Minnesota driver's license renewal: what you need to do
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 whether you need to update your address or photograph. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but you must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.
Your Minnesota license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, or four years if you are 65 or older. The state will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. You do not have to wait for that notice to renew—you can start the process as soon as your license is within one year of expiration.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at mn.gov/dvs if your license is still valid and you are not changing your address, name, or photo.
- Online renewal costs $16.25 and takes about 10 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a DVS office with a valid ID and proof of residence.
- Minnesota charges $48 for an in-person renewal and $40 for a mail renewal, both valid for eight years (or four if you are 65 or older).
- You can renew by mail by requesting a form from DVS, but this method takes 2 to 3 weeks and does not include a new photo.
Online renewal: fastest option if your license is current
Online renewal through the Minnesota DVS website is the quickest route if your license has not expired and you do not need to change your address, name, or photograph. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The process takes about 10 minutes.
The fee for online renewal is $16.25, paid by debit or credit card at the time you submit your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive 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 you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) or if you need to add or remove endorsements.
In-person renewal at a DVS office: required for expired licenses and address changes
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you are changing your address or legal name, if you need a new photograph, or if you are renewing a commercial license. You will also need to renew in person if you are adding or removing endorsements (such as motorcycle or hazmat).
Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if it has been less than one year), a valid form of identification, and proof of your current Minnesota address. Acceptable ID includes a passport, military ID, or tribal ID. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax statement in your name. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The fee for in-person renewal is $48 for an eight-year license (or $24 for a four-year license if you are 65 or older). Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card at the DVS office. You will receive your new license on the spot, though the photograph may take a few minutes to process. Your old license will be returned to you or destroyed at the office.
Mail renewal: slower but no office visit needed
Mail renewal is available if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your address, name, or photograph. To renew by mail, contact Minnesota DVS to request a renewal form, or read it from mn.gov/dvs. Complete the form and mail it to the address provided with a check or money order for $40. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time DVS receives your form. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. This method does not include a new photograph, so your current photo will be used on your renewed license. Mail renewal is not available for commercial licenses or if you need to update your address or legal name.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, last 4 SSN digits, email address | $16.25 | 7–10 business days |
| In-person | Current or expired license, valid ID, proof of address, name change docs if applicable | $48 (or $24 if 65+) | Same day |
| Completed renewal form, check or money order | $40 | 2–3 weeks |
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DVS office with your current CDL, valid ID, and proof of Minnesota residence. If you are renewing a CDL with hazmat endorsement, you will also need to pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check, which requires additional documentation such as a passport or birth certificate.
The fee for CDL renewal is $48 for an eight-year license. If your CDL has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written test and skills test, depending on how long it has been expired. Contact your local DVS office to confirm what tests are required before you visit.
Common mistakes to avoid when renewing
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Once your license is expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal—you must go to a DVS office in person. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may face additional requirements or fees.
Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing by mail, send only a check or money order. Do not assume your address is current in the system. If you have moved, you must renew in person or contact DVS before renewing online to update your address. Do not forget to bring proof of your current address if you are renewing in person; without it, the office cannot process your renewal.
If you are renewing online and your email address is incorrect in the system, you will not receive your confirmation. Double-check your email address before submitting your online process. If you need a new photo but try to renew online or by mail, your old photo will be used, and you will have to renew again in person later to get a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota license if I live out of state?
Yes. If you are a Minnesota resident living temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail as long as your license is still valid and you do not need to change your address. If you have moved permanently to another state, you should obtain a driver's license in your new state instead of renewing your Minnesota license.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Minnesota. If you are stopped, you may receive a citation and fine. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to renew in person and may face additional penalties. It is best to renew before your license expires.
How do I change my address without renewing my license?
You cannot change your address without renewing your license in Minnesota. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a DVS office and bring proof of your new address. You can do this even if your current license is not yet expired.
Can I renew my license if my name has changed?
Yes, but only in person. Bring your current license, valid ID, proof of residence, and a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The fee is the same as a standard renewal.
What if my license was lost or stolen?
A lost or stolen license is not a renewal—it is a replacement. You must visit a DVS office in person with valid ID and proof of residence. The fee for a replacement is $16.50. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is lost or stolen.