Minnesota driver's license renewal: in-person, online, or by mail
Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license online, in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, or by mail — but which route you can use depends on your license type and how long it has been expired. If your license is still valid or expired less than one year, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person.
Online renewal is the fastest option: you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes, pay the fee by debit or credit card, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal at a DVS office takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Mail renewal takes the longest — typically 2 to 3 weeks — but requires no visit and no online account.
Your renewal fee depends on your license type and how many years you are renewing for. Standard five-year renewals cost $24.50 for a Class D (regular car) license. Eight-year renewals cost $39.25. If you need a REAL ID-compliant license, add $10 to either price. Military members and veterans may may have access to for fee reductions.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online or by mail if your license is still valid or expired less than one year; if it expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a DVS office.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary license when ready.
- You need a valid Social Security number, your current license or ID, and proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days) for any renewal method.
- Standard five-year renewals cost $24.50; eight-year renewals cost $39.25; add $10 if you want a REAL ID-compliant license.
- If you renew online or by mail, your temporary license remains valid until your new card arrives, so you can drive legally during the wait.
Online renewal: fastest option if your license is current or recently expired
To renew online, go to the Minnesota Secretary of State's online renewal portal at mn.gov/sos and select "Renew Your Driver's License." 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 confirm your address or update it if you have moved.
Online renewal is only available if your license is still valid or expired less than one year. You cannot renew online if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or a hazmat endorsement — those require in-person renewal. You also cannot renew online if your name, address, or other information has changed significantly since your last license was issued, though minor corrections can sometimes be made during the process.
After you complete the online form and pay the fee by debit or credit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your current license remains valid while you wait for your new card. The new license is mailed to the address you provided and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can visit a DVS office and request an expedited in-person renewal instead.
In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office
To renew in person, visit any Minnesota DVS office with your current driver's license (or state ID), proof of Minnesota residency, and payment. Proof of residency must be a document dated within 30 days of your visit — acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill, or property tax statement. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a license that expired more than one year ago, in-person renewal is your only option.
At the office, you will fill out form DL-44 (process for Minnesota Driver's License) or DL-43 (Renewal process). The staff will take a new photo and verify your information. You will pay the renewal fee at the counter. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed. The permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Wait times at DVS offices vary widely. Offices in larger cities often have longer waits during midday and early evening. Visiting early in the morning, on weekdays, or at smaller regional offices can reduce your wait. Some offices allow you to check wait times online before you go.
Mail renewal: no visit required, but slower
To renew by mail, request a renewal process by calling the Minnesota Secretary of State at 651-296-6911 or by visiting mn.gov/sos and ordering a form. You can also pick up form DL-43 (Renewal process) at any DVS office. Mail renewal is only available if your license is still valid or expired less than one year.
Complete the form and include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back), proof of Minnesota residency dated within 30 days, and your payment. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — typically the Minnesota Secretary of State, Driver and Vehicle Services, St. Paul, MN 55155. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee; credit card payments are not accepted by mail.
Processing time for mail renewal is typically 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives your process. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to drive legally. Once your new license is printed, it is mailed to the address you provided. If you do not receive your new license within 4 weeks of mailing your process, contact the Secretary of State's office to check the status.
Documents you need for any renewal method
| Document Type | What It Must Show | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Current driver's license or state ID | Your name, date of birth, license number | Required for all methods. If expired more than one year, you must renew in person. |
| Proof of Minnesota residency | Your name and current address, dated within 30 days | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill, or property tax statement. Not a cell phone or credit card bill. |
| Social Security number | Your nine-digit SSN | You can provide the number verbally at an office or in writing by mail. A Social Security card, W-2, or tax return counts as proof. |
| Name change document (if applicable) | Certified copy showing your legal name change | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Required only if your name changed since your last license. |
REAL ID compliance and what it means for your renewal
Minnesota's standard driver's license does not meet federal REAL ID requirements for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings after May 7, 2025. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license, you must request it during renewal and provide additional proof of identity and residency.
For a REAL ID license, you need your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of Minnesota residency (same documents as standard renewal), and one additional document proving your identity and date of birth. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, or military ID. The REAL ID fee is $10 more than a standard renewal.
You can request a REAL ID license during online renewal, in-person renewal, or mail renewal. If you do not request it during your renewal, your new license will be a standard license. You can always renew again later and request REAL ID at that time.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Expired license more than one year old: You cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DVS office in person. If you have been driving on an expired license, you are driving without a valid license and can be cited.
Wrong proof of residency: Cell phone bills, credit card statements, and insurance bills issued more than 30 days ago do not count. Bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last month.
Missing Social Security number: You must provide your Social Security number or a document showing it. If you do not have a Social Security number, contact the Secretary of State's office before you renew — you may need to provide alternative documentation.
Paying by credit card by mail: Mail renewal only accepts checks or money orders. If you want to pay by card, renew online or in person.
Forgetting a name change document: If your name changed and you do not bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, the office will not process your renewal. Bring the original or a certified copy, not a photocopy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but only in person at a DVS office. Online and mail renewal are not available for licenses expired more than one year. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and Social Security number. You are driving without a valid license until you renew, so do this as soon as you can.
How long does my temporary license last after I renew in person?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 60 days. Your permanent card is mailed separately and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If your permanent card does not arrive within that time, contact the Secretary of State's office.
What if my address changed since my last license?
You can update your address during online renewal, in-person renewal, or mail renewal. You must provide proof of your new Minnesota address dated within 30 days — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. If you are renewing by mail, include a copy of the proof-of-residency document with your process.
Do I need a REAL ID license to drive a car in Minnesota?
No. A standard Minnesota driver's license is valid for driving. REAL ID is required only for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings after May 7, 2025. You can request it during renewal if you need it, but it is not required for driving.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a replacement. Contact a DVS office or the Secretary of State's office for instructions on how to replace a lost license. Replacement is different from renewal and may have different requirements.