Minnesota driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person
Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online, by mail, or at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Which one you can use depends on your license type, how much time is left before expiration, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Online renewal is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home, and your new license arrives in 5 to 7 business days. By-mail renewal takes longer but requires no computer access. In-person renewal at a DVS office is necessary only if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a corrected name or address, or if you want a new photo before your next scheduled renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works for most people and takes 5 to 7 business days; you need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
- By-mail renewal uses the renewal notice Minnesota sends you 60 to 90 days before expiration — no online access required.
- You cannot renew online if your license expired more than five years ago, if you changed your name, or if you need to correct your address on the state's records.
- In-person renewal at a DVS office is free and takes about 30 minutes, but you must bring proof of residency and your current license or ID.
- Minnesota charges $24.50 for a four-year renewal or $48.50 for an eight-year renewal, regardless of which method you choose.
Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers
To renew online, go to mn.gov/dvs and select "Renew Your Driver's License." You will need your current Minnesota driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card. The system checks your identity against state records and confirms your address matches what the state has on file.
Online renewal works only if your license has not been expired for more than five years and your address on the license matches your current address. If you moved and have not updated your address with the state yet, you must do that before renewing online — you can update your address on the same website under "Change Your Address."
After you submit payment, Minnesota mails your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 5 to 7 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license faster, you cannot expedite through online renewal; you would need to renew in person at a DVS office instead.
By-mail renewal: no computer needed
Minnesota mails a renewal notice to your address 60 to 90 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form, instructions, and a prepaid envelope. You fill out the form, include your payment (check or money order), and mail it back. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the state receives your envelope.
By-mail renewal works for the same people as online renewal — your license cannot have been expired more than five years, and your address must match state records. If your renewal notice does not arrive, you can request one by calling the DVS customer service line at 651-297-2126 or visiting a DVS office in person.
Keep your current license with you while you wait for the new one by mail. The state does not issue a temporary license for mail renewals, so you will need the original to drive legally until the replacement arrives.
In-person renewal at a DVS office
Visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to correct your name or address on the state's records, or if you want a new photo before your scheduled renewal date. You can also renew in person if you prefer not to use online or mail options.
Bring your current Minnesota driver's license or ID, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and payment. The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Most DVS offices do not require an appointment for license renewal. Wait times vary by location and time of day — offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and early afternoons. You can find office hours and locations at mn.gov/dvs under "Find a DVS Office." Your new license is printed on site, and you receive it before you leave.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment.
The state treats this as a standard renewal, not a new license process, so you do not need to retake the written or driving test. However, you will need a new photo, and the office will verify your identity and address against state records. If your address has changed since your license expired, bring documentation of your current address so the office can update your record.
Address changes and other corrections
If you moved and your driver's license still shows your old address, you can update it online at mn.gov/dvs under "Change Your Address" before you renew. This takes a few minutes and costs nothing. You will need your license number and Social Security number.
If you need to correct your name on your license — because of marriage, divorce, or an error on the original — you cannot do this during renewal. You must visit a DVS office in person and bring legal documentation of the name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Name corrections are free, but you will receive a new license with the corrected name.
If you discover an error on your license that is not your name or address — such as an incorrect eye color or height — you can report it to a DVS office, and they will issue a corrected license at no charge.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Minnesota charges $24.50 to renew for four years or $48.50 to renew for eight years. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You can pay by credit card, debit card, check, or cash. Online and by-mail renewals accept credit and debit cards only.
If you renew online or by mail, the fee is charged when you submit your renewal. If you renew in person, you pay at the DVS office when you submit your paperwork. Fees do not include any additional charges — there are no processing fees or hidden costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for two years?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago and your address on the license matches your current address. If your address has changed, update it online first, then renew.
What if I do not receive my renewal notice in the mail?
Call DVS customer service at 651-297-2126 and request a duplicate notice, or visit a DVS office in person. You can also renew online if you have your license number and Social Security number — you do not need the notice to renew that way.
How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew online?
Standard delivery is 5 to 7 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. There is no expedited mail option through online renewal.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No. Online and by-mail renewals use your existing photo. You get a new photo only if you renew in person at a DVS office or if you specifically request a new photo during in-person renewal.
What if my name changed since I got my current license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must visit a DVS office in person and bring legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The office will issue a new license with your corrected name.