How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Minnesota driver's license renewal basics

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, whether you need a Real ID, and how soon you need it. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.

Your Minnesota license is valid for eight years if you are between 18 and 65, and four years if you are over 65. You can renew up to one year before expiration. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a DVS office and retake the written test and vision screening.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website costs $24.50 and takes about 10 minutes if your address and name have not changed.
Mail renewal requires a completed Form DL 44, a check or money order for $24.50, and takes two to three weeks; you mail it to the address on the form.
In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you need a Real ID for federal travel.
Real ID licenses cost an extra $10 and require proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) plus proof of residency.
You can schedule an appointment at a DVS office online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website to avoid waiting in line.

Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State

The fastest way to renew is online at the Minnesota Secretary of State website. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay $24.50 by debit or credit card, and you are done. Your new license arrives by mail in seven to 10 business days.

Online renewal is available only if your current license is valid (not expired), your name and address have not changed, and you do not need a Real ID. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must renew by mail or in person. You also cannot renew online if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a motorcycle endorsement — those require in-person renewal.

Once you submit your online renewal, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep it for your records. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving.

Mail renewal and what to send

To renew by mail, read or request Form DL 44 from the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $24.50 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include your current license or a copy of it if possible.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DVS office receives your form. Your new license will arrive by mail after that. During this time, your old license remains valid for driving and identification. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.

Mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years. It is also not available if you need a Real ID, if your name or address has changed, or if you have a CDL or motorcycle endorsement.

In-person renewal at a DVS office

Visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office if your license is expired by more than five years, if you need a Real ID, if your name or address has changed, or if you have a CDL or motorcycle endorsement. You can schedule an appointment online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website to reduce wait time, or walk in during office hours.

Bring your current license or state ID, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $24.50 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you need a Real ID, also bring proof of citizenship (U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or tribal ID) and a second form of residency proof.

In-person renewal is the only way to get a temporary license on the spot. The DVS office will issue you a paper temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Your new license arrives within 10 business days.

Real ID requirements and cost

A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards and is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 7, 2025. Minnesota Real ID licenses cost $10 more than standard licenses, so $34.50 for renewal.

To get a Real ID, you must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring proof of citizenship (U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, naturalization papers, or tribal ID) and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You cannot renew a Real ID online or by mail.

If your current license is a standard license and you want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so during renewal. If you do not need Real ID for federal travel, a standard license remains valid for state identification and driving within Minnesota.

What to do if your license is expired by more than five years

If your Minnesota license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DVS office in person, pay $24.50, and retake the written knowledge test and vision screening. You will also need to provide proof of residency.

Bring your expired license if you have it, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. The DVS office will administer the written test on a computer. You must pass it to receive your new license. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

Schedule an appointment online before you go to avoid a long wait. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are seen first. Your new license arrives by mail within 10 business days, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

DVS office locations and appointment scheduling

Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Many offices are located in county courthouses or government buildings.

Schedule an appointment online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website. You select your office, choose a date and time, and receive a confirmation number. Appointments are free and typically available within one to two weeks. If you cannot find an appointment time that works, you can walk in during office hours, but you may wait longer.

Some offices are busier than others. If your local office has a long wait, consider visiting an office in a nearby county. Your license is valid statewide, so you can renew at any DVS office in Minnesota.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must have a Minnesota address to hold a Minnesota driver's license. If you have moved to another state, you need to obtain a license from that state. If you moved temporarily but still live in Minnesota, you can renew online or by mail using your Minnesota address.

What happens if I let my license expire and then get pulled over?

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Minnesota. You can be cited and fined. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than five years ago, you must visit a DVS office and retake the written test.

Do I need to renew my license if I got a Real ID after my last renewal?

No. If you already have a Real ID, you do not need to renew early. When your current license expires, you can renew it as a Real ID at that time. Your current Real ID license remains valid until its expiration date.

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

Online and mail renewals take seven to 10 business days after the DVS office processes your request. In-person renewal takes 10 business days for your permanent license to arrive by mail, but you receive a temporary paper license the same day that is valid for 30 days.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support obligation?

Minnesota may suspend your license if you have unpaid traffic fines or child support arrears. You cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court or child support enforcement office to find out the status and what you need to do to clear the suspension.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.