four-year license renewal and $48.50 for an eight-year renewal. These fees explore whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Seniors over 65 may be charged a lower fee — check with the DVS office or the Secretary of State website for current rates.

After you renew, your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. If you renewed in person, you can request a temporary paper license (valid for 60 days) to carry while you wait for your new card. This temporary license has the same legal standing as your regular license for driving purposes.

If your new license doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact the DVS office where you renewed or call 651-296-6911. Keep your renewal receipt in case you need to prove you've renewed.

Renewing if you've moved out of state or changed your name

If you've moved out of Minnesota, you cannot renew your Minnesota license. You must get a license from your new state. However, if you're a Minnesota resident temporarily living out of state (military, work assignment, school), you may be able to renew by mail or online if your Minnesota address is still on file.

If you've changed your name since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person. Bring your current license and proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DVS office will update your record and issue a new license with your current name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes. Minnesota allows you to renew up to two years after expiration. However, an expired license is not valid for driving, so you should renew as soon as you notice it's expired. If it's been more than two years, you'll need to take the written and vision tests again, as if you were getting a new license.

What if I don't receive my renewal notice in the mail?

You don't need the notice to renew — it's just a reminder. Check your license expiration date and renew online, by mail, or in person before that date. If you've moved recently, the notice may have gone to your old address. Update your address with the DVS before renewing to make sure future notices reach you.

Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition or vision problem?

It depends on the condition. Some medical conditions require in-person renewal and a vision test. If your license has a medical restriction (like "corrective lenses required"), you must renew in person so the DVS can verify the restriction is still necessary. Bring any medical documentation your doctor recommends.

How long is my new license valid after I renew?

Minnesota licenses are valid for four or eight years from the date you renew, depending on which term you choose at renewal. Your new license will expire on the date printed on the front. You'll receive a renewal notice about 60 days before it expires.

What if I need to renew before my notice arrives?

You can renew anytime within 60 days before your license expires — you don't have to wait for the notice. Renewing early doesn't cost extra, and your new license will start the day you renew, not the day your old one would have expired.