Where to renew and what you need to bring
You can renew your Minnesota driver's license in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The easiest route for most people is online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, address change, or medical condition that affects driving. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DVS office or mail in your renewal form.
When you go in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months works), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring the residency proof showing your new address. You do not need to bring your original birth certificate or passport unless you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, or if your license was lost or stolen.
The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at an office. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest option if your license is current and you have not changed your name or address.
- In-person renewal at any DVS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within three months, and the renewal fee of $24.50 or $48.50.
- Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and requires a completed form, proof of residency, and a check or money order sent to the address on the renewal notice.
- If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you must renew in person at a DVS office and may need additional documents.
Online renewal: when it works and when it doesn't
Online renewal is available only if your current license is not expired, you have not changed your name, your address on file is still correct, and you do not have any medical conditions or restrictions that need updating. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The process takes about ten minutes and your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days.
You cannot renew online if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have an outstanding traffic ticket or court order, if you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, or if you changed your name through marriage or court order. In those cases, you must visit a DVS office in person.
In-person renewal at a DVS office
Walk-in service is available at all DVS offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Minnesota Secretary of State website before you go. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your renewal fee. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you.
If you are renewing after your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written knowledge test depending on how long it has been. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you may be asked to provide a medical form completed by your doctor.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is an option if your license is current and you do not have a name or address change. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. Complete the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time the DVS office receives your form. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a DVS office instead. Keep your current license with you until the new one arrives, since the old one remains valid until the expiration date.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it using the same process as a current license — online, by mail, or in person. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DVS office. You will need to pass a vision test, and the DVS officer may require you to retake the written knowledge test to make sure you still know the rules of the road.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you have a renewal process pending. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your renewal notice or temporary paper license as proof that you have started the renewal process, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.
Renewing after suspension or revocation
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DVS office in person. Bring your current license (or your notice of suspension or revocation if you no longer have the license), proof of residency, and the renewal fee. You will also need to bring any documents required by the reason for your suspension or revocation — for example, an SR22 insurance form if your suspension was due to a DUI or at-fault accident.
The DVS officer will review your case and may require you to pass a vision test and retake the written knowledge test. If your suspension period has ended and all requirements have been met, your license will be reinstated. If your revocation is still in effect, you will not be able to renew until the revocation period ends or is lifted by a court.
Finding a DVS office near you
Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you, check its hours, and see current wait times on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have extended hours or Saturday service. Call ahead if you have questions about what documents to bring or if you need an appointment for a medical review.
If you live in a rural area far from a DVS office, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of traveling. Some county sheriff's offices also offer limited DVS services, though not all locations handle renewals. Check the Secretary of State website to see what services are available near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire one year from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired. This means renewing too early can actually shorten the time your new license is valid.
What if I changed my name since my last license?
You must renew in person at a DVS office and bring legal proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. Bring your current license, the name change document, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.
How long does a renewed license take to arrive?
Online renewals take seven to ten business days. Mail renewals take four to six weeks. In-person renewals give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail within that time. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is legal to carry and use.
Do I need a Real ID compliant license in Minnesota?
A Real ID compliant license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025. When you renew, you can request a Real ID license by bringing your original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. There is no extra fee. If you do not bring these documents, you will receive a standard license that is not Real ID compliant.
What if my license was lost or stolen?
A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal. You must go to a DVS office in person, bring proof of residency and your Social Security number, and pay a $24.50 replacement fee. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 30 days. You do not need to bring your old license since it is lost or stolen.