Renewing Your Minnesota License Online, by Mail, or In Person

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website — it takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

Your license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age. You can renew up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online; you must go to a DVS office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota allows online renewal through the Secretary of State website if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo.
  • Online renewal costs $24.50 for a four-year license and $48.50 for an eight-year license, and takes about 10 minutes.
  • If you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a DVS office, which requires an appointment.
  • Mail renewal is available but slower; you must send your current license and a completed form to the state, and processing takes several weeks.
  • Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 5 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail.

Online Renewal Through the Secretary of State Website

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about any changes to your address, name, or medical conditions, then pay by credit or debit card.

Online renewal costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license. You cannot choose the length — Minnesota assigns it based on your age and whether you are a commercial driver. Your new license will arrive by mail in 5 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

You cannot renew online if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your name, or if you have certain medical conditions that require a new evaluation. In those cases, you must renew in person at a DVS office.

In-Person Renewal at a DVS Office

Renewing in person is required if you need a new photo, have changed your name, or your license has expired. You must make an appointment through the Minnesota Secretary of State website — walk-ins are not accepted. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

In-person renewal costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license. You will take a new photo at the office, and your license will be printed on the spot. You can drive home with it when ready. The appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

DVS offices are located throughout Minnesota. You can find the office nearest you and book an appointment on the Secretary of State website. Wait times vary by location and time of day; early morning appointments on weekdays tend to be shorter.

Mail Renewal

You can renew by mail if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. read and print the "process for Minnesota Driver's License" form from the Secretary of State website, fill it out, and mail it with your current license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $24.50 (four-year) or $48.50 (eight-year).

Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal. The state typically processes mail applications within 2 to 3 weeks, and your new license will arrive 5 to 10 business days after that. If you are renewing close to your expiration date, online renewal is safer because it is faster.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew — you must reapply as a new driver. This means taking the written test and road test again. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew, but you must do it in person at a DVS office. You cannot renew online or by mail once your license has expired.

Bring your expired license, proof of address, and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number. You will not need to take the tests again if you renew within one year of expiration, but you will need a new photo.

Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal

If you have moved, you can update your address during online renewal. straightforward enter your new address when prompted. If you have changed your name, you must renew in person at a DVS office and bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You can also change your address without renewing your license by visiting a DVS office or using the Secretary of State website, though the online address-change option is limited to certain situations. If you are renewing anyway, it is easiest to update your address at the same time.

Timeline and What to Expect

Plan your renewal based on how much time you have before your license expires. If you have more than a month, any method works. If you have less than a month, online renewal is safest because it is fastest — your new license should arrive before expiration. If your license has already expired, you must go in person.

After you renew online or by mail, you will receive a confirmation email or letter. Your new license will arrive in a plain envelope. If it does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Secretary of State to check the status. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if your current license has expired during the processing time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

No. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must reapply as a new driver, which includes taking the written and road tests. If it expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by going to a DVS office in person.

Do I have to get a new photo when I renew?

Not if you renew online or by mail — your current photo will be used. If you renew in person at a DVS office, you will get a new photo. You can also request a new photo during online renewal if you want one, but you would then need to renew in person instead.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

Online and mail renewal take 5 to 10 business days for delivery after processing. In-person renewal is fastest — you get your license when ready when you leave the office. Mail renewal takes an additional 2 to 3 weeks for the state to process before mailing it to you.

What if I move before my renewed license arrives?

Contact the Secretary of State with your new address, and they can redirect your license to the correct location. You can also pick it up at a DVS office if it has arrived there. Call the office where you renewed to ask about pickup options.

Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes. You can renew online as long as your current license shows the same vision correction requirement. If your vision has changed or you need to update your vision restriction, you must renew in person so the office can verify your vision.