What You Need to Know Before You Start
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 choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and what type of license you hold. Most people can renew without taking a new photo or retaking the written test, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your Minnesota license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age when you got it. You can renew up to one year before it expires. The state charges different fees based on the length of renewal you choose and your age.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest option for most drivers and takes about 10 minutes, but you must have a valid license and pass a vision screening.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs less than in-person renewal, but you cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year.
- In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, or if you have certain medical conditions or violations on your record.
- You will need your current license, proof of Minnesota residency, and a Social Security number to renew through any method.
- Minnesota does not require a road test or written exam for standard license renewals unless you are renewing after a suspension or revocation.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is available if your license is currently valid and you meet basic requirements. You do not need to visit an office, and the process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
To renew online, you will need your current Minnesota driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. You will also complete a vision screening questionnaire — you answer questions about your vision rather than taking a formal eye test. If you answer that you cannot see well enough to drive safely, the system will direct you to renew in person instead.
Online renewal costs $16.50 for a four-year renewal or $27.50 for an eight-year renewal. Payment is by credit or debit card only. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year, or if you have had certain violations or medical conditions reported to the state.
Mail Renewal: Lower Cost, Longer Wait
Mail renewal is the cheapest option and requires no office visit. You fill out a form, mail it with your current license and payment, and receive your new license in the mail. The entire process takes two to three weeks from the time the state receives your materials.
To renew by mail, read and print the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order. Mail renewal costs $16.50 for four years or $27.50 for eight years. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — there is one address for renewals and a different one for new applications.
You cannot use mail renewal if your license has been expired for more than one year, if it has been suspended or revoked, or if you have had medical conditions or violations reported. You also cannot renew by mail if you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license — those changes require an in-person visit.
In-Person Renewal at a DVS Office
In-person renewal is required in several situations: if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, if you have had a suspension or revocation, or if you have medical conditions that require state review. You will also renew in person if you are changing your name or address or if you did not pass the online vision screening.
Visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office in Minnesota. Bring your current license, proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will take a new photo and may ask you to read an eye chart or answer vision questions.
In-person renewal costs $16.50 for four years or $27.50 for eight years. Most offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online through the Secretary of State website. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your materials in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost in the shuffle.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Cost (4-Year) | Cost (8-Year) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license, Social Security number | $16.50 | $27.50 | 7–10 business days |
| Current license, Form DL-44, check or money order | $16.50 | $27.50 | 2–3 weeks | |
| In-Person | Current license, proof of residency, Social Security number | $16.50 | $27.50 | Same day (license mailed later) |
Proof of Minnesota residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill, or government document showing your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a document that old, bring two documents that together show your residency — for example, a recent bank statement and a lease signed earlier.
If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee. This fee varies depending on the reason for the suspension. Contact your local DVS office or the Secretary of State to confirm the amount before you visit.
When You Cannot Renew and Must Start Over
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This means you will need to pass a written test, take a new photo, and pay the new license fee (which is higher than a renewal fee). You will also need to bring proof of identity and Social Security number.
If your license was suspended or revoked and the suspension or revocation is still active, you cannot renew until it is lifted. Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to find out the status of your license and what you must do to restore it. Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee, complete a driver improvement course, or wait out a specific period.
If you have certain medical conditions that the state has been notified about, the DVS may require you to take a road test or medical examination before renewing. The state will contact you if this applies to you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to one year early, and doing so online or by mail before expiration is faster and simpler than renewing after it has expired. If your license expires while you are waiting for your new one to arrive, you can still drive legally as long as you have proof that you submitted your renewal process.
Do not mail your original license without making a copy first. If your renewal gets lost in the mail, you will need proof that you sent it. Keep a photocopy or take a photo of both sides of your license before you mail it.
Do not assume your address change will carry over automatically. If you have moved, you must update your address through the DVS — it does not happen just because you renewed. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person.
Do not send cash through the mail. Use a check or money order only. If you are renewing in person, the DVS office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. This requires a written test, a new photo, and proof of identity. Contact your local DVS office to start the new process process.
What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for my new one?
You can still drive legally as long as you have proof that you submitted your renewal process — either a confirmation email from online renewal or a receipt from mailing your process. Keep that proof with you while you drive.
Do I need a new eye exam to renew my license?
Not for online or mail renewal. Online renewal includes a vision screening questionnaire. If you renew in person, the DVS may ask you to read an eye chart, but you do not need to visit an eye doctor first. If you have a medical condition affecting your vision, the state may require a formal exam from an eye care professional.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Unpaid traffic fines do not prevent renewal, but unpaid child support or certain other court-ordered debts can result in a license suspension. Check the status of your license on the Secretary of State website before you renew. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the underlying issue before renewing.
How do I know which renewal length to choose — four years or eight years?
The choice is yours. An eight-year renewal costs more upfront but spreads the cost over a longer period. A four-year renewal is cheaper per cycle but requires you to renew more often. Most people choose based on how long they plan to keep their current address and whether they want to renew less frequently.