Your license stops being valid the moment it expires, and driving on it becomes illegal

An expired Minnesota driver's license cannot be used to drive. The moment your license expires—the date printed on the front—you are no longer legally permitted to operate a vehicle in Minnesota or any other state. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited for driving with an expired license, which carries a fine and a mark on your driving record.

The expiration date is set when you renew. Minnesota driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. Your renewal date appears on the front of your card. If you miss that date, you must renew before you drive again.

An expired license also will not work for identification purposes—boarding a plane, entering a federal building, or proving your age. You need a valid, unexpired license for those uses.

Key Takeaways

  • Driving on an expired Minnesota license is illegal and can result in a citation, fine, and a violation on your driving record.
  • Minnesota licenses expire eight years from the date of issue, and the expiration date is printed on the front of your card.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
  • Renewing online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest option if you meet the requirements, and takes a few minutes.
  • If your license has been expired for more than a year, you may need to take a written test and vision test in addition to renewing.

How to renew before your license expires

Minnesota allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before the expiration date. This means you do not have to wait until the last day—you can renew as soon as you receive a reminder notice or notice the expiration date approaching.

The fastest way to renew is online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The online renewal takes about five minutes and costs the standard renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot renew online—for example, if you have changed your name or address since your last license—you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. You will need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Walk-in service is available at most DVS locations, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

What happens if you drive on an expired license

Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation in Minnesota. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited under Minnesota Statute 171.02, which prohibits operating a vehicle without a valid license. The citation carries a fine, typically between $100 and $300 depending on the officer's discretion and your driving history.

The violation will appear on your driving record and may affect your insurance rates. Some insurers view an expired-license citation as a sign of carelessness and may increase your premium or decline to renew your policy. If you have an SR22 filing (a document required after certain violations), driving on an expired license could complicate that requirement.

If you are involved in an accident while driving on an expired license, your insurance company may deny your claim, leaving you personally liable for damages. This is one of the most serious consequences of letting your license expire.

Renewing a license that expired more than a year ago

If your license has been expired for more than one year, Minnesota requires you to renew in person at a DVS office. You cannot use the online renewal process. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Depending on how long your license has been expired, you may also be required to retake the written knowledge test and the vision test. Minnesota's rule is that if your license has been expired for more than one year, you must pass the vision test. If it has been expired for more than three years, you must pass both the written test and the vision test. The written test covers Minnesota traffic laws and safe driving practices and takes about 30 minutes.

Bring your study materials or arrive early to review. The Minnesota Secretary of State provides a free study guide on its website. You will also need to pay the renewal fee, which is higher for in-person renewals than online renewals.

Renewing if you have an out-of-state address

If you have moved out of Minnesota but still hold a Minnesota license, you can renew online as long as your license has not been expired for more than one year. You will receive your new license by mail at your out-of-state address.

However, if you have moved to another state and plan to stay there, you should consider obtaining a license from that state instead. Holding a valid license from your state of residence is required by law in most states. Driving on a Minnesota license after you have established residency elsewhere can be treated as driving without a valid license in your new state.

What to do if you have an expired license and need to drive when ready

If your license has just expired and you need to drive, you have limited options. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, even for a short trip. Your best option is to renew online when ready if you are may be able to access—the process takes five minutes, though your new license will not arrive for 7 to 10 days.

If you cannot wait for the mail, you can visit a DVS office in person and request a temporary license. A temporary license is a paper document that is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your permanent license is being processed. You will need to bring the same documents required for an in-person renewal. The temporary license costs less than a full renewal and is issued on the spot.

If you are in an emergency situation—for example, a medical appointment or a family emergency—contact your local DVS office to ask about expedited options. Some offices can issue a temporary license the same day.

How an expired license affects your insurance

An expired license does not automatically cancel your car insurance, but it creates serious problems if you need to file a claim. Most insurance policies require the driver to hold a valid license at the time of loss. If you are in an accident while driving on an expired license, your insurer may deny your claim entirely, leaving you responsible for all damages.

Additionally, if your insurer discovers that you have been driving on an expired license, they may cancel your policy for misrepresentation or non-compliance with policy terms. You would then need to find a new insurer, and the cancellation would appear on your insurance record, making you a higher-risk customer and increasing your premiums.

If you have an SR22 filing, an expired license can trigger additional consequences. An SR22 is a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with the Minnesota Secretary of State, usually after a DUI, reckless driving, or uninsured accident. Driving on an expired license while you have an active SR22 can be seen as a violation of the conditions of your filing and may result in license suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota license online if I changed my name?

No. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

What if I lost my license and it has also expired?

You can replace and renew at the same time by visiting a DVS office in person. Bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. You will pay one fee that covers both the replacement and the renewal. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will also need to pass the vision test.

Does Minnesota recognize an expired license from another state?

No. If you have moved to Minnesota, you must obtain a Minnesota license within 60 days of establishing residency. An expired license from another state is not valid for driving in Minnesota. If you are new to Minnesota and your out-of-state license has not expired, you can drive on it for 60 days while you renew.

Will my insurance rates go up if I get a ticket for an expired license?

Yes, most insurers will increase your rates after a traffic citation, including one for an expired license. The increase depends on your insurer's rating rules and your driving history. Some insurers may also drop you if they view the violation as a sign of negligence.

How do I know when my Minnesota license expires?

The expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the lower right corner. Minnesota also mails renewal reminders about 60 days before your license expires. If you do not receive a reminder, you can check your expiration date by logging into your account on the Minnesota Secretary of State website or by calling your local DVS office.