Minnesota driver's licenses expire every four or eight years depending on your age

Your Minnesota driver's license will expire on your birthday. The renewal period depends on how old you are: if you're under 65, your license lasts four years; if you're 65 or older, it lasts eight years. You can renew starting 12 months before your expiration date, and you should plan to do it before that date passes—driving on an expired license is illegal in Minnesota.

Minnesota offers two main renewal paths: online through the state's website, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Online renewal is faster and costs less, but not everyone can use it. In-person renewal always works, though it takes longer and requires a trip to an office.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and you have not had certain violations in the past five years.
  • Online renewal costs $16.50 and takes about 10 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days.
  • In-person renewal at a DVS office costs $24.50 and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day, though your permanent one arrives by mail.
  • You must bring a valid form of ID and proof of residency to any in-person appointment, and you should book your appointment online to avoid long waits.
  • If your license has been expired for more than a year, you cannot renew online and must go to a DVS office instead.

Renewing online through the Minnesota DVS website

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website, find the Driver and Vehicle Services section, and look for the online renewal tool. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against state records.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have had a DWI conviction or certain traffic violations in the past five years, if your name has changed, or if you do not have a valid Social Security number on file. If any of these explore to you, skip to the in-person section below.

If you are may be able to access, the process takes about 10 minutes. You will pay $16.50 by debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 5 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary license with online renewal, so if you need to drive before your new license arrives, you will need to show your old one along with your confirmation email.

Renewing in person at a DVS office

In-person renewal is required if you cannot renew online, and it is also an option if you prefer to handle everything at once. Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and book an appointment on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website—booking online typically means a much shorter wait than walk-ins.

Bring a valid form of ID (your current driver's license, passport, or military ID) and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 90 days and showing your current address. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

The appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay $24.50. Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, which you can use to drive while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within 5 to 10 business days.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than a year

If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you cannot renew it—you must reapply as if you were a new driver. This means you will need to pass the written test and the road test again, not just renew your existing license. You will also need to visit a DVS office in person.

Contact your local DVS office to schedule an appointment for the written test. Bring your ID, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). You will take the written test at that appointment. If you pass, you can schedule your road test for a later date. Once you pass both tests, you will receive your new license.

Renewing by mail if you are unable to visit an office

Minnesota does not offer mail-in renewal for standard driver's licenses. However, if you are unable to visit a DVS office due to a disability or medical condition, you may be able to request an exception. Contact the DVS office in your county directly to explain your situation and ask what options are available to you.

If you are a Minnesota resident living outside the state or country, you can still renew online if you are may be able to access. If you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you will need to either return to Minnesota to renew in person or contact a DVS office to discuss your options.

Choosing between online and in-person renewal

Online renewal is faster and cheaper, but it only works if you meet all the may be able to access requirements and your license is not expired. If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access, the online system will tell you during the process—you can start the process and stop if you find out you cannot complete it online.

In-person renewal takes longer and costs more, but it works for everyone and you walk out with a temporary license the same day. It is also the only option if your license has been expired for more than a year, if your name has changed, or if you have had certain violations. If you have time and prefer to handle everything in one visit, in-person renewal may be worth the extra cost and effort.

What happens after you renew

After you renew online or in person, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you renewed in person, you received a temporary paper license good for 30 days. If you renewed online, you do not have a temporary license, so keep your old one and your confirmation email until your new license arrives.

Your new license will arrive within 5 to 10 business days. If more than two weeks pass and you have not received it, contact the DVS office that processed your renewal. If you moved recently and your new license was mailed to an old address, contact DVS as soon as possible to request that it be reissued to your current address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew starting 12 months before your expiration date. Renewing early does not change your expiration date—your new license will still expire four or eight years from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online. You must visit a DVS office in person to report it lost and explore for a replacement. Bring your ID and proof of residency. You will pay a replacement fee and receive a temporary license on the spot.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online, your photo stays the same. If you renew in person, you will have a new photo taken at the DVS office. You can request a new photo during online renewal by visiting a DVS office instead, but there is no way to get a new photo through online renewal alone.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You can update your address online through the Minnesota DVS website without renewing your license. If you are renewing anyway, you can update your address as part of the renewal process, either online or in person.

How much does it cost to renew in Minnesota?

Online renewal costs $16.50. In-person renewal costs $24.50. Both are paid by debit or credit card at the time of renewal. If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, the cost is higher.