How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

How Minnesota Driver's License Renewal Works

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people can complete the entire process without visiting an office.

Your Minnesota driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can start the renewal process up to one year before your license expires, which gives you plenty of time to plan ahead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address or name.
Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license along with a completed process form.
In-person renewal at a DVS office is necessary if your license has already expired, if you need a Real ID, or if you want to update your photo.
The renewal fee in Minnesota is $24.50 for a standard eight-year license, though the cost may vary if you are renewing early or need additional services.
You will need proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of Social Security number for any renewal method.

Renewing Online Through the Secretary of State Website

The Minnesota Secretary of State website allows you to renew online if your license is currently valid and you have not changed your legal name or address since it was issued. Go to the Secretary of State's driver's license page, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card).

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes to complete. Once you submit your process and payment, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office, and you can renew at any time of day from home or work.

If you have changed your address or legal name, you cannot use online renewal. You will need to renew by mail or in person instead. The same applies if your current license has already expired — expired licenses cannot be renewed online.

Renewing by Mail

To renew by mail, read the process for Minnesota Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the Secretary of State website or request one by phone at 651-296-6911. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $24.50 to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the date the DVS office receives your process. Your new license will be sent to the address you provide on the form. If you have changed your address, include your new address on the process — do not rely on the address printed on your current license.

Mail renewal works well if you are renewing early and want to avoid a trip to an office. However, if your license has already expired or if you need to update your photo, you must renew in person.

Renewing in Person at a DVS Office

Visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office if your license has expired, if you want to update your photo, if you need a Real ID, or if you have changed your legal name or address and prefer not to mail your documents. Bring your current license (or expired license), proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable documents include a passport, birth certificate, utility bill, lease agreement, or Social Security card.

Processing time at an office is usually 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can find office locations and hours on the Secretary of State website.

In-person renewal is the only way to get a Real ID-compliant license, which is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. If you do not have a Real ID and plan to fly domestically or enter a federal facility, renewing in person gives you the option to request one at the same time.

What Documents You Need for Any Renewal Method

For online or mail renewal, you need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. For in-person renewal, bring the following originals or certified copies: one document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or tribal ID), one document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and one document proving your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return).

If you have changed your legal name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing an expired license in person, bring the expired license along with your other documents.

Real ID and Minnesota Driver's License Renewal

A Real ID is a federal security standard that makes your driver's license acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Minnesota began issuing Real ID licenses in 2017, and starting May 7, 2025, a standard driver's license will no longer be accepted for these purposes — you will need a Real ID or a passport.

You can only get a Real ID by renewing in person at a DVS office. When you arrive, tell the staff that you want a Real ID license and bring the same documents listed above. The Real ID license looks the same as a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. The fee is the same: $24.50 for an eight-year license.

If you renew online or by mail before May 7, 2025, you will receive a standard license without the Real ID designation. You can upgrade to a Real ID at any time by visiting a DVS office, even if your current license is not yet expired.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

The fee for renewing a standard eight-year Minnesota driver's license is $24.50. If you are renewing early — more than one year before your license expires — the fee is prorated based on how many years you are adding. For example, renewing five years early costs less than $24.50.

For online renewal, you can pay with a credit or debit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order. For in-person renewal, most DVS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card, though payment methods may vary by location. Call ahead if you want to confirm what payment methods your local office accepts.

There are no additional fees for standard renewal. However, if you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the fee is higher. If you are upgrading to a Real ID, the fee remains $24.50.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring your expired license along with proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year.

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

Online and mail renewal typically take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Processing times may be longer during busy periods.

What happens if I renew online but then change my address before my new license arrives?

Contact the Secretary of State office at 651-296-6911 as soon as possible to update your address. If you have already submitted your renewal online, you may need to file a change of address form or resubmit your renewal with the correct address. It is faster to update your address before you renew.

Do I need a Real ID to renew my license?

You do not need a Real ID to renew your license, but you will need one for domestic air travel and federal building entry starting May 7, 2025. If you renew online or by mail, you will receive a standard license. You can upgrade to a Real ID by visiting a DVS office at any time.

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

Minnesota does not suspend your license renewal for unpaid traffic fines alone. However, if your license has been suspended for other reasons — such as unpaid child support, unpaid court fees, or a DWI conviction — you must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact the DVS office or the relevant court to find out the status of your license.

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.