Where to Change Your Address in Minnesota
You can change your address with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Division, either in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office or online through the state's website. The online option is faster if you have a valid Minnesota driver's license and a way to verify your identity digitally — most people use a debit or credit card.
There are 90 Driver and Vehicle Services locations across Minnesota, including branches in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. Walk-in service is available at most locations, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.
If you cannot visit an office or use the online system, you can mail a form to the state, but this takes longer — typically two to three weeks for processing, plus mail time both ways.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota lets you change your address online if you have a valid driver's license and can verify your identity with a debit or credit card.
- In-person changes at any Driver and Vehicle Services office take about 15 minutes and cost nothing.
- Your new address appears on your license when ready after an in-person change, but online changes may take a few business days to show in the system.
- If you move to a new address, updating it on your license is separate from updating it with the U.S. Postal Service, your employer, or your insurance company.
Changing Your Address Online
To change your address online, go to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website and select the address change option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to verify your identity using a debit or credit card — this is a security check, not a payment.
After you submit your new address, the state processes it within one to three business days. You can continue to use your old license during this time. Your new address will appear in the state's system and on any documents you request later, but the physical card itself will not change until you renew your license.
If the online system rejects your identity verification, you will need to visit an office in person. This sometimes happens if your card information does not match the state's records or if there is a mismatch in your personal details.
Changing Your Address in Person
Bring your current Minnesota driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some offices also accept a letter from your employer or a government agency on official letterhead.
Walk up to the counter, tell the staff member you need an address change, and hand them your license and proof of address. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. There is no fee for an address change.
Your new address is printed on your license when ready, and you can use the updated license right away. If you need a replacement card with your new address sooner than your renewal date, you can request one for a small fee — usually around $16 to $20, depending on the office.
What Counts as Proof of Your New Address
Minnesota accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, and bank or credit card statements also work.
If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from your employer, a government agency, or a school on official letterhead that includes your name, new address, and the date it was issued. Some offices will also accept a letter from a landlord or property manager if it is on their official letterhead and dated recently.
Do not bring a piece of mail addressed to you — the state does not accept mail as proof of address, even if it shows your name and new location.
Timing and When Your Address Takes Effect
If you change your address in person, it takes effect when ready. You leave the office with a license showing your new address.
If you change your address online, the state processes it within one to three business days. During that time, your old address is still on file in the system, but once processing is complete, your new address becomes official. You do not need to do anything else — the change happens automatically.
Keep in mind that changing your address with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety does not automatically update it anywhere else. You will need to notify your insurance company, employer, bank, and the U.S. Postal Service separately if you want your address changed with them.
Changing Your Address When You Renew
If you are renewing your license anyway, you can change your address at the same time. You will need your current license and proof of your new address, just as you would for a standalone address change. The renewal fee covers both the renewal and the address update — there is no extra charge.
Minnesota licenses are valid for eight years. If your renewal is coming up within the next few months, you might wait and handle the address change during renewal to avoid a second trip. However, if you need your address updated sooner — for example, because you are moving and need proof of your new address for housing or employment — change it now and renew later on schedule.
If You Have a Real ID Compliant License
A Real ID compliant Minnesota driver's license has a gold star in the upper right corner. If your license has this star, you can still change your address online or in person using the same process described above. The Real ID status does not affect address changes.
However, if you are renewing your license and want to upgrade to Real ID for the first time, you will need to bring additional documents — a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of address. An address change alone does not require these extra documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address on my license if I move?
Minnesota law does not require you to update your driver's license address, but it is a good idea. If you are pulled over or get into an accident, an outdated address can cause confusion with police or insurance companies. Many employers and government agencies also expect your license address to match your current residence.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No. You must have a valid, unexpired Minnesota driver's license to change your address online or in person. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it first, and you can update your address during the renewal process.
What if I do not have proof of my new address yet?
Wait until you have a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. If you are moving soon but do not have these yet, you can change your address as soon as you receive one after you move.
How long does a mailed address change take?
If you mail the address change form to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, allow two to three weeks for processing, plus mail time in both directions. This method is slower than online or in-person changes and is usually only used if you cannot access the other options.
Will changing my address on my license change it with my insurance company?
No. Your insurance company keeps its own records separate from your driver's license. You must contact your insurance company directly to update your address with them. Many insurers let you make this change online or by phone.