Minnesota driver's license renewal: what you need to know

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Most people renew by mail or online without taking a new photo or test. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, and the state will mail your new license to you within 7 to 10 business days of approval.

Your renewal method depends on your license type and how long it has been since your last in-person visit. If you have a standard driver's license and have been to a DVS office within the past 4 years, you can renew by mail or online. If you have not been in person for more than 4 years, or if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota allows mail and online renewal for most drivers, but you must have visited a DVS office within the past 4 years to use these methods.
  • Your renewal fee is $24.50 for a standard 4-year license or $48.75 for an 8-year license, paid at the time of renewal.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you need to change your name, address, or organ donor status, you can do so during renewal without visiting an office if you renew online.

Renewing by mail in Minnesota

To renew by mail, you will receive a renewal notice from Minnesota about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and a form you sign and return with a check or money order. Do not send cash. Mail your completed form and payment to the address on the envelope.

The mail renewal process takes about two weeks from the time DVS receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you move before your license arrives, contact DVS to update your address so the license is forwarded correctly. You can track your renewal status online using your driver's license number and date of birth at the Minnesota Secretary of State website.

Renewing online through Minnesota's website

Online renewal is the fastest option and available 24 hours a day. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State's online renewal portal and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will need a valid email address and a payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check).

Online renewal takes about 5 to 7 business days from approval. You can change your address, add or remove organ donor status, and update your name during online renewal. Your new license ships by mail to your address on file. If you run into trouble during the online process, you can call the DVS customer service line at 651-297-2126 or visit a DVS office in person.

Renewing in person at a DVS office

Visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office if you have not been in person for more than 4 years, if you hold a CDL, or if you prefer to renew face-to-face. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. If you changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

You will have a new photo taken at the office. The appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You can book an appointment online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website or call 651-297-2126. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer wait times. Your new license is printed on-site or mailed to you, depending on the office location.

What to bring and what it costs

For any renewal method, have your current driver's license ready. If you renew by mail or online, you do not need to bring anything else — just your license number and Social Security number. If you renew in person, bring proof of Minnesota residency such as a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address.

A standard 4-year license costs $24.50. An 8-year license costs $48.75. Payment is due at the time of renewal. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order. If you renew online or in person, you can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Minnesota does not accept cash for mail renewals.

When your license expires and what happens if you miss the important date

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before that date. If your license expires before you receive your new one, you can still drive legally if you have proof that you submitted your renewal process. Print your online renewal confirmation or keep your mail renewal receipt as proof.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit a DVS office in person and may need to retake the written test and eye exam. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation, so renew as soon as you receive your renewal notice.

Changing your information during renewal

You can change your address, name, or organ donor status during renewal. If you renew online, you can make these changes directly in the portal before you submit. If you renew by mail, write the changes on your renewal form or contact DVS before mailing. If you renew in person, tell the DVS staff member what needs to change, and they will update your record.

If you need to change your license class (for example, adding a motorcycle endorsement), you cannot do so during renewal — you must visit a DVS office and pass the required tests. Contact DVS at 651-297-2126 to find out what tests you need and to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you still have a Minnesota address on file, you can renew by mail or online. If you have moved out of state permanently, contact DVS to update your address and find out whether you need to renew in person or can use another method.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew. You can renew online anytime, or call DVS at 651-297-2126 to request a new notice be mailed to you. You can also visit a DVS office in person to renew without the notice.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Mail and online renewals take 7 to 10 business days after approval. In-person renewals may print your license on-site (ready in minutes) or mail it to you depending on the office. Check the Minnesota Secretary of State website to see which offices print licenses on-site.

Can I renew if my license is suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with DVS before you can renew. Contact DVS at 651-297-2126 to find out what steps you need to take to clear the suspension or revocation.

What if my name changed since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to your in-person renewal. If you renew by mail or online, include a copy with your process or contact DVS first to confirm the process for your situation.