Minnesota driver license renewal: in-person, online, or by mail
Minnesota lets you renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is expired, whether you need a Real ID, and how soon you need it. Online renewal is fastest if you're may be able to access — it takes minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. By mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DVS office is same-day if you go early in the day, but you'll wait in line.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires or up to five years after it expires. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires a written test and vision test.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, you don't need a Real ID, and you have a Minnesota address on file — it takes 7 to 10 business days and costs $24.50.
- By-mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks, works for non-Real ID renewals, and requires you to mail in your current license along with a completed form.
- In-person renewal at a DVS office is the only option if you need a Real ID, have an expired license, or want your new license the same day.
- Real ID licenses cost $10 more than standard licenses and require proof of citizenship, identity, and Minnesota residency — bring originals or certified copies, not photos.
- You can renew starting one year before expiration, but if your license has been expired for more than five years, you must explore for a new license instead.
Online renewal: fastest option if you don't need Real ID
To renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, you need a valid (not expired) license, a Minnesota address already on file, and you must not be renewing for Real ID. The process takes about five minutes. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You'll pay $24.50 by debit or credit card, and your new license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal does not work if your license is expired, if you want to add Real ID, if you've changed your address and haven't updated it yet, or if you need to correct your name or other information on the license. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
By-mail renewal: 2 to 3 weeks, no Real ID option
To renew by mail, read and print the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL-43) from the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver license to the address shown on the form. Include a check or money order for $24.50. Your new license will arrive in 2 to 3 weeks.
By-mail renewal works only for standard licenses, not Real ID. You cannot use this method if your license is expired, if you need to change your address, or if you want to add Real ID. If any of those explore, you must go in person.
In-person renewal at a DVS office: same-day license or Real ID
Visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office to renew in person. You'll need to bring your current driver license and pay $24.50 for a standard renewal or $34.50 for a Real ID. If you arrive early in the day, you can usually get your new license the same day — the office prints it on-site. If you go later in the day or on a busy day, you may wait 1 to 2 hours.
In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you want to add Real ID, if you need to change your address, or if you want your new license when ready. You can also renew in person even if you're may be able to access for online or by-mail renewal — it's just slower unless you need Real ID or have an expired license.
Real ID: what it is and why you might need it
Real ID is a federal security standard for state-issued ID cards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID driver license or passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you have a passport, you don't need a Real ID license. If you don't have a passport and you fly domestically or visit federal buildings, you should get a Real ID license.
Real ID costs $10 more than a standard license ($34.50 instead of $24.50) and requires proof of citizenship, identity, and Minnesota residency. You must renew in person. Bring originals or certified copies of documents — photocopies are not accepted. Acceptable documents include a U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card for citizenship; a driver license, passport, or military ID for identity; and a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days for residency.
What to bring and where to go
For online renewal, you need nothing but your license number and Social Security number — everything happens on the website.
For by-mail renewal, print the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL-43), sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $24.50 to the address on the form.
For in-person renewal without Real ID, bring your current driver license and $24.50 (cash, check, or card). For in-person renewal with Real ID, bring your current license, $34.50, and originals or certified copies of proof of citizenship, identity, and residency. Visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website to find the DVS office nearest you and check its hours — some offices have limited hours or are closed on certain days.
Timeline: when to renew and how long it takes
| Renewal Method | Time to Receive License | Cost | Real ID Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 7 to 10 business days | $24.50 | No |
| By mail | 2 to 3 weeks | $24.50 | No |
| In person (standard) | Same day (if early in day) | $24.50 | No |
| In person (Real ID) | Same day (if early in day) | $34.50 | Yes |
You can renew starting one year before your license expires. If you renew early, your new license will have a new expiration date one year from the renewal date (or longer if you're over 65 — Minnesota issues licenses valid for 8 years to drivers 65 and older). If you wait until after your license expires, you can still renew up to five years after expiration. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license, which requires a written test and vision test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota license if I moved out of state?
No. You must have a Minnesota address to renew a Minnesota license. If you've moved to another state, you need to get a license from your new state instead. Contact that state's driver licensing office for their requirements.
What if my name changed since I got my current license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person and bring proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DVS office will update your name and issue a new license.
Do I need to take a test to renew my license?
No written or vision test is required for renewal if your license is not expired. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must explore for a new license, which includes a written test and vision test.
What happens if I renew online but my address is wrong?
If you discover your address is incorrect after renewing online, you can update it in person at a DVS office or by mail using Form DL-43. Bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days.
Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Minnesota Secretary of State to find out why it's suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it before you can renew.