Minnesota driver's licenses renew every four years, and you can renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's REAL ID program.
Minnesota's renewal process depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you want a REAL ID-compliant license, and how much time you have before expiration. Most people can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If you need a REAL ID — required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting May 7, 2025 — you must renew in person and bring specific documents.
Your current license shows your expiration date in the upper right corner. You can renew up to one year before that date, and the state recommends doing so at least two weeks before expiration to avoid driving with an expired license.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota licenses expire every four years; you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation and whether you need a REAL ID.
- Online renewal through Minnesota's REAL ID program is fastest if you have a valid Social Security number, current address on file, and no medical or legal restrictions.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and works only if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and you do not need a REAL ID.
- In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office is required for REAL ID licenses and takes about 30 minutes; bring your current license, proof of residence, and proof of citizenship or legal presence.
- Renewal fees are $24 for a four-year license or $16 for a two-year license; REAL ID licenses cost the same but require additional documents.
Online renewal through Minnesota's REAL ID program
The fastest route is the Minnesota REAL ID online renewal system at realid.sos.state.mn.us. You can renew online if your current license is valid (not expired), you have a Social Security number on file with the state, your address has not changed, you have no medical restrictions, and you have no pending criminal charges or license suspensions.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The state will mail your new REAL ID license within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license to drive until the new one arrives. The fee is $24 for a four-year license.
If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it will explain why — usually because your address changed, you have a medical restriction, or your license is expired. In that case, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail renewal for standard (non-REAL ID) licenses
You can renew by mail if your license is still valid, you have no address changes, you do not need a REAL ID, and you have no medical or legal restrictions. Mail renewal is slower than online but requires no office visit.
Request a renewal form by calling the Minnesota Secretary of State at 651-296-6911 or visiting a Deputy Registrar office. Complete the form, include a check or money order for $24 (four-year license) or $16 (two-year license), and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives.
Do not mail your current license unless the form specifically asks you to. Keep it with you until the new one arrives in case you need to drive.
In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office
You must renew in person if you want a REAL ID license, your current license is expired, your address has changed, you have medical restrictions, or the online system rejected your renewal. Deputy Registrar offices are located throughout Minnesota — find the nearest one at sos.state.mn.us under "Driver and Vehicle Services."
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of citizenship or legal presence. Proof of citizenship can be a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot.
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes. You can walk in without an appointment at most offices, though some accept appointments online. The fee is $24 for a four-year REAL ID license or $16 for a two-year standard license. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card within 7 to 10 business days.
What documents you need for REAL ID renewal
A REAL ID license requires proof of citizenship or legal presence, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Bring one document from each category below.
| Citizenship or Legal Presence | U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, naturalization certificate, permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization document (EAD), or tribal ID |
| Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or pay stub with full SSN |
| Current Address | Utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days |
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can renew with a standard (non-REAL ID) license by mail or in person. Bring your current license, proof of address, and proof of citizenship or legal presence instead.
Renewing an expired Minnesota license
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. If it expired within the last year, you can still renew, but you must do so in person at a Deputy Registrar office or by mail.
Bring your expired license, proof of address, and proof of citizenship or legal presence to a Deputy Registrar office. The fee is the same as a standard renewal. If you want a REAL ID license, also bring proof of your Social Security number. Processing takes about 30 minutes in person or two weeks by mail.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to complete a full process, which requires a written test, vision test, and new photo. Contact a Deputy Registrar office for details.
Renewing with a name change or address change
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, a court order or marriage certificate showing the name change, proof of address, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. The office will update your name and issue a new license on the spot.
If your address has changed, you cannot use online renewal or mail renewal. Visit a Deputy Registrar office with your current license, proof of your new address, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. The office will update your address and issue a new license when ready. If you are moving out of state, you will need to explore for a license in your new state instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota license if I live out of state?
Yes, if your license is still valid and you meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. Use the online REAL ID system or request a mail renewal form by phone at 651-296-6911. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a Deputy Registrar office in Minnesota or contact the Secretary of State about options for out-of-state renewal.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota and can result in a fine of up to $200. If you are stopped by police, you may also face additional penalties. Renew your license before the expiration date shown on the front of your card.
How long does it take to get my renewed license?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for your plastic card to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive with your current license until the new one arrives.
Do I need a REAL ID license?
A REAL ID license is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. If you do not fly or visit federal offices, a standard license is sufficient. You can renew with either type; the fee is the same, but REAL ID requires additional documents and in-person renewal.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State at 651-296-6911 to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it before you can renew.