How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and what type of license you hold. Most people can renew without taking a new photo or passing a test — but not all.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which renewal method works for you. If you have not received one and your license is within 60 days of expiring, you can check your renewal status on the Minnesota Secretary of State website.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have a valid Minnesota ID, and you meet vision and medical requirements — this takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and works only if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo.
In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you have medical or vision restrictions.
You must renew in person if you are over 65, have certain medical conditions, or are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).
Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to any in-person appointment.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Option

Online renewal is available if your license is still valid, you have not changed your name, and you do not have medical or vision restrictions on your record. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid Minnesota ID (such as a state ID card or passport). The process takes about 10 minutes on the Minnesota Secretary of State website.

The fee is $24.50, paid by credit or debit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if you are over 65, if you have a CDL, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.

Mail Renewal: When You Have Time

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You will receive a renewal form in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. Complete the form, include a check or money order for $24.50, and mail it to the address on the form. Do not send cash.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date Minnesota receives your process. Your new license arrives by mail after that. You can drive on your current license during this time. If your renewal notice did not arrive, you can request a form from any DVS office or read it from the Secretary of State website.

In-Person Renewal at a DVS Office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you are over 65, if you have a CDL, or if you have medical or vision restrictions. Bring your current license, proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You will take a new photo and pass a vision screening at the office. The fee is $24.50. Your new license is issued on the spot if you pass the vision test. If you fail, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return with a vision certificate. Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are accepted. Wait times vary by location and time of day.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit, a vision test, and a written knowledge test. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using the same process as a valid license, but you must do so in person at a DVS office.

If your license expired while you were out of state or out of the country for military service, you may have additional time to renew. Contact your local DVS office to explain your situation.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Renewal

CDL renewal always requires an in-person visit to a DVS office. You cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and your medical certificate (MCSA-5875 form) if your CDL carries air brake restrictions or if you drive a vehicle that requires a medical certificate. You will take a vision test and a written knowledge test.

The fee for CDL renewal is $24.50. Your new license is issued on the spot if you pass both tests. If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or return later. CDL renewals typically take longer than standard license renewals, so plan extra time.

Vision and Medical Requirements

Minnesota requires a vision screening for all in-person renewals. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to your appointment. If you fail the vision test, you will be given a form to take to an eye doctor. Once the eye doctor completes the form, return it to the DVS office and your license will be issued.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as seizures, diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea — you may need to provide a medical certificate from your doctor. Your renewal notice will tell you if this applies to you. Some conditions result in restrictions on your license, such as corrective lenses required or daylight driving only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Most people wait until the renewal notice arrives, but you can start the process earlier if you prefer. Online and mail renewal are available anytime your license is valid.

What if I moved to Minnesota from another state?

You must get a Minnesota driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident. This is not a renewal — it is a new license process. You will need to visit a DVS office in person, bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and pass a vision test. A written knowledge test is not required if you have a valid license from another state.

How long does an in-person renewal take at the DVS office?

Most in-person renewals take 15 to 30 minutes if you pass the vision test on your first try. If you fail the vision test or need to provide additional documents, it may take longer. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Making an appointment online can reduce your wait.

What if my name changed since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can renew online or by mail if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo, but you will need to include the name-change document with your mail process. For online renewal, you may need to visit a DVS office instead.

Can I renew if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DVS office or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to find out what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. Once your license is restored, you can renew it using the standard process.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.