Minnesota driver licenses expire every four or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online

Minnesota driver licenses last four years if you are under 65, or eight years if you are 65 or older. You can renew yours before expiration through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website, by mail, or at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The method you choose depends on whether your address has changed, whether you need a Real ID, and how soon you need the new card.

Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office. In-person renewal is required only if you have certain medical conditions, a suspended license, or if you are renewing a Real ID for the first time. The state charges $24.50 for a standard four-year renewal and $48.50 for an eight-year renewal if you are 65 or older.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota driver licenses expire every four years for people under 65 and every eight years for people 65 and older.
  • You can renew online at mn.gov/dvs, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
  • Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if your address has not changed and you do not need a Real ID.
  • If you need a Real ID for the first time, you must renew in person and bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Minnesota residency.
  • Your license remains valid for 30 days after expiration if you are renewing it, so you have a grace period to complete the process.

Online renewal through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website

The fastest way to renew is online at mn.gov/dvs. You will need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records and ask whether your address is still correct. If you have moved, you can update your address during the renewal.

Online renewal works only if you are renewing a standard license, your vision is still good enough to drive, and you have no medical conditions that would require a doctor's statement. You cannot renew online if you need a Real ID, if your license is suspended or revoked, or if you are changing your name. The new card arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

After you complete the online renewal, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number in case you need to check the status of your card or contact the Department of Public Safety. You can drive on your expired license for 30 days after it expires while you wait for the new one to arrive.

Mail renewal and when to use it

You can renew by mail if you meet the same conditions as online renewal — no address change, no Real ID needed, no medical issues, and no license suspension. Request a renewal form from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety by calling 651-297-2126, or read the form from mn.gov/dvs. Fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal. The form must arrive at the Department of Public Safety, be processed, and then your new card must be printed and mailed to you. The entire process usually takes three to four weeks. If you are close to your expiration date, online renewal is a better choice because it is faster.

Keep a copy of the form and your check number for your records. If your card does not arrive within four weeks, contact the Department of Public Safety with your confirmation information.

In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

You must renew in person if you are getting a Real ID for the first time, if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, or if you are changing your name or gender marker. You will also need to renew in person if you are under 18 and your parent or guardian must sign the process.

Find your nearest Driver and Vehicle Services office on mn.gov/dvs and check their hours before you go. Bring your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your Minnesota address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you are renewing a Real ID, you must also bring a document that proves your identity and citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers.

Wait times at offices vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings are usually less busy than afternoons or weekends. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new card on the spot if everything is in order. You can drive on this temporary card while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail.

Real ID renewal and federal requirements

A Real ID is a driver license that meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Minnesota began issuing Real IDs in 2009, but not all licenses are Real IDs. If your current license does not have a gold star in the top right corner, it is not a Real ID.

If you want to renew your license as a Real ID, you must do so in person. Bring your current license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of your Social Security number, and two documents that prove your Minnesota address. The Real ID renewal fee is the same as a standard renewal — $24.50 for four years or $48.50 for eight years if you are 65 or older.

If you do not renew as a Real ID, your new license will be a standard license without the gold star. You can still use a standard license for driving, but you will need a passport or other federal ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you already have a Real ID and are renewing it, you can renew online or by mail as long as your address has not changed and you have no other complications.

Address changes and license suspension status

If you have moved since your license was issued, you can update your address during online or mail renewal. Online renewal will ask you to confirm or change your address. If you are renewing by mail, write your new address on the form. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. The office will tell you the reason for the suspension and what you must do to clear it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a medical condition. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee or provide proof that the issue has been resolved before you can renew.

If you are not sure whether your license is suspended, check the status on mn.gov/dvs before you attempt to renew. You can also call 651-297-2126 to ask.

Timeline and expiration grace period

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety does not send renewal reminders by mail, so mark your expiration date on a calendar or set a phone reminder. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license.

If your license expires, you have a 30-day grace period during which you can still drive while you renew. After 30 days, driving on an expired license is illegal. If you are pulled over during the grace period, show the officer your expired license and your renewal confirmation number if you have one.

If you miss the 30-day grace period, you cannot drive until your new license arrives. You will also face a fine if you are caught driving with an expired license. To avoid this, renew at least two weeks before your expiration date if you are renewing online or in person, or four weeks before if you are renewing by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota license if I live out of state?

No. Minnesota requires you to be a resident to hold a Minnesota driver license. If you have moved out of state, you must get a license from your new state. If you still live in Minnesota but are temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail as long as your address on file is still your Minnesota address.

What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for my renewal to arrive?

You have a 30-day grace period after expiration. During this time, you can still drive legally on your expired license. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 days if you renewed online, or three to four weeks if you renewed by mail. If it does not arrive within these timeframes, contact the Department of Public Safety.

Do I need to take a new driving test to renew my license?

No. Renewal does not require a written or driving test unless your license was suspended for a medical reason or you are under 18. In those cases, the Department of Public Safety will tell you what tests or documents you need before you renew.

Can I change my name or gender marker when I renew?

Yes, but you must do so in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Bring your current license and a document that proves your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For a gender marker change, bring a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a court order. The renewal fee is the same whether or not you make these changes.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must get a replacement, not a renewal. Go to a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person with proof of identity and your Social Security number. A replacement costs $16.50 and takes about 7 to 10 days to arrive by mail. You can drive on a temporary paper license issued at the office while you wait.