Minnesota driver's license renewal steps and timelines
You can renew your Minnesota driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 5 to 7 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you need your license the same day, but you'll wait in line at a DVS office.
Your license is valid for 4 years if you're under 65, or 2 years if you're 65 or older. Minnesota sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for it — you can renew anytime in the 12 months before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online within 2 years of the expiration date. After 2 years, you must explore for a new license in person.
The cost is $24.50 for a 4-year renewal if you're under 65. If you're 65 or older, a 2-year renewal costs $12.25. You'll pay an additional $5 fee if you renew online or by mail and need a Real ID compliant license (which you do if you want to use your license for domestic air travel or federal building access after May 7, 2025).
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available if your license is not suspended, you have no vision or medical restrictions that changed, and you're not changing your name or address.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice Minnesota sends you, a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DVS office is the only option if your license has been expired for more than 2 years or if you need it the same day.
- Real ID compliance costs an extra $5 and requires proof of residency and identity; without it, your license won't work for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025.
- If your address or name has changed, you must renew in person or update your information online first before renewing by mail.
Online renewal: fastest option if you're may be able to access
To renew online, go to mn.gov/dvs and select "Renew Your Driver's License." You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will check whether you're may be able to access — if you have a suspended license, medical restrictions, or a name change, you won't be able to proceed online.
Online renewal does not include a Real ID upgrade. If you want your new license to be Real ID compliant, you'll pay the extra $5 fee during checkout, but you'll still need to mail in proof of residency and identity after you complete the online transaction. Minnesota will send you instructions on what documents to submit. Without Real ID, your license will not work for domestic air travel or federal building access starting May 7, 2025.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you've moved and haven't updated your address yet, update it on the DVS website before you renew, or renew in person instead.
Mail renewal: what to send and how long it takes
To renew by mail, use the renewal notice Minnesota sent you. Fill out the form on the back, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $24.50 (or $12.25 if you're 65 or older) to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the day DVS receives your envelope.
If you don't have your renewal notice, you can request one by calling DVS at 651-297-2126 or visiting a DVS office. You can also read the renewal form from mn.gov/dvs, but the form you print yourself will not have your barcode, which may slow processing slightly.
Mail renewal does not include Real ID. If you want Real ID compliance, add $5 to your payment and include proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days) and proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or certified marriage certificate if your name has changed). Include a note saying you want Real ID, or DVS may process your renewal without it.
In-person renewal at a DVS office
Visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office with your current license and proof of residency if you've moved. You'll pay $24.50 (or $12.25 if you're 65 or older) and receive your new license the same day. No appointment is required, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check mn.gov/dvs for office hours and locations near you.
In-person renewal is your only option if your license expired more than 2 years ago, if you have a suspended license, or if you need to change your name or address. You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office.
If you want Real ID compliance, bring proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or certified marriage certificate) and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days). The $5 Real ID fee is added to your renewal cost. You'll receive your Real ID compliant license the same day.
Real ID requirements and what happens if you don't upgrade
A Real ID compliant license has a gold or silver star in the upper right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need one to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have the star, you can upgrade it during renewal by providing proof of identity and residency.
Acceptable proof of identity includes a U.S. birth certificate, passport, passport card, or certified marriage certificate (if your name has changed). Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax statement, or bank statement — all dated within 90 days. A driver's license or state ID cannot be used as proof of residency.
If you renew without Real ID, you can still use your license for driving and state ID purposes. You'll just need a passport or passport card for domestic air travel. You can upgrade to Real ID at any time by visiting a DVS office with the required documents.
What to do if your license is suspended or has restrictions
If your license is suspended, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DVS office in person. The office staff will tell you whether you can renew or whether you need to resolve the suspension first. Suspensions can result from unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or DWI convictions.
If your license has medical or vision restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or daylight driving only), you can renew online only if those restrictions have not changed. If your vision or health has changed, renew in person so the office can update your restrictions or require a new vision test.
Renewing after your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than 2 years ago, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as a standard renewal. You do not need to reapply or take a new test.
If your license expired more than 2 years ago, you must explore for a new license in person at a DVS office. You'll need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). You'll also take a vision test and a written knowledge test. The fee for a new license is $24.50 (or $12.25 if you're 65 or older).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you've moved out of state and want to keep your Minnesota license, update your address on the DVS website before you renew. If you've moved and want to switch to your new state's license, contact that state's DMV instead.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
Renew in person at a DVS office and you'll receive your new license the same day. If you're traveling soon and can't visit an office, renew online or by mail now and bring your old license plus the receipt or confirmation number as proof of renewal until your new license arrives.
Do I need to take a new photo for online or mail renewal?
No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, renew in person at a DVS office.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of identity and residency. You'll receive your new license with your updated name the same day.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
It depends on the type of violation. Some unpaid fines result in a license suspension, which prevents online and mail renewal. Contact DVS at 651-297-2126 to check your status, or visit a DVS office to renew in person — the office can tell you whether your license can be renewed or what needs to be resolved first.