Renewing Your Minnesota License: Online, By Mail, or In Person

Minnesota allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements; by mail takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is when ready but requires a trip to an office.

Your license is renewable up to one year before it expires and up to six months after expiration. Minnesota sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your expiration date, but you do not have to wait for the notice to begin the process. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as a new applicant instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.75 for a four-year license if you do not need a new photo.
  • You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo or corrected information.
  • Mail renewal requires the renewal notice from Minnesota, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks to process.
  • In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office is when ready and required if your license is expired, your address has changed, or you need a new photo.
  • Minnesota charges different fees for different license types and validity periods; a standard four-year renewal costs $24.75 online but more if you renew in person.

Online Renewal Through the Secretary of State Website

Online renewal is available at mn.gov/sos under the Driver and Vehicle Services section. You will need your current Minnesota driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record; if everything matches, you can complete the renewal in one session.

Online renewal works only if all of the following are true: your license has not expired, your address on file is still correct, you do not need a new photo, and you have no corrections to make to your name or other information. If any of these conditions do not explore, you must renew by mail or in person instead. The fee for online renewal is $24.75 for a four-year license, paid by debit or credit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days.

If the online system rejects your renewal attempt, it will tell you why — usually because your address has changed or your license is expired. In that case, proceed to mail or in-person renewal depending on your timeline and whether you need a new photo.

Mail Renewal Using Your Renewal Notice

To renew by mail, you need the renewal notice that Minnesota sends you about 60 days before expiration. The notice includes a form and instructions specific to your record. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date Minnesota receives your envelope.

Mail renewal costs $24.75 for a four-year license. You can renew by mail even if your license has expired, as long as expiration was within the last six months. If you have moved, you can update your address on the form before mailing. However, if you need a new photo — because your current one is damaged, you look significantly different, or Minnesota requires a new photo for your age group — you cannot renew by mail and must go in person instead.

Keep a record of when you mail the form. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State Driver Services line at 651-296-6911 to check the status. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive legally during the wait.

In-Person Renewal at a Deputy Registrar Office

In-person renewal is when ready: you walk out with your new license the same day. You must renew in person if your license has expired for more than six months, your address has changed, you need a new photo, or you want to correct information on your license. Deputy Registrar offices are located throughout Minnesota — you can find the one nearest you at mn.gov/sos under the office locator tool.

Bring your current Minnesota driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and payment. In-person renewal fees vary by license type and validity period. A standard four-year license costs $24.75, but if you also need a new photo or are renewing a commercial license, the fee may be higher. Most offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices take appointments; others operate on a walk-in basis. Call ahead or check the office's hours before you go.

If you are renewing after expiration, bring your expired license with you. If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are a non-citizen, bring your valid passport or travel document.

What Happens If Your License Expires Before You Renew

If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally if you have proof that you submitted a renewal request. If you renewed by mail, keep a copy of the envelope's tracking number or a photo of the postmark. If you renewed online, print or screenshot the confirmation page. If a police officer stops you, show your expired license and your proof of renewal request.

However, if your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew it anymore — you must reapply as a new applicant, which requires a written test, a driving test, and a new photo. This is a much longer process than renewal. To avoid this, submit your renewal request before your license expires or within the six-month grace period after expiration.

Fees and License Validity Periods

Minnesota driver's licenses are valid for four years from the date of issue. The renewal fee is $24.75 for a standard four-year license when you renew online or by mail. If you renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office, the fee may be slightly higher depending on the office and the type of transaction. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have different fees and validity periods; a CDL is valid for four years but costs more to renew.

If you are renewing a license that you obtained through a name change, address change, or correction, the fee may differ. Some Deputy Registrar offices charge an additional service fee on top of the state renewal fee. Call the office or check the Secretary of State website for the exact amount before you go.

Updating Your Address, Name, or Photo During Renewal

If your address has changed, you can update it during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew by mail or in person. When you renew by mail, write your new address on the renewal form before mailing it. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 90 days — and tell the Deputy Registrar that you need to update your address.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. You cannot update your name by mail or online. If you need a new photo because your current one is damaged or you look significantly different, you must also renew in person; online and mail renewal do not include a new photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota license if it expired more than six months ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew it. You must reapply as a new applicant instead, which requires a written test, a driving test, and a new photo. To avoid this, renew your license before it expires or within six months of expiration.

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

Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days after you complete the online renewal. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive legally. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State at 651-296-6911.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my license?

Not always. If you renew online or by mail and your photo is still acceptable, you do not need a new one. However, if your license is damaged, you look significantly different, or Minnesota requires a new photo for your age group, you must renew in person and provide a new photo.

What if I moved to a different state — can I still renew my Minnesota license?

You can renew your Minnesota license by mail or online if your license has not expired and you do not need to update your address. However, if you have moved out of state and want to update your address to your new state, you must renew in person at a Minnesota Deputy Registrar office or reapply for a license in your new state.

Can I renew my license at any Deputy Registrar office, or does it have to be the one closest to me?

You can renew at any Deputy Registrar office in Minnesota, not just the one closest to you. Use the office locator tool at mn.gov/sos to find all locations and their hours. Some offices take appointments and others operate on a walk-in basis, so check before you go.