Minnesota driver's license renewal: what you need to know

In Minnesota, you can renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Most people renew by mail or online without taking a new photo or test. You are may be able to access to renew if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, and you have not had any major changes to your address, name, or medical status.

The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks. Online renewal is when ready — you receive a temporary digital license right away and your physical card arrives in about a week. In-person renewal at a DVS office is the fastest if you walk in, though you may wait in line.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota allows online and mail renewal for most drivers, and you do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than two years.
  • Online renewal is the fastest option and gives you a temporary digital license when ready while your physical card is mailed to you.
  • Mail renewal requires you to fill out Form DL 44, include a check or money order, and mail everything to the DVS office — processing takes two to three weeks.
  • You must renew in person if your address has changed, your name has changed, you need a new photo, or your license has been expired for more than two years.
  • Minnesota driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.

Online renewal: the fastest route

Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is available if your license is valid or expired less than two years ago, you have no address or name changes, and you have not had any medical suspensions or restrictions added. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).

When you complete the online process, you receive a temporary digital license on your phone when ready. This temporary license is valid for driving right away. Your physical renewal card is mailed to the address on file and arrives in about one week. The renewal fee is $48 for a four-year license or $96 for an eight-year license.

Online renewal is not available if you need to change your address, update your name, add or remove restrictions, or get a new photo. In those cases, you must renew in person at a DVS office.

Mail renewal: the option that takes longer

To renew by mail, you must request Form DL 44 from a DVS office or read it from the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and the address where you want your new card mailed. You will also need to include a check or money order for the renewal fee — $48 for four years or $96 for eight years — made payable to the State of Minnesota.

Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DVS office receives your envelope. Your new license card is mailed to you after processing is complete. During this time, your old license remains valid for driving.

Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired more than two years, you have no address or name changes, and you have no medical or legal holds on your driving record. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a DVS office

You can renew in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services office in Minnesota. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If your name has changed since your last license, bring legal documentation of the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

In-person renewal is required if your address has changed, your name has changed, you want a new photo, your license has been expired for more than two years, or you have medical restrictions that need to be reviewed. You will take a new photo at the office. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to pass a vision test or written test depending on your age and the reason for the lapse.

Most DVS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices offer Saturday hours. You can check wait times and book an appointment online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, which can save you time at the office.

When your license expires and how far ahead you can renew

Your Minnesota driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. This means you can start the renewal process 12 months before your birthday and still have your new card arrive before your current license expires.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it as long as it expired less than two years ago. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test or vision test. After two years of expiration, the Secretary of State may require you to start over with a learner's permit.

Renewal fees and what they cover

Minnesota renewal fees depend on how long you want your license to be valid. A four-year license costs $48. An eight-year license costs $96. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Your renewal fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new card. It does not include any additional services such as address changes, name changes, or adding restrictions. If you need to make changes beyond a straightforward renewal, you may be charged additional fees or required to renew in person.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires before your new card arrives, your old license is still valid for identification purposes, but you cannot legally drive. If you are stopped by law enforcement while your license is expired, you may receive a citation. To avoid this, renew at least two weeks before your expiration date if you are using mail renewal, or renew online or in person closer to your expiration date.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must explore for a new license, which means visiting a DVS office in person, providing proof of identity and residency, and passing a vision test. Depending on your situation, you may also need to pass the written knowledge test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota license if I have moved out of state?

No. If you have moved out of state, you must renew in person at a Minnesota DVS office and provide proof of your new out-of-state address. You can also contact a DVS office by phone to discuss your options, as some situations may require special handling.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and legal documentation of your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will receive a new photo and a license with your updated name.

Do I need to retake the written test to renew my license?

No, not for a standard renewal. You only retake the written test if your license has been expired for more than two years. If that is the case, you must renew in person and the DVS office will tell you whether a test is required based on your age and driving record.

How long does it take to get my license after renewing online?

You receive a temporary digital license on your phone when ready after completing the online process. Your physical card is mailed to you and typically arrives within one week. The temporary digital license is valid for driving right away.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring proof of your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The office will issue you a replacement license with a new number during the same visit.