Where to Renew Your License in Rochester

In Rochester, you renew your driver license at the Olmsted County Driver and Vehicle Services office, located at 2122 Campus Drive SE, Rochester, MN 55904. This is the only full-service location in the city where you can complete an in-person renewal. The office handles standard renewals, duplicate licenses, and address changes.

You can also renew by mail if you meet specific requirements: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or vision corrections that changed. Mail renewal takes 10 to 15 business days. Online renewal is available through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services website if your license expires more than 60 days in the future and you have no changes to your information.

If you need your license urgently and cannot wait for mail processing, the in-person route at the Olmsted County office is fastest — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent card by mail within two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • The Olmsted County Driver and Vehicle Services office at 2122 Campus Drive SE is the only full-service renewal location in Rochester.
  • You need a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID to renew in person.
  • Mail renewal works only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and nothing about your vision or medical status changed.
  • Online renewal is the fastest option if your license does not expire within 60 days and your information has not changed.
  • In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, and you receive a temporary license when ready while your permanent card arrives by mail.

Documents You Need to Bring

For in-person renewal at the Olmsted County office, bring one primary form of ID and one proof of residency. Primary ID options include a valid passport, military ID, tribal ID, or a previous Minnesota driver license. If you do not have a primary ID, you can use two secondary forms instead — a Social Security card, birth certificate, or school ID paired with a bank statement or utility bill.

Proof of residency must show your current Rochester address and be dated within the last 30 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, or a letter from a government agency. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it shows your name and address.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, you must complete an process for Minnesota Driver License or Identification Card (Form DLID) in person and provide additional documentation. You will also need to pay the renewal fee — $24.50 for a standard four-year renewal or $48.50 for an eight-year renewal.

Step-by-Step Renewal Process

Step 1: Check your renewal may be able to access. Your license must not be expired by more than five years. If it is, you cannot renew and must reapply as a new driver. Visit the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services website or call the Olmsted County office at 507-328-7100 to confirm your status.

Step 2: Gather your documents. Collect your primary ID, proof of residency, and Social Security number. If you have a current Minnesota license, bring that too — it speeds up the process. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address.

Step 3: Visit the Olmsted County office. Walk in during business hours (typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; hours vary by season, so call ahead). You do not need an appointment, but wait times can be 30 minutes to an hour during lunch and late afternoon. Arrive early in the morning or mid-week for shorter waits.

Step 4: Complete the renewal form. Staff will ask you to confirm your information and sign the renewal paperwork. If anything has changed — address, name, medical conditions, or vision — tell them now. You will also be asked about organ donation and voter registration.

Step 5: Pay the fee and take your photo. Pay $24.50 or $48.50 depending on the renewal length you choose. You will have a new photo taken unless you are renewing by mail or online. The photo is taken on-site at the office.

Step 6: Receive your temporary license. You will get a temporary paper license valid for 60 days. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 10 to 14 business days. Keep the temporary license with you until the permanent one arrives.

Renewal Fees and Timeline

A standard four-year renewal costs $24.50. An eight-year renewal costs $48.50. These are the only two options available in Minnesota. You pay at the time of renewal, and the office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

If you renew in person, you leave with a temporary license valid for 60 days and receive your permanent card by mail within 10 to 14 business days. If you renew by mail, the entire process takes 10 to 15 business days from the time the office receives your process. Online renewal is fastest — your temporary license is issued when ready, and your permanent card arrives within the same timeframe as in-person renewal.

Your new license will be valid for either four or eight years from the date of renewal, depending on which option you chose. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. Minnesota does not send renewal reminders, so mark your calendar or set a phone reminder 30 days before your expiration date.

When You Cannot Renew by Mail or Online

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have a medical restriction or vision correction that changed, or if your name or address has changed and you need to update it. You also must renew in person if you want to change your license class (for example, from a standard license to a commercial license) or if you have any suspensions or holds on your record.

If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew — you must report it to the Olmsted County office and request a duplicate. Bring your ID and proof of residency, and pay a $20 fee for a duplicate license. The duplicate is issued the same day as a temporary and arrives by mail within two weeks.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving (vision problems, seizures, diabetes, or other conditions), you may need a medical evaluation form completed by your doctor before you can renew. The Olmsted County office will tell you if this is required when you call or visit. Do not wait until your license expires to find out — medical renewals take longer.

Olmsted County Office Hours and Contact Information

The Olmsted County Driver and Vehicle Services office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but they vary seasonally and may change without notice. Call 507-328-7100 to confirm hours before you visit. The office is closed on weekends and Minnesota state holidays.

The office address is 2122 Campus Drive SE, Rochester, MN 55904. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building. If you have questions about your specific renewal, call the office — staff can tell you whether you are may be able to access to renew by mail or online, what documents you need, and whether any holds or restrictions explore to your license.

If you cannot visit in person and do not meet the requirements for mail or online renewal, you can contact the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services main line at 651-296-6911 to discuss your options. They can sometimes authorize exceptions or direct you to a different office location if one is more convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I live in Rochester?

Yes, if your license does not expire within the next 60 days and your information has not changed. Go to the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services website, enter your license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will pay the renewal fee online and receive a temporary license when ready. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 10 to 14 business days.

What if my address changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new Rochester address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 30 days) along with your ID and Social Security number. You can renew in person at the Olmsted County office. If you are renewing by mail, include a copy of your proof of residency with your process. Address changes cannot be made online.

How long does it take to renew in person at the Olmsted County office?

The renewal itself takes about 30 minutes from the time you check in. Wait times vary — early morning and mid-week are usually shorter. You leave with a temporary license the same day. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 10 to 14 business days.

What if my license expired more than five years ago?

You cannot renew — you must reapply as a new driver. This means taking the written test and vision test again, and paying a new license fee. Contact the Olmsted County office at 507-328-7100 to schedule a test appointment and learn what documents you need to bring.

Can I renew my license if I have a suspension or hold on my record?

No. You must resolve the suspension or hold before you can renew. Call the Olmsted County office at 507-328-7100 to find out what the hold is and how to clear it. This may involve paying a fine, completing a traffic safety course, or meeting other requirements.