Minnesota driver's license renewal steps and timelines
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 option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DVS office is when ready if you need your license the same day, though wait times vary by location.
You're may be able to access for online or mail renewal if your license is not expired by more than 5 years, you have no medical conditions that require a vision test, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. If any of those conditions don't explore, you must renew in person.
Your current Minnesota license must not be suspended or revoked. If it is, you cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted and you've completed any required steps — such as paying fines, completing a driver improvement course, or filing an SR22 form with your insurance company.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is available if your license expired less than 5 years ago and you have no medical restrictions.
- The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.75 for an eight-year license, paid by credit or debit card for online and mail renewals.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve the underlying issue and clear the suspension before you can renew.
- In-person renewal requires a valid form of identification, proof of Minnesota residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
- Minnesota offers Real ID-compliant licenses, which are required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting May 7, 2025.
Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State
Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and confirm you meet the renewal requirements.
Pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you've moved recently, update your address before you renew — the system will not let you complete renewal if your address is out of date.
You cannot renew online if you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license. Real ID upgrades require in-person renewal with additional documents proving your identity and Minnesota residency.
Mail renewal and what documents to send
Request a renewal process by calling the Minnesota DVS at 651-297-3298 or visiting a DVS office in person. You can also read the process from the Secretary of State website. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and signature.
Mail the signed process and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license if possible — it helps the DVS process your renewal faster. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DVS receives your process.
If you're renewing by mail and want to change your address, include a proof of residency document with your process — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. The DVS will update your address and mail your new license to the new address you provide.
In-person renewal at a DVS office
Bring your current Minnesota driver's license, a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or tribal ID), proof of Minnesota residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax statement dated within the last 60 days.
Visit any DVS office in Minnesota. You do not have to go to the office in your county — any office can process your renewal. Wait times vary; some offices have shorter lines in the early morning or mid-week. You can check current wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go.
Pay the renewal fee in cash, check, or card at the office. Your new license is printed on the spot and you leave with it the same day. If you're upgrading to a Real ID, the process takes a few minutes longer because the DVS must verify additional documents.
Real ID compliance and what it means for your renewal
A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Minnesota driver's license will no longer be accepted for those purposes.
You can upgrade to a Real ID during renewal, but only if you renew in person. Bring your current license, a valid passport or passport card, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W2, or tax return), and two documents proving your Minnesota residency and identity. The fee is the same as a standard license renewal.
If you renew online or by mail, you'll receive a standard license without the Real ID star. You can upgrade to Real ID at any time by visiting a DVS office in person, even if your current license is not yet expired.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. First, you must find out why it was suspended or revoked by checking your status on the Minnesota Secretary of State website or calling DVS at 651-297-3298.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or a DWI conviction. Each reason has different steps to clear the suspension. For unpaid fines, you must pay them. For a DWI, you may need to file an SR22 form with your insurance company, complete a driver improvement course, and wait out a mandatory suspension period.
Once you've completed all required steps, the suspension is lifted automatically or after you request reinstatement through the DVS. Only then can you renew your license. If you're unsure what steps explore to your situation, call DVS — they can tell you exactly what you need to do.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A four-year Minnesota driver's license costs $24.50 to renew. An eight-year license costs $48.75. These are the standard fees as of 2024; the Secretary of State may adjust them, so confirm the current fee before you mail a check or visit an office.
For online and mail renewal, you can pay by credit card or debit card (online only) or by check or money order (mail only). For in-person renewal, you can pay by cash, check, or card. If you're renewing by mail and paying by check, make it payable to the State of Minnesota.
If you renew online and your payment is declined, you'll be notified when ready and can try again with a different card. If you renew by mail and your check bounces, the DVS will contact you and ask you to resubmit payment before processing your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota license if it expired more than 5 years ago?
No, you must renew in person at a DVS office if your license expired more than 5 years ago. Bring your expired license, a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The DVS will process your renewal the same way as a standard in-person renewal.
What happens if I renew online but my address changed?
Update your address on the Minnesota Secretary of State website before you start the online renewal. If you complete renewal without updating your address, your new license will be mailed to the old address on file. You can update your address in person at any DVS office or by mail with a proof of residency document.
Do I need a Real ID to renew my license?
No, you can renew with a standard license. Real ID is only required if you want to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025. You can renew as a standard license now and upgrade to Real ID later by visiting a DVS office in person.
How long does it take to get my license if I renew by mail?
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DVS receives your process. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so allow 3 to 4 weeks total from the date you mail your process. If you need your license sooner, renew online (7 to 10 days) or in person (same day).
Can I renew my license if I have a suspension for unpaid child support?
No, you cannot renew until the child support arrears are paid or a payment plan is set up. Contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services or your local child support enforcement office to resolve the arrears, then request reinstatement through the DVS before you renew.