Minnesota requires you to update your driver's license address within 30 days of moving

When you move to a new address in Minnesota, you must report the change to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) within 30 days. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing if your license doesn't need to be reissued. If you need a new physical card with your updated address printed on it, the fee is $16.50.

Minnesota does not mail you a new license automatically after an address change. Your current license remains valid at your old address; you only need the new card if you want the updated address printed on it, or if your license is expiring soon anyway.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 30 days from your move date to report your new address to Minnesota DPS, or you risk a misdemeanor charge.
  • The online address change through the Minnesota DPS website is free and does not require a new card to be mailed to you.
  • If you want a physical license card printed with your new address, you must request it and pay $16.50 at a Driver and Vehicle Services office or by mail.
  • You will need your driver's license number, current address, and new address to complete any method of reporting the change.

Update your address online through the Minnesota DPS website

The fastest way to change your address is through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. Go to dps.mn.gov, find the Driver and Vehicle Services section, and look for the address change option. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in. Enter your new address and submit.

This online change is free and takes effect when ready in the state system. Your current license card remains valid even though the address on file has changed. You do not receive a new card unless you request one and pay the $16.50 fee.

Request a new license card by mail or in person

If you want a physical license card printed with your new address, you have two options. You can visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office in Minnesota, bring your current license and proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and request a replacement card. The office will take your payment of $16.50 and mail the new card to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Alternatively, you can mail a completed Form DL 44 (process for Minnesota Driver's License or Identification Card) along with $16.50 and a copy of your proof of address to the address listed on the form. You can read Form DL 44 from the DPS website. Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.

What counts as proof of your new address

Minnesota accepts several documents as proof of your new address. These include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government document showing your name and new address. The document must show your name and the address you are reporting, and it should be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have any of these documents yet, you can ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. Some offices will accept this in place of an official document while you wait for utilities to be set up.

Why the 30-day important date matters

Minnesota law requires you to report an address change within 30 days of moving. Failing to do so is a misdemeanor offense, though enforcement is rare unless you are stopped by law enforcement and the officer discovers the discrepancy. More practically, keeping your address current with DPS ensures that traffic tickets, vehicle registration notices, and other official mail reach you on time.

If you move and do not update your address, and then receive a ticket or citation in the mail at your old address, you may not know about court dates or payment important date. This can result in additional penalties or a suspended license.

Updating your address if your license is expiring soon

If your Minnesota driver's license is expiring within the next year, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your address. A renewal costs $16.50 and gives you a new card with both your updated address and an extended expiration date. You can do this in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services office or by mail using Form DL 44.

If you choose to renew and change your address together, you only pay one fee instead of paying separately for an address change card and a renewal card later. Check your license to see your expiration date before deciding whether to combine these transactions.

What happens if you move out of state

If you move out of Minnesota, you do not need to formally notify Minnesota DPS. However, you will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state within the timeframe that state requires — typically 30 to 60 days. Once you have a valid license from your new state, your Minnesota license becomes invalid for driving purposes, even though it remains in your possession.

If you plan to return to Minnesota within a few years, you can keep your Minnesota license as an ID document. If you move permanently, you should explore for your new state's license and follow that state's procedures for address reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Minnesota only mails you a new card if you request one and pay $16.50. The online address change is free and does not include a new card. Your current license remains valid at your old address.

What if I miss the 30-day important date?

Technically it is a misdemeanor, but enforcement is uncommon unless you are stopped by police. The bigger risk is that official mail will not reach you. You can still update your address at any time — there is no penalty for being late, only for not updating at all.

Can I change my address online if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes. An address change is separate from your license status. You can update your address online or in person regardless of whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid. However, you cannot drive legally if your license is suspended or revoked.

How long does it take to get a new license card in the mail?

If you request a new card in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office, it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you mail in your request, allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing and delivery.

What if my new address is a PO box or I do not have a permanent address yet?

Minnesota requires a physical street address, not a PO box. If you are temporarily without a permanent address, you can use the address of a friend, family member, or shelter where you are staying. Update it again once you have a permanent address.