How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need before you start

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information at the same time.

Before you go to an office or submit anything by mail, gather your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 30 days). If you are renewing in person and your address has changed, bring a second piece of proof showing your new address.

Minnesota licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew up to one year before expiration, which means you do not have to wait until the last minute. Many people renew several months early to avoid a trip during busy periods.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DVS office, depending on your situation and how soon you need the license.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or address changes in the past four years.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
In-person renewal at a DVS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour and is the fastest way to get a new license the same day.
Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks if you renew online or by mail; in-person renewal produces a temporary license you can use when ready.

Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are not changing your address, have not had any traffic violations or license suspensions in the past four years, and your current license is not expired. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $48 for a four-year renewal or $72 for an eight-year renewal.

Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will answer questions about your current address, any name changes, and whether you want to register as an organ donor. The system will tell you when ready if you are not able to renew online. If you are, you will pay the fee and receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks.

You cannot renew online if your address has changed, if you have had a suspension or revocation in the past four years, if your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you need to update your photograph. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal with a paper form

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your photograph or address. read the process for Minnesota Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the Secretary of State website, or call your local DVS office and ask them to mail it to you. Fill out the form completely, sign and date it, and include a copy of your proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number.

Mail the completed form, your current driver's license, and your supporting documents to the address shown on the form. Include a check or money order for $48 (four-year renewal) or $72 (eight-year renewal). Do not send cash. The Secretary of State recommends using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact your local DVS office with your confirmation number or the date you mailed the form.

In-person renewal at a DVS office

Renewing in person is the best choice if you are changing your address, need a new photograph, have had any violations or suspensions, or want your license the same day. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Minnesota residency. If your address has changed, bring two pieces of proof showing your new address.

Find your nearest DVS office on the Secretary of State website and check the office hours before you go. Many offices are busiest on Mondays and Fridays and during lunch hours. You can make an appointment online at most offices, which usually cuts your wait time in half. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during peak times.

At the office, you will have your photograph taken, answer questions about your address and any name changes, and pay the renewal fee ($48 for four years or $72 for eight years). You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your new license will arrive within two weeks.

Address changes and other updates during renewal

If you are moving within Minnesota, you can update your address during renewal without paying an extra fee. If you are renewing online, you will enter your new address in the form. If you are renewing by mail, write your new address on the form and include proof of residency at that address. If you are renewing in person, tell the DVS staff member your new address and show your proof of residency.

If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring the legal document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot change your name online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency, and the name-change document.

If you need to correct your date of birth or other information on your license, contact your local DVS office before you renew. Some corrections require additional documentation or an in-person visit.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license, which requires an in-person visit to a DVS office, a written knowledge test, and a driving skills test. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods (online, mail, or in person), but you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives.

If your license expired recently and you need to drive before your renewal is processed, you can request a temporary driving permit at a DVS office. The permit is valid for 30 days and costs $10. You must show your current (expired) license and proof of residency.

Fees and payment methods

Minnesota driver's license renewal costs $48 for a four-year license or $72 for an eight-year license. These are the standard fees as of this writing, but fees can change. If you are renewing online or in person, you can pay with a debit card, credit card, or cash (in-person only). If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order.

Some people are not charged the full renewal fee. If you are a Minnesota resident over 65 years old, the renewal fee is $24 for four years or $36 for eight years. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher. Contact your local DVS office if you think you may be may be able to access for a reduced fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

No. If you have an unpaid traffic fine or an outstanding ticket, the DVS system will flag your license and you will not be able to renew online or by mail. You must go in person to a DVS office, where staff can tell you what needs to be resolved. Contact the court or the police department that issued the ticket to find out how to pay or resolve it before you renew.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks. If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within two weeks. If you do not receive it after three weeks, contact your local DVS office.

What if I move out of Minnesota after I renew?

Your Minnesota license remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. However, you should explore for a license in your new state within the timeframe that state requires (usually 30 to 60 days). You do not need to formally cancel your Minnesota license.

Can I renew my license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Minnesota requires proof of a Social Security number to renew a driver's license. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must contact your local DVS office to discuss your options. You may be able to explore for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through the IRS, which some DVS offices will accept.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are not required, but they are strongly recommended. You can make an appointment online through the Secretary of State website at most DVS offices. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour, especially on Mondays, Fridays, and during lunch hours.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.