How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Minnesota driver's license renewal: what you need to do

In Minnesota, you can renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Most people renew by mail or online without taking a new photo or retaking a test — you straightforward pay the fee and submit proof that you still live in the state. The process takes about two weeks by mail, a few minutes online, or same-day in person. Your license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age and whether you have a REAL ID endorsement.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years. You also cannot renew online if you need to update your name, address, or other personal information on the license itself — those changes require an in-person visit. If either of those situations applies to you, skip to the "When you must renew in person" section below.

Key Takeaways

Minnesota lets you renew by mail or online if your license is current and you do not need to change your name or address on the card itself.
Online renewal takes minutes and costs the same as mail renewal; mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires you to mail in a form and payment.
You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
If your license expired more than five years ago, or if it has been suspended or revoked, you must renew in person at a DVS office.
Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks of approval; in-person renewals are issued the same day.

Renewing online through the Minnesota Secretary of State

The fastest way to renew is through the Minnesota Secretary of State's online portal at mn.gov/sos. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask you to confirm your address and other information on file.

Online renewal costs the same as mail renewal — the fee depends on how many years you are renewing for and whether you want a REAL ID endorsement. As of 2024, a four-year renewal without REAL ID costs around $48, and an eight-year renewal costs around $80, but these amounts vary. You pay by debit card or credit card at the time of renewal. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within two weeks.

You cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or other personal details on the license itself. If your address has changed, you can update it during the online renewal process, and the new address will appear on your renewed license. However, if you need to change your name — for example, after marriage or legal name change — you must visit a DVS office in person.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, contact a Driver and Vehicle Services office or visit mn.gov/dvs to request the renewal form. You can also read the form directly from the website. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and date of birth. You will need to include proof of Minnesota residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government document dated within the last 60 days.

Mail your completed form, proof of residency, and payment to the address listed on the form. Payment must be by check or money order — the DVS does not accept credit cards by mail. Include the correct renewal fee based on the number of years you are renewing for. Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks of the DVS receiving your process. Do not mail your current license; keep it until your new one arrives.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal and requires you to gather documents and write a check, but it works if you prefer not to use the online system or do not have a debit or credit card available. If you are renewing close to your expiration date, online renewal is faster and safer because you know when ready whether your process was accepted.

When you must renew in person at a DVS office

You must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person if your license has been suspended or revoked, if it expired more than five years ago, or if you need to change your name on the license. You will also need to renew in person if you want to add or remove a REAL ID endorsement, change your sex marker, or update your address and do not want to use the mail or online process.

Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been more than five years), proof of Minnesota residency dated within the last 60 days, and proof of your legal name if you are changing it — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will have your photo taken at the office. The renewal fee is the same as online or mail renewal. Your new license will be issued the same day, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

DVS offices are located throughout Minnesota. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to schedule an appointment online. Check your local office's policy before you go.

REAL ID endorsement and license validity

Minnesota offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a license with a REAL ID endorsement (marked with a gold star). The REAL ID endorsement is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. If you do not have a REAL ID endorsement and want one, you must renew in person and bring proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form) and two forms of proof of residency.

A standard Minnesota driver's license without REAL ID is valid for four years if you are under 65, or eight years if you are 65 or older. A license with REAL ID is valid for the same length of time. If you renew online or by mail and do not request REAL ID, your new license will be standard. You can add REAL ID to your license at any time by visiting a DVS office in person.

What happens if your license expires before your renewal arrives

If you renew by mail and your license expires before your new one arrives, you are still considered to have a valid license during the renewal period. However, you should not drive with an expired license in your possession. If you are pulled over, show the officer your old license and explain that you have a renewal in progress. Keep any receipt or confirmation number from your mail renewal process.

To avoid this situation, renew online instead — approval is when ready, and you can print a temporary license from the website if needed. Alternatively, renew in person at a DVS office to receive your new license the same day. If your license has already expired and you did not renew before expiration, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives or you renew in person.

Fees and payment methods

Minnesota driver's license renewal fees vary based on the number of years you are renewing for and whether you add a REAL ID endorsement. A four-year standard renewal typically costs around $48, and an eight-year standard renewal costs around $80. Adding REAL ID costs an additional amount. These fees are set by the state and may change annually; check mn.gov/dvs for current pricing before you renew.

Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only. In-person renewal at a DVS office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are renewing by mail and do not have a check or money order, online renewal or an in-person visit is your only option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota license if I moved out of state?

No. You must have a Minnesota address to renew a Minnesota license. If you have moved out of state, you need to obtain a license from your new state instead. You can surrender your Minnesota license to a DVS office or destroy it yourself.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DVS office and bring proof of your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?

Your new license is issued the same day you visit the DVS office. You may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. Some offices are faster than others; call ahead to ask about wait times.

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DVS to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it before you can renew.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. Visit a DVS office in person and bring proof of identity and Minnesota residency. The office will issue you a replacement license with a new number.

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.