Minnesota Renewal Locations and Methods

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license at any Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The state operates DVS locations in most counties, and you can find your nearest office on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Not all renewal types work through every method — some require an in-person visit — so your path depends on whether you are renewing a standard license, a REAL ID, or a commercial license.

Minnesota also allows mail-in renewal for standard driver's licenses if you meet specific requirements, and online renewal through the state's website for certain license types. The fastest route is usually online if you are may be able to access, since you receive your renewed license by mail within 5 to 10 business days after approval. In-person renewal at a DVS office takes longer because of wait times, but it is the only option if your license has been expired for more than a year or if you need a REAL ID upgrade.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota DVS offices are located in most counties; you can find your nearest location on the Secretary of State website and renew in person without an appointment.
  • Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is available for standard driver's licenses if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change.
  • Mail-in renewal is an option for standard licenses if you meet the state's requirements, though processing takes 2 to 3 weeks longer than online renewal.
  • REAL ID renewals and commercial licenses require an in-person visit to a DVS office with original or certified documents.
  • Renewal fees vary by license type; standard driver's license renewal costs $24.50 for an 8-year license, while REAL ID costs $32.50.

In-Person Renewal at Minnesota DVS Offices

Walk into any Minnesota DVS office during business hours with your current license and you can renew on the spot. You do not need an appointment. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours — check the specific office's schedule on the Secretary of State website before you go. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residence (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

The in-person process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will complete a renewal form, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. If you are renewing a standard license, the fee is $24.50 for an 8-year license. If you want to upgrade to a REAL ID at the same time, the fee is $32.50. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within 5 to 10 business days. If your license has been expired for more than a year, in-person renewal is your only option.

Online Renewal Through the Minnesota Secretary of State Website

The Minnesota Secretary of State website offers online renewal for standard driver's licenses if you meet these conditions: your license is not expired, you have not changed your name since your last license was issued, you are not renewing a REAL ID, and you are not renewing a commercial license. The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).

After you complete the online form and pay the $24.50 renewal fee, the state mails your new license within 5 to 10 business days. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives. If you need a REAL ID or if your license is expired, you cannot use online renewal — you must visit a DVS office in person. The online system does not issue temporary licenses, so plan ahead if you need your license for travel or identification before the new card arrives.

Mail-In Renewal for Standard Licenses

You can renew a standard Minnesota driver's license by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change. Request a renewal form from any DVS office or read it from the Secretary of State website. Fill out the form, include a copy of your current license, and mail it along with a check or money order for $24.50 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail-in renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the state receives your form. You can continue using your current license during this time. Mail-in renewal is slower than online renewal and requires you to handle the form yourself, so most people choose online renewal if they are may be able to access. If you prefer not to go online or visit an office, mail-in renewal is a workable alternative, but plan ahead because you will not have a new license for several weeks.

REAL ID and Commercial License Renewal

REAL ID and commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail — you must visit a Minnesota DVS office in person. For a REAL ID upgrade or renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of citizenship (a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card or a tax return), and proof of residence (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days). The REAL ID renewal fee is $32.50 for an 8-year license.

Commercial license renewals require your current commercial license, proof of citizenship, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residence. You may also need to provide medical certification if your commercial license requires it. The fee for a commercial license renewal is $24.50 for a 4-year license or $49 for an 8-year license. Bring original documents or certified copies — the state does not accept photocopies of citizenship or Social Security documents.

Finding Your Nearest Minnesota DVS Office

The Minnesota Secretary of State maintains a searchable list of all DVS office locations on its website. Enter your city or zip code to find the nearest office, see its hours, and check whether it has extended hours or Saturday availability. Some larger cities have multiple offices, so you can choose the one most convenient to you. Smaller towns may have a shared office that serves multiple counties, so check the hours before you visit.

Most offices do not require appointments for standard renewals, but some locations may ask you to check in online or take a number when you arrive. If you are renewing a REAL ID or commercial license and you want to avoid a long wait, call the office ahead of time to ask about typical wait times during different hours. Early morning visits are usually faster than afternoon visits.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

Minnesota driver's license renewal fees depend on the license type and the length of validity you choose. A standard driver's license renewal costs $24.50 for an 8-year license. A REAL ID renewal costs $32.50 for an 8-year license. Commercial license renewals cost $24.50 for a 4-year license or $49 for an 8-year license. At a DVS office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online and mail-in renewals accept debit or credit cards only.

If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready at no extra cost. This temporary license is valid for 60 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail. If you lose your temporary license before your new card arrives, return to the DVS office and request a replacement.

Timeline for Receiving Your Renewed License

The timeline for receiving your renewed license depends on which renewal method you choose. Online renewal is the fastest: your new license arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days after approval. In-person renewal at a DVS office gives you a temporary paper license when ready, and your plastic card arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Mail-in renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the state receives your form, plus the time it takes for your form to reach the DVS office by mail.

If you need your license for travel or identification before your new card arrives, the temporary paper license issued at an in-person visit is valid for 60 days. If you renew online or by mail, you do not receive a temporary license, so plan ahead. If your current license expires before your new one arrives, contact the DVS office to request a temporary extension or visit in person to receive one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota driver's license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No, you cannot renew an expired license online or by mail if it has been expired for more than a year. You must visit a Minnesota DVS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residence, and your Social Security card or document showing your Social Security number. The office will treat this as a renewal rather than a new license process, so the fee remains $24.50 for a standard 8-year license.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license at a Minnesota DVS office?

No, appointments are not required for standard driver's license renewals at Minnesota DVS offices. You can walk in during business hours. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means shorter waits than visiting on a Friday afternoon.

What if I changed my name since my last license was issued?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you have changed your name. You must visit a Minnesota DVS office in person and bring your current license, proof of your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residence, and your Social Security card. The renewal fee remains $24.50 for a standard license.

How long is a Minnesota driver's license valid after renewal?

A standard Minnesota driver's license is valid for 8 years from the date of renewal. A commercial driver's license is valid for either 4 or 8 years depending on which term you choose. REAL ID licenses are also valid for 8 years. The expiration date is printed on your new license card.

Can I renew my Minnesota license if I live out of state?

Yes, you can renew online if you meet the standard requirements (your license is not expired, no name change, standard license type). If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Minnesota DVS office in person, which means traveling to Minnesota. Some people in this situation choose to renew by mail instead, though it takes longer.