How to Renew Your Driver's License in Minnesota

Minnesota driver's license renewal: in-person, online, or by mail

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license in three ways: online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website, in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, or by mail if you meet specific conditions. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes. In-person renewal at a DVS office takes longer but lets you update your photo and address on the spot. Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not renewed by mail in the past two years.

Your renewal method depends on whether you need a new photo, how soon you need the license, and whether your address or name has changed. If your current license photo is more than eight years old, you must renew in person or online (online renewal includes a new photo taken through your device's camera). If your license is already expired, you cannot use the online or mail options—you must go to a DVS office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website is the fastest method and includes a new photo taken by your device's camera.
In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office is required if your license is expired, and it lets you update your photo and address when ready.
Mail renewal is only available if your license is not expired and you have not renewed by mail within the past two years.
You will need your current driver's license, a valid Social Security number, and proof of Minnesota residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
Renewal fees vary by license type and validity period; standard five-year renewals cost less than eight-year renewals.

Online renewal through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

To renew online, visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's online renewal portal at dps.mn.gov. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and ask you to take a new photo using your phone or computer camera in a well-lit space. The photo must show your face clearly, with no sunglasses or hats.

After you submit your photo and review your information for accuracy, you will pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The fee depends on whether you choose a five-year or eight-year license. Once your payment is processed, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to update your address before renewing, you must do so in person at a DVS office or by mail before starting the online renewal process.

Online renewal works only if your license is not expired and your photo is less than eight years old. If either condition does not explore to you, use in-person renewal instead.

In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

To renew in person, find your nearest DVS office using the office locator at dps.mn.gov and check its hours before you go. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past three months), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

At the DVS office, you will have your photo taken, review your information on screen, and pay the renewal fee. The office staff will give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Some DVS offices accept walk-ins, but many now require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's website or call ahead to confirm whether you need an appointment.

In-person renewal is the only option if your license is expired, if your photo is more than eight years old, or if you need to change your address, name, or other information on your license.

Mail renewal for unexpired licenses

If your license is not expired and you have not renewed by mail in the past two years, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal form by calling the Minnesota Department of Public Safety at 651-296-6911 or by visiting a DVS office in person. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and the renewal fee (check or money order only) to the address shown on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal—typically 4 to 6 weeks from the time the department receives your materials. You will not receive a new photo during mail renewal; your current photo will be used on your new license. If you need a new photo, you must renew online or in person instead.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Minnesota driver's license renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Real ID-compliant licenses (which meet federal requirements for air travel and federal building access) cost more than non-compliant licenses. When you renew, you can choose to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license if you have not already done so.

Fees are the same whether you renew online, in person, or by mail. Payment methods vary by renewal method: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards, in-person renewal accepts cash, check, and card, and mail renewal accepts check or money order only. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person at a DVS office; online and mail renewal are not available for CDLs.

What to do if your license is expired

If your Minnesota driver's license has expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DVS office in person with your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The renewal process is the same as for an unexpired license, but you will have your photo taken and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you have already submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you may be cited. If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to retake the written and driving tests instead of straightforward renewing. Contact your local DVS office to confirm what you will need to bring.

Updating your address, name, or other information during renewal

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you can update it during renewal. Online renewal does not let you change your address—you must update it in person at a DVS office or by mail before you start the online renewal process. In-person renewal lets you update your address, name, and other information at the same time you renew. Mail renewal also allows address changes, but you must include a proof of residency document with your mailed process.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change when you renew in person. For mail renewal, include a certified copy with your process. Online renewal cannot process name changes; you must renew in person or by mail if your name has changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online and in-person renewal typically take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days if you renewed in person. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the department receives your process.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your Minnesota driver's license up to one year before it expires. Your new license's expiration date will be based on the date you renew, not your current license's expiration date.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

Proof of residency must be a document dated within the past three months that shows your name and Minnesota address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. If you do not have one of these documents, contact your local DVS office to ask what other documents may be accepted.

Do I need a Real ID-compliant license to fly within the United States?

Yes, starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport is required to board domestic flights in the United States. A standard Minnesota driver's license will no longer be accepted. You can upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license when you renew, or visit a DVS office to upgrade before your renewal is due.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online or by mail?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number, and you may need to pass a medical examination depending on the type of CDL you hold.

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.