Minnesota driver's licenses expire every four or eight years, depending on your age and license type
Your Minnesota driver's license will expire on your birthday. If you're under 65, your license lasts four years. If you're 65 or older, it lasts two years. You can renew starting 12 months before your expiration date, and you have a grace period of up to 60 days after expiration to renew without penalty.
Minnesota offers three renewal paths: online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Which one you can use depends on your age, whether you need a new photo, and how much time you have before your license expires.
The online and mail routes are faster and don't require a trip, but they have specific requirements. In-person renewal at a DVS office is always an option and is the only way to renew if you don't meet the criteria for the other methods.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota driver's licenses expire on your birthday every four years (under 65) or every two years (65 and older), and you can renew up to 12 months early.
- Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest option if you're under 65, have a current Real ID or REAL ID-compliant license, and don't need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and works for most drivers, but you'll need to include a new photo if your current license photo is more than eight years old.
- In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), need a new photo, or don't meet online or mail requirements.
- You'll need your current license, proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or tribal ID) for any renewal method.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
Online renewal is the quickest option and can be completed in minutes from home. You can renew online if you're under 65, your current license is not expired, and you have a Real ID or REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner). You also cannot have changed your name, address, or other personal information since your last renewal.
Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and, if approved, issue your new license. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal costs $24.50 for a four-year license (under 65) or $12.25 for a two-year license (65 and older). Payment is by credit or debit card only.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works for most drivers and takes about two weeks from the time the DVS office receives your process. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you don't need a new photo (or your current photo is less than eight years old).
Request a mail renewal form from the Minnesota Secretary of State website, or call the DVS at 651-296-6911 to have one mailed to you. Complete the form and include your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
Mail your completed process to the address listed on the form. The DVS will process it and mail your new license to the address on file. Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal: $24.50 for a four-year license or $12.25 for a two-year license.
Renewing in person at a DVS office
In-person renewal is necessary if you're renewing a commercial driver's license, need a new photo, have changed your name or address, or don't meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. You'll also need to renew in person if you're under 18 and renewing for the first time after turning 16.
Find your nearest DVS office on the Minnesota Secretary of State website and check their hours and current wait times. Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, tribal ID, or military ID), and proof of Minnesota residency. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
At the office, you'll have your photo taken, answer a few questions to confirm your information, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license will be issued on the spot, though you may receive an updated version by mail if corrections are needed. In-person renewal costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $12.25 for a two-year license, plus a $5 photo fee.
Documents you'll need for any renewal method
Regardless of how you renew, you'll need to provide certain documents to verify your identity and residency. Your current Minnesota driver's license is required for all methods. If you're renewing online, the system will verify this electronically.
For mail or in-person renewal, bring proof of identity such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, tribal ID, or military ID. You'll also need proof of Minnesota residency dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or property tax statement. If you've changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change.
If your current license photo is more than eight years old and you're renewing by mail, you must include a new photo (2x2 inches, color or black and white, taken within the last six months). For online renewal, a new photo is not required because your existing photo will be used.
What to do if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than 60 days ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal, plus your expired license.
If your license expired within the last 60 days, you can still use mail or online renewal (if you otherwise meet the requirements), but you should renew as soon as possible. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even during the grace period.
If you've lost your license or it was stolen, you'll need to explore for a replacement rather than a renewal. Contact your local DVS office or the Minnesota Secretary of State for instructions on obtaining a replacement license.
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. Bring your current CDL, proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and your medical certificate (MCSA-5875 form) if your CDL requires one.
You may also need to pass a written test or skills test depending on the type of CDL you hold and any violations or suspensions on your record. The DVS office will tell you what's required when you arrive. CDL renewal costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $12.25 for a two-year license, plus a $5 photo fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before the 12-month window?
No. Minnesota allows renewal starting 12 months before your expiration date. If you try to renew earlier, your process will be rejected. However, you can renew anytime within that 12-month window, so plan ahead if you have travel or other plans coming up.
What happens if I drive after my license expires?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota. You have a 60-day grace period after expiration to renew, but you should not drive during this time. If you're stopped by police, you can face a fine. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?
Online renewal typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the DVS office receives your process, plus mail delivery time on both ends. In-person renewal is when ready — you'll receive your license on the spot.
Do I need a Real ID to renew online?
Yes. Your current license must be a Real ID (marked with a gold star) or REAL ID-compliant to renew online. If your license doesn't have a gold star, you can renew by mail or in person instead.
What if my address has changed since my last renewal?
If you've moved, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DVS office and bring proof of your new Minnesota residency. Bring a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or property tax statement dated within the last 60 days showing your new address.