Minnesota driver's license renewal: what you need to do and when
Minnesota driver's licenses expire on your birthday, four years after you received or last renewed them. You can renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's REAL ID-compliant renewal system. The method you use depends on your license type, whether you need a REAL ID endorsement, and how much time you have before expiration.
Most renewals take 10 to 15 business days by mail and 20 to 30 minutes in person. Online renewal is the fastest option but is available only to drivers who hold a standard license, have no address changes, and do not need a new photo. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota licenses expire on your birthday every four years, and you can renew starting one year before that date.
- Online renewal is available only if you have a standard license, no address change, and do not need a new photo; all other renewals require mail or in-person service.
- REAL ID-compliant licenses cost $25 for a four-year renewal; standard licenses cost $20, but REAL ID is required for federal building access starting May 2025.
- Mail renewal takes 10 to 15 business days; in-person renewal takes 20 to 30 minutes but requires an appointment at a DVS office.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence; bring originals, not copies.
Online renewal: fastest option with strict limits
Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website is the quickest path if you meet all the conditions. You can renew online only if your current license is a standard (non-commercial) license, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, you do not need a new photograph, and your license has not been suspended or revoked.
The online system accepts payment by debit card or credit card. You will receive a temporary digital license when ready after payment, valid for 30 days while your physical card is mailed to you. The physical license typically arrives within 5 to 7 business days. If you do not meet any of the online conditions—for example, if you moved or need a new photo—you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail renewal: 10 to 15 business days without an appointment
Mail renewal is available to most drivers and requires no appointment. You will need to complete Form DL 44 (process for Minnesota Driver's License), include your current license, and provide proof of residency and proof of citizenship or legal presence. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form; do not send it to a DVS office.
Processing takes 10 to 15 business days from the date DVS receives your process. You can track your renewal status online using your driver's license number and date of birth. Mail renewal costs $20 for a standard license or $25 for a REAL ID-compliant license. You cannot renew a commercial driver's license (CDL) by mail; CDL holders must renew in person.
If you need a new photograph—because your current one is damaged, you have changed your appearance significantly, or you want a new one—you must renew in person or by mail and request a new photo. Mail renewal with a new photo requires you to submit a recent photograph (4 by 6 inches, color, taken within 30 days) with your process.
In-person renewal at a DVS office: appointment required
In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office takes 20 to 30 minutes and requires an appointment. You can book an appointment online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website or by calling 651-297-3298 (Twin Cities area) or 1-888-234-1897 (toll-free). Appointments are typically available within one to three weeks, depending on the office location and time of year.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of citizenship or legal presence (U.S. birth certificate, passport, permanent resident card, or employment authorization document). Bring originals; DVS staff will not accept copies. If you are renewing a REAL ID license, you must provide two forms of proof of residency.
In-person renewal is required if you hold a commercial driver's license, need a new photograph, have changed your address, or do not meet the conditions for online renewal. You can also renew in person if you prefer not to use mail or online options.
REAL ID versus standard license: cost and federal requirements
Minnesota offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards. Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID license or a valid passport will be required to enter federal buildings, military bases, and to board domestic flights. A standard license will no longer be accepted for these purposes.
A REAL ID renewal costs $25 for four years; a standard license renewal costs $20. The difference is $5 per renewal. If you renew a standard license now and later need a REAL ID, you can upgrade at any time by visiting a DVS office and providing the same proof of citizenship and residency documents. Many drivers choose to renew as REAL ID to avoid a second trip to renew again in 2025.
To renew as REAL ID, you must provide proof of citizenship or legal presence (U.S. birth certificate, passport, permanent resident card, or employment authorization document) and proof of residency. Online renewal does not offer REAL ID; you must renew by mail or in person for a REAL ID license.
Documents you need: originals only, no copies
DVS requires specific documents for renewal, and they must be originals. Photocopies, faxes, and digital images are not accepted. For any renewal method, you will need your current Minnesota driver's license and proof of residency dated within 90 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name).
If you are renewing a REAL ID license or if you are renewing in person, you must also provide proof of citizenship or legal presence. Acceptable documents include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization document (EAD), or a valid visa with an I-94 arrival/departure record. If your name has changed since your citizenship document was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
If you are renewing by mail with a new photograph, include a color photograph 4 by 6 inches, taken within 30 days, with a plain background. Do not use a digital printout or a photo from a social media account.
Fees, payment methods, and what happens after renewal
A standard four-year license renewal costs $20. A REAL ID renewal costs $25. These are the only fees; there are no additional processing or process fees. Payment methods vary by renewal method: online renewal accepts debit or credit card; mail renewal accepts check or money order made payable to "State of Minnesota"; in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
After you renew, your old license remains valid until your birthday (the expiration date on the card). Your new license will arrive by mail within 5 to 7 business days for online renewal, 10 to 15 business days for mail renewal, or when ready if you renewed in person. If you renewed online, you will receive a temporary digital license valid for 30 days while your physical card is mailed.
If your renewal is delayed or your new license does not arrive by the expected date, contact DVS at 651-297-3298 (Twin Cities) or 1-888-234-1897 (toll-free). You can also check your renewal status online using your driver's license number and date of birth.
Common mistakes and what to avoid
The most common renewal mistake is sending mail applications to a DVS office instead of to the address listed on Form DL 44. Mail sent to an office will be delayed or returned. Always use the mailing address printed on the process form.
Another frequent error is submitting photocopies or digital images of required documents. DVS accepts originals only. If you are renewing by mail, do not mail your original birth certificate or passport unless you are comfortable with the risk of loss; instead, bring originals to an in-person appointment or use online renewal if you meet the conditions.
Drivers often miss the one-year renewal window and attempt to renew after their license has expired. You can renew up to one year before your birthday; if you wait until after your birthday, your license is expired and you must explore for a new license rather than renew, which requires a written test and in-person appointment. Renew early to avoid this complication.
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), do not attempt to renew by mail or online. CDL renewals require an in-person appointment, a medical examination, and a written test. Contact a DVS office to schedule a CDL renewal appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must contact DVS to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Once the issue is cleared, you can then renew. Call 651-297-3298 or 1-888-234-1897 to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps are required to restore your driving privileges.
What if my name has changed since I got my current license?
You can renew with a name change by mail or in person. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. Online renewal is not available if your name has changed. In-person renewal is faster if you need the new license quickly.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Yes. All in-person renewals at DVS offices require an appointment. Book online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website or call 651-297-3298 (Twin Cities) or 1-888-234-1897 (toll-free). Walk-ins are not accepted.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
If your license is lost or stolen, you must explore for a replacement before you can renew. A replacement is a new process, not a renewal, and requires an in-person appointment, a written test, and proof of identity. Contact a DVS office to schedule an appointment for a replacement license.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license by mail or online?
No. Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals must be done in person at a DVS office. You will need a medical examination, a written test, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. Schedule an appointment by calling 651-297-3298 or 1-888-234-1897.