What You Need to Know About Minnesota License Renewal
Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require you to show up in person.
Your Minnesota license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. The state will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at mn.gov/dvs if your license is valid, you have a Minnesota address, and you have not changed your name or vision correction needs.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs the same as online renewal, but you must mail in your current license and a completed form.
- In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if your license is expired, you need a Real ID, or you have changed your name, address, or vision needs.
- Real ID-compliant licenses cost more and require proof of citizenship, a Social Security number, and a current address — plan for an in-person visit if you need one.
- Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks of approval for online and mail renewals, or when ready if you renew in person.
Renewing Online Through the Minnesota DVS Website
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. Go to mn.gov/dvs, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records.
Online renewal works only if your license is still valid (not expired), you have not changed your name, you do not need to update your vision correction information, and your address on file is current. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person. The fee for online renewal varies but is typically lower than in-person renewal. You will receive your new license by mail within two weeks.
After you complete the online form and pay the fee, you will get a confirmation number. Keep this number in case you need to check the status of your renewal. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but does not require a trip to a DVS office. The state will send you a renewal form (Form DL-44) about 60 days before your license expires. You can also read the form from mn.gov/dvs if you do not want to wait for it in the mail.
Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of proof of your current address if the address on your license has changed — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.
Processing takes about two weeks from the time the state receives your form. Your new license will arrive by mail after that. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving and identification. If you need your license before the new one arrives, you can visit a DVS office to request a temporary license.
Renewing in Person at a DVS Office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you are changing your name, if you need to update your address or vision information, or if you want a Real ID-compliant license. Visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office in Minnesota. You can find office locations and hours at mn.gov/dvs.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks. In-person renewal costs more than online or mail renewal. Wait times at DVS offices vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the week or early in the morning usually means shorter waits.
Understanding Real ID and When You Need It
A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star or circle in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Minnesota driver's license will no longer work for these purposes after that date.
You cannot get a Real ID online or by mail. You must visit a DVS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The Real ID fee is higher than a standard license renewal.
If your current license is not Real ID-compliant and you do not need to fly or enter federal buildings, you can continue to renew it online or by mail. However, if you think you might need it in the future, renewing to Real ID now means you will not have to visit an office again until your next renewal cycle.
Fees and Payment Methods
Minnesota driver's license renewal fees depend on the length of the license (four or eight years) and whether you are getting a standard or Real ID license. Online and mail renewal are less expensive than in-person renewal. The state accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks for online renewal. For mail renewal, send a check or money order only — do not send cash.
If you renew in person, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the office. Some offices may have different payment options, so call ahead if you have questions. Fees do not include shipping, which is included in the renewal cost.
What Happens After You Renew
After you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks. Your current license stays valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification. If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail within two weeks.
If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact DVS at 651-296-6911 or check the status of your renewal on the mn.gov/dvs website using your confirmation number. If your license arrives and something is wrong — the wrong address, incorrect name spelling, or a bad photo — you can request a correction at a DVS office or by mail.
Scams and Safety Alerts
Do not renew your license through any website other than mn.gov/dvs. Scammers create fake renewal sites that look official and steal your personal information and payment details. The official Minnesota DVS website is the only place to renew online.
Be cautious of emails, texts, or phone calls claiming to be from the Minnesota DVS asking you to renew your license or verify your information. The state does not contact you by email or text to ask you to renew. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click any links or provide any information. You can report it to the Minnesota Attorney General's office.
When you renew by mail, use the official form that came with your renewal notice or read it from mn.gov/dvs. Do not use forms from other websites. Mail your renewal to the address shown on the official form only. If you are unsure whether a form is real, call DVS at 651-296-6911 to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DVS office with proof of identity, citizenship, and Social Security number. Contact DVS at 651-296-6911 for details on what documents you need.
What if I move to a different state before my renewal arrives?
Contact the Minnesota DVS when ready at 651-296-6911 to update your address. If your new license has already been mailed, the state may be able to redirect it. If not, you will need to renew your license in your new state once you move.
Do I need to take a new eye test when I renew?
Only if you are renewing in person or if you need to update your vision correction information. Online and mail renewal do not include an eye test. If your vision has changed or you wear glasses or contacts now when you did not before, you must renew in person or notify DVS of the change.
How long does it take to get a temporary license at a DVS office?
You receive a temporary license when ready after your in-person renewal is processed, usually within 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait times. The temporary license is valid for 60 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed.