You can renew your Minnesota license online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license through Drive.mn.gov, the state's official licensing portal, without visiting a branch office — but only if you meet certain conditions. The online route is fastest: you can complete it in minutes, pay the fee, and receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't may have access to for online renewal, you can renew by mail or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.

The key requirement is that your license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license — those changes require an in-person visit or a mail-in form signed by you.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through Drive.mn.gov takes 5 to 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license.
  • You must have a valid Minnesota license that is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years to renew online.
  • Mail-in renewal requires Form DL44 (process for Minnesota Driver's License), a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office is required if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your name or address.
  • Minnesota licenses expire on your birthday in the month shown on your card, and renewal notices are mailed 60 days before expiration.

How to renew online through Drive.mn.gov

Go to Drive.mn.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Minnesota driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.

Review your information on screen. If everything is correct — your name, address, and other details match what you want on your new license — proceed to payment. Minnesota accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license. After you pay, you will receive a confirmation number by email.

Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, you can pay an additional fee for expedited shipping at the time of renewal, though this option is not always available for all renewal types.

Mail-in renewal: when and how to use it

Mail-in renewal is an option if you cannot renew online or prefer not to. read or request Form DL44 (process for Minnesota Driver's License) from the Secretary of State website or call the Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-297-3298. Complete the form by hand — do not type it — and sign it in front of a notary public or at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.

Mail the signed form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee ($24.50 for four years or $48.50 for eight years) to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current license if possible. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date Minnesota receives your envelope, plus mail transit time both ways.

Use mail-in renewal if you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license, or if your license has been expired for more than five years. You cannot pay by credit card through the mail.

In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

Visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office if your license is suspended or revoked, or if you prefer to renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). Payment is accepted in cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the Driver and Vehicle Services website for office hours and locations near you. Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time. In-person renewal is completed on the spot, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew your license online or by mail if it is suspended or revoked. You must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. Before you can renew, you must resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation — this might mean paying outstanding fines, completing a court-ordered program, or satisfying other legal requirements.

Contact the Driver and Vehicle Services office or check your suspension or revocation notice to learn what steps you must take. Once you have resolved the issue, bring proof of resolution (such as a receipt showing fines paid or a certificate of completion) to your in-person appointment. The office staff will verify that the suspension or revocation has been lifted before processing your renewal.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Minnesota offers two renewal periods: four years and eight years. A four-year license costs $24.50 and an eight-year license costs $48.50. The eight-year option is available to most drivers and is the better value if you plan to keep your license for a long time.

Your license expires on your birthday in the month printed on your card. For example, if your card says "Expires 03/2028," your license expires on your birthday in March 2028. Minnesota mails renewal notices 60 days before expiration, so you should receive notice well in advance. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Real ID compliance and renewal

Minnesota driver's licenses are Real ID compliant by default. This means your license can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings without additional documents. When you renew your license, your new license will also be Real ID compliant as long as you provide proof of your Social Security number and current address.

If you do not want a Real ID compliant license, you can request a standard license instead, though this is rare. A standard license cannot be used for federal purposes and requires a passport or other federal ID for air travel. Most people keep the Real ID compliant license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of your current address. The office will process your renewal as if it were a new license process.

What if I moved and need to update my address?

You cannot update your address online during renewal. Use mail-in renewal with Form DL44 or visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. Both methods allow you to change your address at the same time you renew your license. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

How long does it take to get my license after I renew online?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. This does not include weekends or holidays. If you need your license sooner, ask about expedited shipping options when you renew, though availability varies.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

No. Online and mail-in renewal use your existing photo from your current license. You only need a new photo if you renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office, or if your current photo is more than eight years old.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

You cannot renew online if your name has changed. Use mail-in renewal with Form DL44 or visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. Bring legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Both methods will update your name on your new license.