You can book a Minnesota driver's license renewal appointment online, by phone, or in person at a DVS office

Minnesota's Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division, which handles all license renewals. You do not have to book an appointment — you can walk into any DVS office during business hours — but scheduling one online or by phone cuts your wait time significantly. The online system lets you pick your preferred date and time, and the phone line connects you to a real person who can answer questions about what documents you need to bring.

The fastest route is the online appointment system at mn.gov/dvs. You enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system shows available time slots at DVS offices near you, usually several days out. If you prefer to talk to someone first, call the DVS customer service line at 651-297-2126 or 1-800-657-3784. Wait times on the phone vary by time of day; early morning and mid-week calls tend to be shorter.

Key Takeaways

  • Book your appointment at mn.gov/dvs using your driver's license number and Social Security number, or call 651-297-2126 to schedule by phone.
  • You can renew in person at any DVS office without an appointment, but scheduled appointments typically mean shorter waits.
  • Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of citizenship or legal residency if your license has expired more than five years.
  • Minnesota allows online renewal for some drivers, but only if your license is not expired and you have not had a suspension or revocation in the past five years.
  • DVS offices are closed on weekends and most state holidays, so check the office calendar before you go.

What documents you need to bring to your appointment

Minnesota requires you to bring your current driver's license to any renewal appointment. If your license has expired, bring an expired license or another form of photo ID. You also need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, with your name and current Minnesota address on it.

If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you are renewing for the first time, you must also bring proof of citizenship or legal residency. This means a birth certificate, passport, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa. If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Bring your Social Security number or card. You do not have to bring the card itself — you can write the number on the process form — but having it with you speeds up the process. If you wear corrective lenses while driving, bring your glasses or contacts; the DVS staff may ask you to read a line on the eye chart to confirm your vision meets the standard.

How to renew online instead of in person

Minnesota lets some drivers renew their license online without visiting a DVS office. You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your current license is expired, if you have had a suspension or revocation in the past five years, if you are over 65, or if you have a medical condition flagged on your license. If none of those explore, you can renew online at mn.gov/dvs using your driver's license number and Social Security number.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You answer questions about your address, vision, and whether your information has changed. You pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card — the cost varies depending on how long your new license is valid for. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if you need to update your photo, change your address to something outside Minnesota, or add or remove restrictions (such as corrective lenses or hearing aid use). In those cases, you must visit a DVS office in person.

DVS office locations and hours in Minnesota

Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. The main office is in St. Paul, but there are satellite locations in Minneapolis, Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, and many smaller cities. You can find the full list of offices, hours, and phone numbers at mn.gov/dvs under "Locations." Hours vary by office — some are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while others have extended evening hours or Saturday morning appointments. Check the specific office's hours before you go, because they change seasonally and for holidays.

The St. Paul office (445 Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55101) is the largest and typically has the most appointment slots available. If you live in a rural area and the nearest office is far away, you may be able to renew by mail if you are over 65 or have a medical condition that makes travel difficult. Call the DVS customer service line to ask about mail renewal options.

What happens at your appointment

When you arrive for your appointment, check in at the front desk and give your name. A staff member will call you when it is your turn. Bring all your documents — the DVS staff will verify your identity, check your proof of residency, and confirm your Social Security number. They will ask you to read the eye chart to confirm your vision meets the legal standard (20/40 with or without corrective lenses). If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the appointment.

You will sit for a new photo. Wear something you are comfortable in; the photo will be on your license for up to eight years. The staff will review your process for any errors, take your payment, and give you a receipt. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

Minnesota driver's license renewal fees depend on how long you want your new license to be valid. A four-year license costs $48, an eight-year license costs $96, and a license for drivers over 65 costs $24 for four years or $48 for eight years. You pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DVS office. Online renewals are paid by debit or credit card only.

Most drivers renew for eight years, which spreads the cost over a longer period. If you are under 21, your license is valid for four years only. If you are over 65, you can choose between four and eight years, but some insurance companies offer discounts for drivers over 65 who renew more frequently, so check with your insurer before you decide.

What to do if you cannot make your appointment

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, log back into the online system at mn.gov/dvs and select "Cancel or Reschedule Appointment." You can also call 651-297-2126 to reschedule by phone. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you can book a new one online or by phone; there is no penalty, but you may have to wait longer for the next available slot during busy times.

If you are sick or have an emergency on the day of your appointment, call the DVS office directly as soon as you can. Most offices will let you reschedule the same day if you call before your appointment time. If your license expires before you can get an appointment, you can still drive legally in Minnesota for 60 days after the expiration date, but you should not delay — expired licenses can complicate traffic stops and insurance claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Minnesota only renews licenses for people who live in Minnesota. If you moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state. If you moved back to Minnesota, you can renew your old Minnesota license at any DVS office, or you can get a new one if your old license is expired.

What if I lost my Social Security number or do not have it memorized?

Bring your Social Security card to your appointment. If you do not have a card, bring a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or bank statement. The DVS staff can look it up if you provide your full legal name and date of birth, though this may slow down your appointment.

Do I have to renew in person, or can someone else do it for me?

You must renew in person or online. Minnesota does not allow someone else to renew your license on your behalf. If you are unable to visit a DVS office due to a disability or medical condition, call 651-297-2126 to ask about mail renewal or other options.

How long does it take to get my new license after my appointment?

Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your new license faster, ask the DVS staff about rush processing options when you renew.

What if my appointment is during a time when I cannot take off work?

Many DVS offices have evening hours until 7 p.m. and some have Saturday morning appointments. Check the hours for your nearest office at mn.gov/dvs. If none of those times work, you can walk in without an appointment, though you may wait longer.