Minnesota lets you renew your license up to one year before it expires

In Minnesota, you can renew your driver's license up to 12 months before your expiration date. This means if your license expires on June 15, 2025, you can start the renewal process anytime after June 15, 2024. There is no penalty for renewing early, and your new license will be valid for the full term from the date you renew — not from your old expiration date.

The main reason to renew early is convenience. If you know you will be busy closer to your expiration date, or if you want to avoid a last-minute rush, you can handle it whenever works for your schedule. Early renewal also protects you if you lose your license or it gets damaged — you will already have a replacement in hand.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your Minnesota driver's license anytime within 12 months before it expires, with no penalty or fee increase.
  • Your new license will be valid for eight years from the renewal date if you are under 65, or four years if you are 65 or older.
  • You can renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, by mail, or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
  • Early renewal does not reset your expiration date to a later year — your new license expires eight or four years from when you renew.

How to renew early in person at a DVS office

Visiting a Driver and Vehicle Services office is the fastest way to renew if you need your new license quickly. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last renewal. You will also need to pass a vision test. There is no written test required for license renewal in Minnesota.

You can find your nearest DVS office on the Minnesota Secretary of State website and check wait times before you go. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time. The fee for an eight-year renewal is $48 for drivers under 65. If you are 65 or older, a four-year renewal costs $24.

Your new license will be issued on the spot if you pass the vision test and all your documents are in order. You can use it right away for identification, though the physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail if you meet the requirements

Not all drivers can renew by mail in Minnesota. You are may be able to access to renew by mail only if you have not renewed by mail in the past two years and your current license is not suspended or revoked. If you meet these conditions, you can request a mail renewal form from the Minnesota Secretary of State website or by calling 651-296-6911.

Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address provided. Processing takes about two weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail. Mail renewal is the slowest option but works well if you are renewing well in advance and do not need your new license when ready.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

Minnesota offers online renewal for some drivers through the Secretary of State's website. You must meet the same requirements as mail renewal — no mail renewals in the past two years and no suspension or revocation. Online renewal is faster than mail and lets you pay by credit or debit card.

To renew online, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website, select the driver's license renewal option, and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. After you complete the online process, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

What documents you need for early renewal

The documents required depend on whether you are renewing in person, by mail, or online. For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance bill dated within the past 90 days), and proof of your legal name if it has changed. You will also need to pass a vision test.

For mail or online renewal, you will not need to provide physical documents — the Secretary of State will verify your information against existing state records. However, if your name has changed since your last renewal, you may need to provide a certified copy of the document showing the change (such as a marriage certificate or court order) before you can renew by mail or online.

How your new expiration date is set

When you renew early, your new license does not expire on your old expiration date. Instead, it expires eight years from the date you renew if you are under 65, or four years from the renewal date if you are 65 or older. This means if you renew 11 months early, your new license will still be valid for the full eight or four years.

For example, if your current license expires June 15, 2025, and you renew on July 1, 2024, your new license will expire July 1, 2032 (eight years later). You do not lose any validity by renewing early.

Why you might want to renew before a trip or move

If you are planning to move out of state or travel internationally, renewing early can be helpful. A Minnesota driver's license is valid for identification on domestic flights and at most businesses, but if you are moving, you will need to get a license in your new state anyway. Renewing in Minnesota before you leave ensures you have a current ID for the transition period.

If you are traveling outside the United States, a U.S. passport is required for air travel, not a driver's license. However, a current Minnesota driver's license is useful as a backup form of ID and for renting a car. Renewing early before a long trip means you will not have to worry about your license expiring while you are away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota license if it has already expired?

Yes, but you cannot renew by mail or online if your license is expired. You must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and be prepared for a vision test. There is no additional fee for renewing an expired license.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew early?

Yes. Every time you renew your driver's license in Minnesota, you must have a new photo taken at the DVS office or as part of the online renewal process. You cannot keep your old photo.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

You can update your address during renewal. If you are renewing in person, tell the DVS staff your new address and they will update it. For mail or online renewal, your address will be updated based on the information you provide in the process.

Can I renew if my license was suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew by mail or online if your license is suspended or revoked. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by contacting the Minnesota Secretary of State or the DVS office. Once it is cleared, you can renew in person at a DVS office.

How much does it cost to renew early in Minnesota?

An eight-year renewal costs $48 for drivers under 65. A four-year renewal costs $24 for drivers 65 and older. There is no extra charge for renewing early. If you renew by mail, add the cost of postage and a check or money order.