Renewing your Minneapolis driver's license in person or by mail

In Minneapolis, you renew your driver's license through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, not through the city itself. You can renew in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in the Twin Cities area, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The process takes about 15 minutes in person; by mail it takes two to four weeks after you mail your documents.

Your license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, and four years if you are 65 or older. Minnesota sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for it to start the renewal process.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any DVS office in the Minneapolis area, or by mail if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number or tax ID.
  • In-person renewal costs $24.50 for a standard eight-year license; mail renewal costs $22.50.
  • If your license is suspended, revoked, or you have unpaid traffic fines, you cannot renew until those issues are resolved.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses require an original or certified birth certificate and proof of citizenship; standard licenses do not.

What documents you need to bring

For any renewal method, you need your current Minnesota driver's license and two forms of identification that prove your identity and residency. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or property tax statement dated within the last 90 days. A government-issued ID like a passport or military ID counts as one of your two forms.

You also need proof of your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). A Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation instead.

If you are renewing a Real ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star), you must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and proof of citizenship — a passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. Standard licenses do not require these documents.

Renewing in person at a DVS office

The closest DVS office to downtown Minneapolis is at 445 Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. There is also an office in Bloomington at 7900 International Drive. Both are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary — the St. Paul location is typically busier on Mondays and Fridays.

Bring all your documents, your current license, and a check or card for the $24.50 fee. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your license on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you, which takes about two weeks.

If you need a Real ID license, the process is the same but takes slightly longer because staff must verify your citizenship documents. Plan for an extra 10 to 15 minutes.

Renewing by mail

You can renew by mail only if your current address matches the address on your license, you do not need a new photo, and your license is not suspended or revoked. read the renewal form from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website (form DL 44), or call 651-296-6911 to request one by mail.

Mail the completed form, your current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number or ITIN, and a check for $22.50 to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to four weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.

Mail renewal is useful if you live outside the Twin Cities or have a schedule that does not allow a trip to a DVS office. However, you cannot change your address, photo, or name by mail — those changes require an in-person visit.

When you cannot renew and what to do instead

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension — usually unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, or failure to appear in court. Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety at 651-296-6911 to find out the specific reason and what steps you need to take.

If you have unpaid child support or tax debt, your license may be suspended under Minnesota law. The state will notify you by mail, but you can also check your status online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you can renew normally.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need a new photo.

Real ID versus standard license: what the difference costs

A standard Minnesota driver's license costs $24.50 for eight years (or $12.25 for four years if you are 65 or older). A Real ID-compliant license costs the same amount. The difference is not in price but in what documents you must bring and what you can use the license for.

A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without a passport. A standard license cannot — you will need a passport or other federal ID. If you travel by air within the United States, a Real ID license is more convenient than carrying a passport.

Both types are valid for the same eight-year period. If you are renewing and want to switch from standard to Real ID (or vice versa), you must renew in person and bring the appropriate documents.

What happens after you renew

After you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your plastic card is mailed to the address on file and arrives in about two weeks. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety at 651-296-6911.

If you renew by mail, your new license is mailed to you and takes two to four weeks to arrive. You can continue driving on your current license during this time as long as it has not expired.

Your new license will have the same number as your old one. Your driving record, points, and restrictions carry over — renewal does not clear your record or remove points from traffic violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes. Minnesota allows you to renew an expired license up to five years after expiration. However, if it has been more than five years, you must explore for a new license instead, which requires taking the written and driving tests again. Bring your expired license to the DVS office or include it with your mail renewal.

Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Minnesota?

No. A standard driver's license is legal for driving anywhere in Minnesota and the United States. Real ID is only required if you want to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without a passport. You can choose either type when you renew.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You must renew in person if your address has changed. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your other required documents. The staff will update your address and issue a new license on the spot.

How long can I drive on an expired license in Minnesota?

You cannot legally drive on an expired license. However, Minnesota gives you a 60-day grace period after expiration to renew without penalty. After 60 days, driving on an expired license is a misdemeanor. Renew as soon as you receive your renewal notice.

Can I renew my license online?

No. Minnesota does not offer online license renewal. You must renew in person at a DVS office or by mail. You can check your license status and find office locations on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website.