Minnesota driver's licenses expire every four or eight years, depending on your age and license type

In Minnesota, standard driver's licenses expire on your birthday in the year shown on your card. Most adults renew every four years, though some may have an eight-year cycle. You can renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, by mail, or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website — but not all methods work for every situation.

The state will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. If your license has already expired, you can still renew using the same methods, though you may face a late fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you can renew anytime before or after your birthday.
  • Online renewal through the Secretary of State website is the fastest option if you have not changed your address, name, or other key information.
  • In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if you need a new photo, have changed your address or name, or are renewing after a suspension or revocation.
  • Mail renewal is available but takes longer and requires you to submit your current license and a completed form.
  • Minnesota charges a renewal fee that varies by license type and whether you choose a standard or REAL ID-compliant license.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

Online renewal is the quickest option if your situation has not changed since your last license was issued. You will need your current Minnesota driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you will receive confirmation when ready.

You cannot renew online if you have changed your name, moved to a new address, need a new photo, or are renewing after a license suspension or revocation. You also cannot use online renewal if your license has been expired for more than one year. In those cases, you must visit a DVS office in person.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard processing takes about one to two weeks. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited mail service for an additional fee when you complete your online renewal.

Renewing in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

Visit a DVS office if you need a new photo, have changed your address or legal name, are renewing after a suspension, or your license expired more than one year ago. Bring your current 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 you changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

DVS offices are located throughout Minnesota. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times on the Secretary of State website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait time. Processing at the office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.

You will pay the renewal fee at the office and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your new license arrives within one to two weeks.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available if you meet the same conditions as online renewal — your address and name have not changed, you do not need a new photo, and your license is not expired by more than one year. Complete the renewal form (available on the Secretary of State website), include your current license, and mail both to the address listed on the form along with your payment.

Processing by mail takes two to four weeks from the date the DVS office receives your materials. There is no way to track your process once it is mailed, so allow extra time before your license expires. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally on the temporary paper license that comes with your renewal notice.

Understanding Minnesota license types and renewal fees

Minnesota offers a standard driver's license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The REAL ID license meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Both types renew on the same schedule, but the REAL ID license costs more and requires additional proof of identity and citizenship when you first obtain it.

Renewal fees vary depending on your age and license type. A standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. If you are upgrading from a standard license to a REAL ID license during renewal, you will pay the REAL ID fee. The Secretary of State website lists current fees by license type.

If you renew online or by mail, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. At a DVS office, you can also pay with cash or check.

What to do if your license has already expired

You can still renew an expired Minnesota license using any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a DVS office. You may also face a late fee when you renew.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are pulled over, you could receive a citation. If your license expired recently and you are waiting for your new one to arrive, carry your renewal notice or temporary paper license as proof that you have renewed.

Renewing after a suspension or revocation

If your Minnesota license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DVS office in person. Bring all required documents plus any paperwork related to the suspension or revocation — such as a court order, proof of payment for a traffic fine, or completion of a required program.

The DVS office will review your case and determine whether you are may be able to access to have your license reinstated. If you are, you will pay the renewal fee plus any reinstatement fee. Processing takes longer than a standard renewal because the office must verify that the suspension or revocation has been lifted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew anytime, though the Secretary of State recommends renewing within 60 days before your expiration date. If you renew early, your new license will expire four or eight years from the date you renew, not from your original expiration date.

What if I moved out of Minnesota but still have a Minnesota license?

You should update your address with the Minnesota DVS or obtain a license from your new state. If you still have a Minnesota address on file and have not moved, you can renew online. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a Minnesota DVS office and provide proof of your new address, or you should contact your new state's licensing agency.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?

Standard mail processing takes one to two weeks. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited mail service when you renew online or in person for an additional fee. Expedited service typically arrives within three to five business days.

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

You must visit a DVS office in person. Bring proof of your identity and Social Security number. The office will issue a replacement license and process your renewal in one transaction. You will pay both a replacement fee and a renewal fee.

Do I need a REAL ID license to renew in Minnesota?

No. You can renew a standard driver's license. However, if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license. You can upgrade to REAL ID during renewal, but it costs more and requires additional documents proving citizenship.