Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires

You can walk into a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office and renew your license as early as 12 months before the expiration date printed on your current card. There is no penalty for renewing early, and your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew (or four years if you are under 21). The state does not require you to wait until a specific month or day — the one-year window is your only timing rule.

If you are within 30 days of expiration, you can renew by mail or online, which is faster than going to an office. If your license has already expired, you can still renew, but the process is the same as a new process and takes longer. The key is knowing which method works for your situation and what documents you need to bring.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your Minnesota license any time in the 12 months before it expires, with no penalty for renewing early.
  • Online and mail renewal are available only if your license expires within 30 days, so plan ahead if you want to use those methods.
  • In-person renewal at a DVS office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residence, and a completed Form DL-44 or DL-43.
  • If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must retake the written test and vision test, not just renew.
  • Minnesota charges $24.50 for an eight-year renewal or $12.25 for a four-year renewal if you are under 21.

Renewing in person at a DVS office

In-person renewal is the most straightforward path and works at any point in the 12-month window. You do not need an appointment at most DVS locations, though some offices accept them and a few require them. Walk in with your current license, a completed renewal form (DL-44 for a standard eight-year license or DL-43 for a four-year license), and proof of your current address.

Proof of residence can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax statement dated within the last 30 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photocopy alone is not accepted. The office will take a new photo, run a vision test, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days.

Bring your Social Security number or proof of it (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The fee is $24.50 for an eight-year license or $12.25 for a four-year license if you are under 21.

Renewing by mail if your license expires soon

If your license expires within 30 days, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. Request a renewal process by calling the Minnesota DVS at 651-297-2126 or visiting the DVS website. Fill out the form, include a photocopy of your current license (both sides), and mail it with a check or money order for $24.50 (or $12.25 if you are under 21) to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — expect 2 to 3 weeks for processing plus mail delivery time. Your new license will arrive by mail. You cannot use mail renewal if your license has already expired or if you need a new photo for any reason. If the DVS office finds an issue with your process, they will contact you by phone or mail, which adds more time.

Renewing online if your license expires within 30 days

Minnesota offers online renewal through the DVS website for drivers whose license expires within 30 days. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The online system will ask you to confirm your address and other information from your current license.

Online renewal costs $24.50 (or $12.25 if you are under 21) and takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 5 to 10 business days. You cannot change your address online — if you have moved, you must renew in person or by mail and include proof of your new address.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot straightforward renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which means retaking the written knowledge test and the vision test. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number, just as you would for a first-time process.

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using the standard renewal process — no retesting required. The one-year grace period applies to the expiration date on your license, not the date you walk into the office. If you are unsure whether you are within the window, call the DVS at 651-297-2126 and give them your license number.

Renewing a license with a different name or address

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change. This can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. A photocopy is not accepted — the document must be certified or an official copy from the issuing agency.

If you have moved to a new address, bring proof of your current residence. The same documents that work for a standard renewal (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax statement, bank statement, or insurance bill) are accepted. The document must be dated within the last 30 days and must show your name and address. If you are renewing online, you cannot change your address — you must renew in person or by mail.

Where to find a DVS office and what to expect

Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can find the location nearest you on the DVS website or by calling 651-297-2126. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer wait times, especially on Fridays and near the end of the month. If you want to avoid a wait, go early in the week or mid-morning.

Bring all your documents in one trip. If you forget something, you will have to come back. The office will not hold your process or let you come back later that day with the missing document. Processing takes about 30 minutes from check-in to photo and payment. Your new license will be mailed to you, so you will not leave the office with it in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Minnesota will not issue or renew a license if you have an unpaid traffic judgment or if your license has been suspended for unpaid fines. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the status and what you owe. Once you pay or set up a payment plan, you can renew your license.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. You must go to a DVS office in person. Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other state ID), proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The office will look up your license record and issue a replacement with a new expiration date.

Do I need to retake the vision test if I renew early?

Yes. Every renewal, whether early or on time, includes a vision test at the DVS office. If you are renewing by mail, you do not take a vision test, but the office may contact you if there is a concern. In-person renewal always includes a vision screening.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

You cannot renew in person or by mail if you are living outside Minnesota, but you can renew online if your license expires within 30 days. If you have moved out of state permanently, contact the DVS to find out whether you need to surrender your Minnesota license or if you can keep it while holding a license from your new state.

How long does my new license take to arrive after I renew?

In-person and online renewals take 5 to 10 business days for mail delivery after processing. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks for processing plus mail delivery. If your new license does not arrive within 15 business days of renewal, call the DVS at 651-297-2126 to check the status.