How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Minnesota License Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person

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 route if you are renewing early or on time — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. By-mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DVS office is required only if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to update your address or name, or if you cannot renew online because of your license type or status.

Minnesota does not mail renewal notices, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date. You can find it on the front of your license or check your status on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Renewing before your license expires keeps you legal to drive and avoids the need for a replacement fee if you let it lapse.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works for most drivers renewing on time and costs $24.50; your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks, costs $24.50, and requires you to mail in your current license and a completed Form DL-44.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you need to change your address, name, or organ donor status.
You must renew in person if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), a hazmat endorsement, or a school bus endorsement.
Minnesota licenses expire on your birthday; standard licenses are valid for eight years, and senior licenses (age 65 and older) are valid for four years.

Online Renewal: Requirements and Steps

Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you do not hold a CDL or hazmat endorsement, and your address and name have not changed since your last renewal. You will need your current Minnesota driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check).

Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and select "Renew Your Driver's License Online." Enter your license number and Social Security number to verify your identity. Review your current information, confirm it is correct, and pay the $24.50 renewal fee. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it will explain why — usually because your license is expired, you hold a CDL, or your information needs to be updated. In that case, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail Renewal: Forms, Fees, and Timeline

Mail renewal works for drivers whose licenses are not expired and who do not hold a CDL or hazmat endorsement. You will need to complete Form DL-44 (process for Minnesota Driver's License), which you can read from the Minnesota Secretary of State website or request by phone at 651-297-3298. You will also need to mail in your current physical license.

Include the completed form, your current license, and a check or money order for $24.50 payable to "State of Minnesota." Mail the packet to: Driver and Vehicle Services, 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 161, St. Paul, MN 55101. Do not use certified mail or require a signature — standard mail is fine. Your new license will arrive in 2 to 3 weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time.

Keep a copy of your completed form and note the date you mailed the packet. If you do not receive your new license within 4 weeks, contact DVS at 651-297-3298 to check the status. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works if you prefer not to renew online or if your license is close to expiration and you want to renew before it lapses.

In-Person Renewal at a DVS Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you hold a CDL or hazmat endorsement, if you need to change your address or legal name, or if you want to update your organ donor status. Bring your current Minnesota driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some offer Saturday hours. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Bring all required documents and the $24.50 renewal fee (cash, check, debit card, or credit card — accepted methods vary by office, so call ahead if you are unsure). The renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

What Happens If Your License Expires

If your license expires and you do not renew it before the expiration date, you cannot legally drive. Driving on an expired license can result in a citation and fine. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a DVS office — you cannot use online or mail renewal. You will still pay the standard $24.50 renewal fee; there is no additional penalty fee for a lapsed license in Minnesota, but you lose the option to renew by mail or online.

If you realize your license has expired while you are driving, pull over safely and do not continue driving. Contact a DVS office as soon as possible to renew. If you are stopped by law enforcement, explain that your license is expired and show your temporary paper license if you have already started the renewal process.

License Types and Expiration Schedules

Standard Minnesota driver's licenses expire on your birthday and are valid for eight years. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for four years and expires on your birthday. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) expire on your birthday and are valid for four years; you must renew a CDL in person at a DVS office and pass a knowledge test and road test. Instruction permits and provisional licenses have different expiration dates and renewal rules — contact DVS for details on those license types.

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can also check your license status and expiration date on the Minnesota Secretary of State website by entering your license number and date of birth. Renewing 30 to 60 days before your expiration date gives you time to receive your new license by mail or online before your current license expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you have moved out of state and no longer live in Minnesota, you cannot renew a Minnesota license. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. If you still live in Minnesota but have a temporary out-of-state address (for work or school), you can renew online or by mail as long as your license is not expired and your information has not changed.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You must replace your lost license before you can renew. Go to a DVS office in person with proof of identity and Social Security number. Pay the $20 replacement fee, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your new plastic license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it online or by mail if it is not yet expired.

Do I need a new photo when I renew my Minnesota license?

If you renew online or by mail, your current photo is used and you do not need a new one. If you renew in person at a DVS office, a new photo is taken as part of the renewal process. You cannot bring your own photo or request to use an old one.

How much does it cost to renew a Minnesota driver's license?

The renewal fee is $24.50 for a standard eight-year license. Senior licenses (age 65 and older) are $24.50 for a four-year license. Commercial driver's licenses cost more — contact DVS for current CDL renewal fees. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire on the same birthday as your current license would have. In-person renewal can be done up to 60 days before expiration.

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.