Minnesota driver's license renewal: what you need to know
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 your license type, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your Minnesota license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age and license class. You can renew up to one year before expiration. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota allows online renewal for most drivers, but you must have a valid passport, passport card, or REAL ID-compliant document to verify your identity.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks for processing, while online renewal is when ready and your temporary license prints when ready at home.
- You must renew in person if your address has changed, you need a new photo, your license was lost or stolen, or you have certain medical conditions.
- The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, paid by credit card online or check by mail.
- If your license has expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must explore for a new license in person.
Online renewal through the Minnesota DVS website
Online renewal is the fastest method and available to most Minnesota drivers. Go to mn.gov/dvs and select the renewal option. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start. The system will ask you to verify your identity using a valid passport, passport card, or other REAL ID-compliant document — you photograph the document with your phone or upload an image.
Once your identity is verified, you review your information, confirm your address, and pay the renewal fee by credit card. The system generates a temporary license that prints when ready from your home printer. This temporary license is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is being produced and mailed. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal does not allow you to change your address, update your photo, or change your name. If you need any of these changes, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail renewal and what documents to send
To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the Minnesota DVS or read it from mn.gov/dvs. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, address, and signature. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — $24.50 for four years or $48 for eight years — made payable to "Minnesota DVS."
Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DVS receives your envelope. You do not receive a temporary license by mail, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new card arrives. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form.
Mail renewal does not allow address changes, photo updates, or name changes. You also cannot use mail renewal if your current license has been expired for more than one year.
In-person renewal at a DVS office
Visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person if you need to change your address, update your photo, change your name, or if your license expired more than one year ago. You can also renew in person if you prefer not to use online or mail methods. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days).
If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If you are updating your address, bring a document showing your new address dated within 30 days.
Wait times at DVS offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Minnesota DVS website before you go. Bring your payment — $24.50 for four years or $48 for eight years — by cash, check, or card. You receive your temporary license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
When you must renew in person
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year. In this case, you must explore for a new license at a DVS office and pay the full process fee, not the renewal fee. You also must renew in person if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), a school bus endorsement, or a hazmat endorsement.
Certain medical conditions require in-person renewal. If you have a condition that affects your ability to drive safely, DVS may require you to visit an office and pass a vision or medical exam. If your license was suspended or revoked, you must renew in person and may need to complete additional requirements such as a written test or driving exam.
If you are changing your name, address, or photo, you must renew in person. You also must visit an office if you want to change your license class (for example, from a standard license to a REAL ID-compliant license).
License validity periods and when to renew
Minnesota driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age. If you are under 65, your license is valid for four years. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for four years, but you can choose an eight-year license if you pass a vision exam at a DVS office. Licenses issued to drivers under 18 are valid for four years and expire on your birthday.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. The state mails renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for the full term from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.
If your license expires while you are out of state or unable to renew, you have a grace period of 60 days after expiration to renew without penalty. After 60 days, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing.
Fees, payment methods, and what to expect
The renewal fee for a four-year license is $24.50. An eight-year license costs $48. These fees explore whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew and must explore for a new license, which costs more.
Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card. Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, DVS will contact you and may deny your renewal.
Your new license is mailed to the address you provided during renewal. If you are moving, update your address before you renew so your license arrives at your new home. If you renew online or in person, your temporary license prints when ready or is given to you on the spot, so you can drive legally while waiting for your permanent card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota license if I do not have a passport or REAL ID document?
If you do not have a passport or REAL ID-compliant document, you cannot renew online. You can renew by mail or in person at a DVS office. Mail renewal does not require identity verification beyond your signature. In-person renewal requires proof of identity such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card.
What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for my renewal to process?
If you renew online or in person, you receive a temporary license when ready that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days, so you should have it before the temporary expires. If you renew by mail, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, as long as you mailed your renewal before expiration.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my Minnesota license?
No, you do not need a new photo unless you want one. If you renew online or by mail, your current photo is used. If you want to update your photo, you must renew in person at a DVS office.
Can I renew my license if I owe child support or have unpaid traffic fines?
Minnesota may deny renewal if you owe child support or have unpaid court-ordered fines. If you receive a denial notice, contact the agency listed on the notice to resolve the debt. Once resolved, you can renew your license.
What if I moved to Minnesota from another state and my out-of-state license is still valid?
You must obtain a Minnesota license within 30 days of establishing residency. You cannot renew an out-of-state license in Minnesota. You must explore for a new Minnesota license in person at a DVS office and surrender your out-of-state license.