Minnesota driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal is required if your license has been suspended, if you need to update your address or name, or if you're over 65 and renewing for the first time in eight years.

Your renewal window opens 12 months before your license expires and closes on your expiration date. Minnesota will not renew early, so you cannot renew more than a year ahead. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person — online and mail options are not available once you're past the expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal is available if your license is not suspended, you have no address or name changes, and you're under 65 or have renewed in person within the last eight years.
  • Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs the same as online, but requires you to mail in your current license and wait for the new one to arrive.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office is required if your license is suspended, expired, or if you're over 65 renewing for the first time in eight years.
  • Minnesota charges a renewal fee that varies by license type and length — a standard five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal.
  • You can only renew during the 12-month window before your expiration date; Minnesota does not allow early renewal.

Online renewal: fastest option if you're may be able to access

To renew online, go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and use the online renewal system. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The system will verify your identity and ask you to confirm your address and other information. If everything matches state records, you can complete the renewal in about 10 minutes.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, if you have an active traffic hold, if you need to change your address or legal name, or if you're over 65 and have not renewed in person within the last eight years.

Mail renewal: slower but no office visit required

To renew by mail, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State to request a renewal process form, or read it from their website. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and the renewal fee. Mail your packet to the address shown on the form — do not mail it to a local office.

Processing takes about two weeks from the day the state receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. During this time, you can drive on your current license. Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: it is not available if your license is suspended, if you have an active traffic hold, or if you need to update your address or name. If you're over 65, you must have renewed in person within the last eight years to use mail renewal.

In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

Visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office in Minnesota to renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. If you're changing your legal name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're updating your address, bring a document that shows your new address.

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if your license has already expired, if you're over 65 and renewing for the first time in eight years, or if you need to change your address or legal name. You can also renew in person even if you're may be able to access for online or mail renewal — some people prefer it because they receive a temporary license to drive home when ready, and the new license arrives within days rather than weeks.

Wait times at Driver and Vehicle Services offices vary by location and time of day. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait. Check the Minnesota Secretary of State website to find the office nearest you and see if appointments are available.

What your Minnesota license renewal costs

The renewal fee depends on your license type and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. If you're over 65, you may be able to renew for a shorter period at a lower cost. The exact fee is set by state law and does not vary by renewal method — online, mail, and in-person renewal all cost the same.

Payment methods vary by renewal method. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal typically accepts check or money order — check the form for details. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices, though some locations may have different options.

If your license is suspended or expired

If your license is suspended, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. Before you can renew, you must resolve the reason for the suspension — this might mean paying traffic fines, completing a DUI program, or satisfying a child support obligation. The office staff can tell you what you need to do, but you will have to complete those steps before a new license is issued.

If your license has expired, you also cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. There is no additional penalty for renewing after expiration — you pay the standard renewal fee. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives, so do not delay.

Address and name changes during renewal

If you're moving or changing your legal name, you must renew in person. You cannot update these details online or by mail. Bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 30 days) and proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will update your record and issue a new license with the correct information.

If you're moving within Minnesota, your new license will show your new address. If you're moving out of state, you should renew your Minnesota license before you leave, or you can wait and get a license in your new state. If you're moving to another state, you do not need to renew your Minnesota license — it remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, and you can use it as identification even after you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota license if I'm out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere, as long as your license is not suspended and you don't need to change your address or name. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office — you cannot renew at an office in another state.

What happens if I let my license expire?

Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. You must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. There is no grace period. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. Processing is the same as a regular renewal, but you cannot drive until your new license arrives.

How long is a Minnesota driver's license valid?

A standard Minnesota driver's license is valid for five years. You can also renew for eight years at a higher cost. Licenses for drivers over 65 may have different validity periods. The expiration date is printed on your license.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?

If you have an active traffic hold, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. The office can tell you what you owe and how to pay it. Once the hold is cleared, you can complete your renewal.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

No. When you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must renew in person instead.