Minnesota License Renewal: What You Need to Know

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, by mail, or online through the state's REAL ID-compliant system. Which method you use depends on whether your license is standard or REAL ID, how much time you have left, and whether you need to update your address or photograph. Most people renew online or by mail, but you must renew in person if your license has expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you're changing your name or address.

Minnesota licenses expire on your birthday, four years after issue. The state sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest option if your license is current and you don't need a new photo or address change.
  • By-mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs the same as in-person renewal, but you cannot update your photo or address without visiting a DVS office.
  • In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photograph, or if you're changing your name or address.
  • A standard Minnesota license costs $24.50 for a four-year renewal; a REAL ID license costs $30.50 and requires proof of citizenship and residency documents.
  • You must bring your current license and proof of Minnesota residency to any in-person renewal, and proof of Social Security number if it's your first REAL ID.

Online Renewal Through the Secretary of State Website

Online renewal is available if your current license is valid (not expired), you don't need a new photo, and you're not changing your name or address. You'll go to the Minnesota Secretary of State's online renewal portal, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. The system will confirm your identity and process your renewal in real time.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal costs $24.50 for a standard license or $30.50 for REAL ID. This method works only if you're renewing a standard license or upgrading to REAL ID without needing new identity documents.

By-Mail Renewal and What Documents You'll Need

If you prefer not to go online, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal process by calling the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office at 651-297-2126, or read the form from the Secretary of State website. Fill out the process, include your current license, and mail it with a check or money order for $24.50 (standard) or $30.50 (REAL ID) to the address on the form.

By-mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time DVS receives your process. You cannot update your photo, address, or name through the mail; those changes require an in-person visit. If your address has changed since your license was issued, you must renew in person or update your address online through the Secretary of State's website before mailing in your renewal.

In-Person Renewal at a DVS Office

Visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office if your license has expired for more than five years, if you need a new photograph, if you're changing your name, or if you're upgrading to REAL ID for the first time. You can find your nearest DVS office and check wait times on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait.

The renewal process takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you're called. You'll have your photo taken, verify your information, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license will be printed on the spot, and you can drive when ready. If you need a temporary paper license while waiting for your card to arrive by mail, ask the clerk — Minnesota issues temporary licenses valid for 30 days.

Documents Required for In-Person Renewal

Bring your current Minnesota driver's license to any in-person renewal. You'll also need one document proving your Minnesota residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax statement dated within the last 60 days. A bank or credit card statement with your current address also works.

If you're upgrading to REAL ID for the first time, you must also bring proof of citizenship (a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate) and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form). If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. These documents do not need to be originals; certified copies are acceptable.

REAL ID Versus Standard License: Which One to Choose

A REAL ID license meets federal identification standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 7, 2025, though you can still use a passport or other federal ID instead. REAL ID costs $6 more per renewal ($30.50 versus $24.50) and requires proof of citizenship and residency at issuance or renewal.

If you already have a REAL ID license, you can renew it online or by mail without providing citizenship documents again — the state has your information on file. If you have a standard license and want to upgrade to REAL ID, you must do so in person and bring citizenship and residency documents. You cannot upgrade online or by mail.

Address Changes and Name Changes During Renewal

If you've moved, you can update your address online through the Secretary of State's website without renewing your license. Go to the "Change Your Address" section, enter your license number and date of birth, and provide your new address. This change takes effect when ready and costs nothing. If you prefer to update your address during renewal, you must renew in person.

Name changes always require an in-person visit. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DVS office will issue a new license with your updated name on the spot. You cannot change your name by mail or online.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

A four-year standard Minnesota driver's license renewal costs $24.50. A four-year REAL ID license renewal costs $30.50. These are the only fees; there are no additional charges for address updates, photo replacements, or duplicate licenses ordered at the same time as renewal.

Online and by-mail renewals accept debit cards, credit cards, and checks or money orders. In-person renewals at DVS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you're renewing by mail and paying by check, make it payable to "Minnesota Department of Public Safety."

What Happens If Your License Expires

If your license expires, you can still renew it as long as it has been expired for five years or less. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a current license. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a DVS office and bring all required documents, including proof of citizenship if you want REAL ID.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Minnesota. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you can face a fine. If your license expired while you were out of state or unable to renew due to a documented hardship, contact your local DVS office to discuss your situation — some offices may grant a brief extension or waive certain requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're traveling or want to avoid the rush near your birthday. Online and by-mail renewals take the same time whether you renew early or close to expiration.

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

Online and by-mail renewals are mailed within 7 to 10 business days of processing. In-person renewals are printed on the spot, and you can drive when ready. You can continue driving on your current license until your new one arrives.

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

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Visit a DVS office in person with proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government ID) and proof of residency. The office will issue a replacement license and process your renewal at the same time.

Do I need to take a new written or driving test to renew?

No. License renewals in Minnesota do not require a written test or road test. You only need a new photo if you're renewing in person or if your current photo is more than 12 years old.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Yes. Minnesota does not suspend license renewal for unpaid traffic fines. However, if your license has been suspended for other reasons (such as unpaid child support or a DUI conviction), you must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Contact your local DVS office or the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services website to check your license status.