Minnesota lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office

Minnesota offers three ways to update your address on your driver's license: through the online system, by mail, or by visiting a Deputy Registrar office in person. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. Mail takes longer but requires no trip. In-person visits at a Deputy Registrar let you handle the change when ready if you bring the right documents.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address — this is a separate transaction. Your license card itself will not change; the address update goes into the state's system and appears on your next renewal or replacement card. If you need proof of your new address right away for a bank or landlord, ask for a printed address verification at the Deputy Registrar office.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota's online address change tool at realid.sos.state.mn.us takes five minutes and costs nothing, with no mail delays.
  • You must have a valid Minnesota driver's license or ID card to use the online system; the change updates your record but not the physical card until renewal.
  • If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a signed request with your new address and license number to the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office.
  • Deputy Registrar offices across Minnesota can process address changes in person with your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Address changes take effect when ready in the state system; you do not need to carry a new card to prove your updated address.

Changing your address online through the state system

The fastest route is the Minnesota Secretary of State's online portal at realid.sos.state.mn.us. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, then enter your new address. The system confirms the change within seconds, and it costs nothing. Your address updates in the state database right away.

To use the online system, you need a valid Minnesota driver's license or ID card. You cannot use this method if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license falls into any of those categories, use the mail or in-person method instead. The online change does not issue you a new card — your current card keeps the old address printed on it, but the state's official record shows your new address. When you renew your license in the future, the new card will print with the updated address.

Keep a record of your confirmation number from the online transaction. If you need written proof that your address changed, you can print the confirmation page or contact Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-297-3298 to request a printed verification letter.

Mailing in an address change request

If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a signed request to Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services. Write a letter that includes your full name, current driver's license number, date of birth, and your new address. Sign the letter and mail it to:

Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 200 Saint Paul, MN 55101

Include a copy of your current license (front and back) with your mailed request. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your letter. There is no fee for an address change. Once processed, your address updates in the state system, and you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail at your new address.

Do not mail your original license card — send only a copy. Keep your original license with you until you receive confirmation that the change went through. If you are moving out of state or your license will expire soon, consider renewing at the same time rather than making a separate address-change request.

Updating your address in person at a Deputy Registrar office

Minnesota has Deputy Registrar offices in most cities and counties where you can change your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax statement, or a letter from a government agency addressed to you at your new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

The Deputy Registrar will update your address in the system when ready, and there is no charge. Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it, but your official record in the state system reflects the new address right away. If you need written proof of your address change for a bank or other organization, ask the Deputy Registrar to print an address verification letter — most offices can do this on the spot.

To find the Deputy Registrar office nearest you, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website and search for "Deputy Registrar locations," or call 651-297-3298. Hours vary by location, so check before you go. Some offices require an appointment; others take walk-ins. Bring your license and address proof with you to avoid a second trip.

What counts as proof of your new address

Minnesota requires one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance declaration also work. A letter from a government agency — such as a tax refund notice, voter registration confirmation, or court document — counts if it is addressed to you at your new address.

A bank statement or credit card statement with your new address is usually accepted. A letter from your employer or school on official letterhead with your new address may work, but call the Deputy Registrar office ahead of time to confirm. Do not bring a piece of mail that is addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant" — it must have your name on it.

If you are moving and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. Some Deputy Registrar offices will accept this as temporary proof while you wait for a utility bill or lease to arrive.

Timeline and what happens after you change your address

Online changes take effect when ready. Mail requests take two to three weeks. In-person changes at a Deputy Registrar office happen the same day. Your address updates in the state system right away in all three cases, even though your physical license card will not change until you renew it.

You do not need to carry a new card to prove your address has changed. If a police officer, bank, or other organization questions your address, they can look it up in the state system using your license number. If you need written proof before your next renewal, you can request an address verification letter from any Deputy Registrar office or by calling Driver and Vehicle Services.

Your address change does not affect your license expiration date or renewal timeline. If your license expires within the next year, you may want to renew it at the same time as your address change to get a new card with the correct address printed on it. You can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and how long until it expires.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing your address

Do not assume your address has changed just because you submitted a request — follow up if you do not hear back within the expected timeframe. If you mailed a request and do not receive a confirmation letter within three weeks, call 651-297-3298 to check the status. If you used the online system, save your confirmation number and page in case you need to prove the change was made.

Do not mail your original license card. Send only a copy if you are mailing in a request. Do not use an undated document or one older than 60 days as proof of your new address — the Deputy Registrar will reject it. Do not assume a P.O. box counts as a residential address; Minnesota requires your actual street address for your driver's license.

Do not wait until your license expires to change your address if you can do it sooner. Changing your address now and renewing later means two separate transactions and two fees. If your license expires within six months, consider renewing and changing your address at the same time to save time and money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get a new license card when I change my address?

No. Your address updates in the state system when ready, but your physical card keeps the old address until you renew your license. The state's official record is what matters for legal purposes — police, banks, and government offices can look up your current address in the system using your license number.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Minnesota license?

You should renew your license in your new state rather than just changing your address in Minnesota. Once you move, Minnesota law requires you to get a license from your new state within a set timeframe (usually 30 to 60 days). Contact your new state's DMV for renewal requirements. If you are keeping a Minnesota license temporarily, you can still change the address to your out-of-state address using any of the three methods.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?

You cannot use the online system if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired. You can still change your address by mail or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Bring your current (expired) license and proof of your new address. The address change does not reinstate a suspended or expired license — you will still need to handle that separately.

How long does it take to change my address by mail?

Mail requests typically take two to three weeks from the date Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services receives your letter. Mail delivery itself can add a few days on each end. If you need the change faster, use the online system (when ready) or visit a Deputy Registrar office in person (same day).

What if I do not have a document that proves my new address?

Ask your landlord, property manager, or homeowner's association for a signed letter on official letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. Some Deputy Registrar offices will accept this temporarily while you wait for a utility bill or lease to arrive in your name. Call ahead to confirm what your local office will accept.