Where to Renew Your License in St. Paul

In St. Paul, you renew your driver's license at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. The main location serving St. Paul is the Minneapolis-St. Paul DVS office, located at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 150, St. Paul, MN 55101. This is a state office, not a city office—Minnesota runs all license renewals through DVS, which is part of the state Department of Public Safety.

You can also renew by mail or online, depending on your situation. Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations. Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website is the fastest option if you are renewing a standard license that is not suspended or revoked.

Before you go to the office or choose mail or online, check which method fits your situation. The method you use depends on how long your license has been expired, whether you need a new photo, and what type of license you hold.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if your license is not suspended, revoked, or more than one year expired.
  • Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you have no recent violations or medical suspensions.
  • In-person renewal at the St. Paul DVS office is required if your license is suspended, revoked, or more than one year expired.
  • A new photo is required every 16 years for standard licenses, or every 8 years if you are under 21.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to any in-person appointment.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year renewal or $48.50 for an eight-year renewal. You do not need to visit an office or mail anything. You will use your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to log in.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not suspended or revoked, has not been expired for more than one year, and you do not need a new photo. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person. If you have an active suspension or revocation, you cannot renew online—you must go to the DVS office in St. Paul.

After you complete the online renewal, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail Renewal: When You Can Use It

Mail renewal is an option if your license is not currently expired, you have not had a medical suspension in the past three years, and you do not need a new photo. You will fill out form DL-44 (process for Minnesota Driver's License), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address on the form.

The renewal fee by mail is the same as online: $24.50 for four years or $48.50 for eight years. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after DVS receives your process. Mail renewal is slower than online, so choose it only if you cannot renew online and prefer not to visit the office.

You can read form DL-44 from the Minnesota Secretary of State website or call the St. Paul DVS office to request it by mail.

In-Person Renewal at the St. Paul DVS Office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, has been expired for more than one year, or if you need a new photo. The St. Paul DVS office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and does not require an appointment, though wait times vary.

Bring your current license, proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days), and your Social Security number. If your license is suspended or revoked, bring documentation showing the suspension or revocation has been lifted—for example, proof that you paid a reinstatement fee or completed a required course.

The in-person renewal fee is $24.50 for four years or $48.50 for eight years. You will receive your new license on the spot if you renew in person, so you do not have to wait for mail delivery.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your Minnesota license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions are usually temporary and result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical reasons. Revocations are more serious and typically result from DUI convictions or repeated violations.

To find out whether your license is suspended or revoked, call the St. Paul DVS office at 651-296-6911 or check the Minnesota Secretary of State website. If your license is suspended, you may be able to lift it by paying outstanding fines, appearing in court, or completing a required program. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at the DVS office.

If your license is revoked, you will need to wait out the revocation period (which varies by reason) and may be required to pass a written test or road test before you can renew. The DVS office can tell you what steps explore to your situation.

Photo Requirements and License Types

A new photo is required every 16 years for drivers 21 and older, and every 8 years for drivers under 21. If your license is due for a new photo, you must renew in person at the St. Paul DVS office—you cannot renew by mail or online.

Minnesota offers a standard driver's license, an enhanced driver's license (which can be used for travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean), and a REAL ID-compliant license. If you are renewing a standard license and do not need a new photo, you can renew online or by mail. If you want to upgrade to an enhanced license or REAL ID license, you must renew in person and bring additional documents (such as a passport or birth certificate).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to renew my license in St. Paul?

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at the DVS office gives you your new license when ready.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must renew in person at the St. Paul DVS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

What if I lost my current license?

You can still renew in person at the St. Paul DVS office even if you do not have your current license. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. The office will look up your information in the system and issue a replacement.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the St. Paul DVS office?

No appointment is required, but walk-in wait times vary. You can call 651-296-6911 to ask about current wait times before you go, or visit early in the day to avoid longer lines.

What is the difference between a standard license and a REAL ID license in Minnesota?

A REAL ID license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and federal building access. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 2025. If you want a REAL ID license, you must renew in person and bring additional documents like a passport or birth certificate.