Renew Your Minnesota License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license through three routes: online at mn.gov/dvs, by mail, or at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Online renewal is the fastest and costs nothing to submit — you pay the fee only if approved. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DVS office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license has been expired for more than 5 years, if you need to update your address, or if you cannot renew online because of your license type or status.

Your renewal window opens 12 months before your license expires and closes on your expiration date. Minnesota does not extend expired licenses, so renewing after expiration requires an in-person visit and a new photo. The state charges $48 for a 4-year renewal or $96 for an 8-year renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal at mn.gov/dvs is free to submit and takes 5 to 10 minutes if you have a valid Social Security number and a recent address on file.
  • You must renew in person if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you need to change your address, or if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL).
  • Mail renewal requires the renewal notice mailed by Minnesota, a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DVS receives it.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment to any DVS office for in-person renewal.
  • Minnesota charges $48 for a 4-year renewal or $96 for an 8-year renewal; fees do not vary by age or license class.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

Online renewal is open to most drivers whose licenses are valid and not suspended or revoked. You do not need to upload documents. The system checks your identity against state records using your name, date of birth, license number, and Social Security number. If the system cannot verify you, it will tell you to renew in person or by mail.

Go to mn.gov/dvs, select "Renew Your License Online," and follow the prompts. You will be asked to confirm your address, choose your renewal length (4 or 8 years), and review the fee. You do not pay until after you submit and the system approves your renewal. Once approved, your new license ships within 5 to 7 business days. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal fails most often when your address on file does not match your current residence or when the system cannot verify your identity. If you see an error message, note the reason and renew by mail or in person instead.

Mail Renewal: What to Send and When

Mail renewal requires the renewal notice that Minnesota mails to you about 6 weeks before your license expires. This notice has a barcode and instructions specific to your license. If you did not receive it, you can still renew by mail, but you must include a photocopy of your current license and a written statement of your current address.

Send the renewal notice (or photocopy of your license plus address statement), a check or money order for $48 or $96, and a return envelope to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Mail it at least 2 weeks before your expiration date to allow time for processing. DVS processes mail renewals in the order received; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive your envelope.

Keep a copy of what you mail and the postmark date. If your new license does not arrive within 4 weeks of mailing, contact DVS at 651-297-2126 to confirm receipt.

In-Person Renewal at a DVS Office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you hold a CDL, if you need to change your address, or if you were told online or by mail that you must renew in person. Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been less than 5 years), proof of residence dated within the last 12 months, and payment.

Proof of residence can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, or insurance bill in your name. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count. If you have no proof of residence, bring two documents that show your name and address, such as a voter registration card and a piece of mail from a government agency.

Arrive during office hours and bring your documents in person. You will take a new photo, answer questions about your vision and medical history, and pay the fee. The office will issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your new license arrives within 5 to 7 business days.

When Your License Has Been Expired for More Than 5 Years

If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DVS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residence, and payment. You will be treated as a new applicant: you must pass a vision test and answer health and safety questions. You will also take a new photo.

If your expired license is lost or destroyed, bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or tribal ID) and proof of residence instead. The office will verify your identity against state records before issuing your new license.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Renewal

CDL holders must renew in person at a DVS office. You cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, proof of residence, and payment. You will take a vision test and answer medical history questions. If your CDL has a hazardous materials (HazMat) endorsement, you must also pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check, which costs an additional $97.50.

CDL renewals take longer than standard license renewals because of the medical review and TSA check. Plan for 45 minutes to an hour at the office. Your new CDL arrives within 5 to 7 business days.

Fees, Payment Methods, and What Happens After You Renew

Minnesota charges $48 for a 4-year renewal and $96 for an 8-year renewal. These fees are the same for all drivers regardless of age or license class (except CDL with HazMat endorsement, which adds $97.50). You can pay by check, money order, or debit or credit card at a DVS office or online. Do not send cash by mail.

After you renew, your old license remains valid until your new license arrives. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one. If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact DVS at 651-297-2126 or visit mn.gov/dvs to check the status.

If you renew before your current license expires, your new expiration date is 4 or 8 years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date. This means early renewal does not extend your license beyond the normal term.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You must contact DVS to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Call 651-297-2126 or visit a DVS office to find out why your license is suspended and what you must do to clear it. This may require paying a fine, completing a course, or waiting out a suspension period.

What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?

You must renew in person at a DVS office if you need to change your address. Bring your current license, proof of residence at your new address, and payment. Online and mail renewal do not allow address changes.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are not required, but DVS offices accept walk-ins during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Check mn.gov/dvs for office hours and locations near you.

What if my new license arrives damaged or with an error?

Contact DVS at 651-297-2126 or visit a DVS office with your damaged or incorrect license. They will issue a replacement at no charge if the error was made by the state.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a DVS office in Minnesota. If you have moved out of state permanently, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead of renewing your Minnesota license.