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 — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $16.25 for a four-year renewal. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical conditions that require a vision test, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.

If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DVS office in person. This is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to update your address, if you wear corrective lenses and need a vision test, or if you have certain medical conditions on file. In-person renewals take longer — plan for a wait and bring the documents listed below.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval, whether you renew online or in person. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest option if your license is current and your address has not changed.
  • You must renew in person at a DVS office if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address, or if you have medical conditions on file.
  • A four-year renewal costs $16.25 online or in person; an eight-year renewal costs $32.50.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can drive legally on your current license until it arrives.
  • You will need your current license, proof of identity, and proof of Minnesota residency for any in-person renewal.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

Go to mn.gov/sos and select "Driver License Renewal" from the main menu. You will need your current Minnesota driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your name, date of birth, and address. Review this information carefully — if anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online and must visit a DVS office instead.

Choose your renewal length: four years ($16.25) or eight years ($32.50). Pay by debit card or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to take a new photo for an online renewal — the state will use your current license photo.

Online renewal is not available if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you need to change your name, or if you have a medical condition that requires a vision test or doctor's clearance. In those cases, you must go in person.

Renewing by mail

You can request a renewal by mail form from any DVS office or by calling the DVS customer service line at 651-297-2126. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DVS office receives your envelope.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and requires you to pay by check or money order rather than card. It is most useful if you do not have internet access or prefer not to provide payment information online. Your new license will still arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Renewing in person at a DVS office

Visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office in Minnesota. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your legal name (birth certificate, passport, or marriage certificate if your name has changed), and proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them — you will take a vision test.

You will take a new photo at the office. The vision test is quick: you read a chart from a set distance. If you fail the vision test, you can retake it after 24 hours. If you fail twice, you will need a letter from an eye doctor saying you are safe to drive.

In-person renewals are processed when ready. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. DVS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Wait times vary; check mn.gov/sos for current wait times at your nearest office before you go.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as a current license. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DVS office. You will need to bring the same documents as a first-time renewal: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are pulled over, you can show the confirmation number from your online renewal or a receipt from your in-person visit, but the officer may still cite you. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this risk.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A four-year renewal costs $16.25. An eight-year renewal costs $32.50. These are the only two options available in Minnesota. Online and in-person renewals accept debit card and credit card. Mail renewals require a check or money order. There are no additional fees for vision tests, photo updates, or address changes during renewal.

If you are a veteran, you may be able to add a veteran designation to your license at no extra cost. Ask about this at a DVS office or mention it when you renew in person.

Finding a DVS office near you

Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. To find the office nearest you, go to mn.gov/sos, select "Driver License Services," and use the office locator tool. You can search by city or ZIP code. The website shows hours, current wait times, and which services each office offers. Some smaller offices do not offer all services — if you need a CDL renewal or a name change, call ahead to confirm your office can handle it.

The main DVS office in St. Paul is at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1500. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Other regional offices are located in Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, and Moorhead, among other cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I moved to a different address?

If you moved within Minnesota, you must renew in person at a DVS office to update your address. Online renewal is not available when your address has changed. Bring proof of your new Minnesota residency, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

What if I need to change my name on my license?

You cannot change your name during online renewal. You must visit a DVS office in person and bring proof of your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

For online renewal, the state uses your current license photo — you do not take a new one. For in-person renewal, you will take a new photo at the DVS office. For mail renewal, you do not take a new photo unless your current one is more than eight years old.

What if I fail the vision test?

You can retake the vision test after 24 hours at the same office. If you fail a second time, you will need a letter from an eye doctor or optometrist stating that you are safe to drive. Bring this letter to the DVS office, and they will complete your renewal.

How long does my new license take to arrive?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval, regardless of whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person. You can drive legally on your current license until the new one arrives. If more than 10 business days have passed, contact DVS customer service at 651-297-2126.