How to Renew Your Driver's License in Minnesota

Minnesota driver's license renewal basics

In Minnesota, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Most people renew online through the state's website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license. You do not need to take a new written or road test unless the state flags your record or you are renewing after a suspension.

Your license is valid for four or eight years depending on which term you choose at renewal. Minnesota sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you can renew anytime in the 12 months before expiration. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, though you may face a late fee.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Minnesota DVS website is the fastest option and works if your address has not changed and you have no medical or legal flags on your record.
You will need your current Minnesota driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license and a completed Form DL-44 to the state.
In-person renewal at a DVS office is necessary if you need to update your photo, change your address, or if online renewal is not an option for your situation.
Minnesota charges $24.50 for a four-year renewal or $48.50 for an eight-year renewal, and you can choose which term suits you.

Renewing online through the Minnesota DVS website

Online renewal is available if your Minnesota address has not changed, you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, and there are no legal holds or suspensions on your record. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State DVS website and select "Renew Your Driver's License." You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.

The online system will ask you to confirm your personal information, choose your license term (four or eight years), and select your payment method. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Once you submit your renewal, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to 10 business days.

If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it means your record has a flag that requires in-person review. Common reasons include a recent address change, a medical condition you reported, or an outstanding ticket or suspension. In that case, you will need to renew by mail or visit a DVS office in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works for most people and takes two to three weeks from the time the state receives your materials. read or request Form DL-44 (process for Minnesota Driver's License) from the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license (front and back copies are acceptable).

Mail your completed form and license copy to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($24.50 for four years or $48.50 for eight years). Do not send cash. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records.

You will receive your renewed license by mail once the state processes your process. If you need your license before it arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at a DVS office, which is valid for 30 days. Mail renewal is a good option if you cannot visit an office during business hours or prefer not to renew online.

Renewing in person at a DVS office

Visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office in Minnesota to renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address.

The DVS office will take a new photo for your license during the in-person visit. This is the only way to update your photo if your current license photo is outdated or you are unhappy with it. Processing usually takes a few minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic license is mailed to you.

In-person renewal is required if you have a medical condition affecting your driving, if your name has changed, or if the online system flagged your record. You can find office locations and hours on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead or checking wait times online can save you time.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your Minnesota driver's license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it—you must reapply as if you were a new driver. This means taking the written test and road test again. However, if your license expired within the last year, you can still renew it by mail or in person without retesting.

If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, use the same renewal process as above. The state may charge a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. Check the Minnesota DVS website or call your local office to confirm the current late fee amount, as it can change.

If you need to drive before your renewed license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at a DVS office. The temporary is valid for 30 days and is recognized by law enforcement and other authorities as proof of a valid license.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you have moved to a new Minnesota address, you can update it during renewal. Online renewal allows you to change your address if you have moved within Minnesota. If you are moving out of state or your address change involves other complications, renew in person at a DVS office.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you must renew in person. Bring your current driver's license and a document proving your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DVS office will update your name and issue a new license with your current photo.

License renewal fees and payment methods

Minnesota charges $24.50 for a four-year driver's license renewal and $48.50 for an eight-year renewal. You choose which term you want when you renew. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online and in-person renewals accept debit cards, credit cards, and electronic checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.

Some people renew for four years if they expect their address or name to change soon, or if they want to update their photo more frequently. Others choose the eight-year option to renew less often. Both are valid choices, and you can switch between them at your next renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota driver's license before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew anytime in the 12 months before your license expires. You do not need to wait for the renewal notice. The notice is a reminder, not a requirement. If you want to renew early, use the online system or contact a DVS office.

What happens if I drive with an expired Minnesota license?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota and can result in a traffic citation and fine. If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, renew it when ready by mail or in person. If it expired more than 12 months ago, you must reapply as a new driver, including taking the written and road tests.

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

Your new license arrives by mail in seven to 10 business days after you complete online renewal. If you need to drive before it arrives, visit a DVS office and request a temporary paper license, which is valid for 30 days.

Do I need a new eye exam to renew my Minnesota driver's license?

No, you do not need an eye exam for standard renewal. However, if the DVS office has a medical flag on your record or suspects a vision problem, they may require you to pass a vision screening or provide a report from an eye care professional.

Can I renew my Minnesota license if I have an outstanding ticket or suspension?

If you have an outstanding ticket or active suspension, the online renewal system will not allow you to renew. You must visit a DVS office in person. The office staff can tell you what needs to be resolved before your license can be renewed. You may need to pay the ticket or clear the suspension first.

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.