Minnesota driver's license renewal: what you need to do and when
Minnesota sends you a renewal notice 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for it to arrive. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how long it has been since your last renewal, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant document.
Most Minnesota drivers renew every four years. If your license expires on your birthday, you have until midnight that day to renew. If you let it lapse, you cannot legally drive, and you will pay a late fee when you renew.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration, but you can renew anytime after your license is valid for at least one year.
- Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address in the past four years.
- Real ID-compliant licenses require in-person renewal and proof of citizenship, even if you renewed online before.
- The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license, or $48 for an eight-year license, and does not include Real ID upgrades.
- If your license is already expired, you must renew in person and may face a late fee.
Online renewal: fastest and lowest cost
You can renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if all of these are true: your license is not yet expired, you have not changed your address in the past four years, you do not need a Real ID, and your license is not a commercial driver's license (CDL). The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year renewal.
To renew online, you will need your current Minnesota driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or e-check). You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your old license remains valid.
If you are renewing early — before your renewal notice arrives — you can still use the online system. Minnesota allows you to renew once your license has at least one year remaining.
In-person renewal at a DVS office
You must renew in person if you need a Real ID-compliant license, if your license is already expired, if you have changed your address since your last renewal, or if you hold a CDL. You will also renew in person if you want an eight-year license instead of the standard four-year license.
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 mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days). If you are upgrading to Real ID, bring one document proving citizenship (U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization papers) and one document proving your identity and address.
Wait times at DVS offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times and book an appointment online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are faster. The in-person fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. Real ID upgrades cost an additional $10.
Real ID compliance and what it means for renewal
A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal standards for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Minnesota began issuing Real ID licenses in 2017, but they are not required for renewal. You can keep a standard license if you prefer, though you will need a passport or other federal ID for air travel.
If you want to upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must do so in person. You will need to bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate) in addition to your regular renewal documents. The Real ID upgrade costs $10 on top of the standard renewal fee. Your new Real ID license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you already have a Real ID license and are renewing it, you do not need to bring citizenship documents again — your previous Real ID status carries forward. However, if you are renewing a standard (non-Real ID) license and want to keep it standard, you can do that online or in person without upgrading.
Renewal by mail
You can renew by mail if you received a renewal notice from Minnesota. Mail your notice, your current license, and a check or money order for $24.50 to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include a note with your phone number in case DVS needs to contact you.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time DVS receives your materials. Your old license remains valid during this time. If you do not receive your new license within 3 weeks, contact DVS to confirm they received your renewal.
What happens if your license expires
If your license expires before you renew, you cannot legally drive in Minnesota or any other state. You must renew in person, not online or by mail. You will also pay a late fee of $20 in addition to the standard renewal fee, making the total $44.50 for a four-year license.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been. Contact your local DVS office to find out what is required before you go in.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The standard renewal fee for a four-year Minnesota driver's license is $24.50. If you choose an eight-year license instead, the fee is $48. Real ID upgrades cost an additional $10. If your license is expired, add a $20 late fee.
Online renewal accepts debit cards, credit cards, and e-checks. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash through the mail.
| Renewal Type | Cost (4-Year) | Cost (8-Year) | Real ID Add-On | Late Fee (if expired) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $24.50 | Not available | Not available | Not applicable |
| In-person | $24.50 | $48 | $10 | $20 |
| By mail | $24.50 | Not available | Not available | Not applicable |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota license before I get the renewal notice?
Yes. Minnesota allows you to renew online or in person once your license has at least one year remaining. You do not have to wait for the renewal notice to arrive. If you renew early online, the fee is still $24.50.
What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?
You must renew in person if you changed your address. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). You cannot renew online or by mail with an address change.
Do I need a Real ID to renew my Minnesota license?
No. Real ID is optional in Minnesota. You can keep a standard license when you renew. However, if you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, you will need a Real ID license or a passport. Real ID upgrades cost $10 and require in-person renewal with proof of citizenship.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online and in-person renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks from the time DVS receives your materials. Your old license stays valid during this time, so you can continue driving.
What is the late fee if my license already expired?
If your license is expired, you pay a $20 late fee on top of the standard renewal fee. You must renew in person, not online or by mail. If your license has been expired for more than a year, contact DVS to find out whether you need to retake the written and vision tests.