Minnesota driver's license renewal: online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Minnesota driver's license through three routes: online at mn.gov/dvs, by mail using the renewal notice the state sends you, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DVS office takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Which route you use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the card. If your current license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or other key information, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license is already expired, you must renew in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at mn.gov/dvs is the fastest option if your license is still valid and your information has not changed.
- Mail renewal uses the renewal notice mailed to you by the state and takes two to three weeks from when the state receives it.
- In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if your license is expired, and you will receive your new card when ready.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method for online or mail renewal.
- Your new license will be mailed to you after online or mail renewal; in-person renewal gives you the card on the spot.
Online renewal: fastest if your information has not changed
Online renewal through mn.gov/dvs works only if your current license is not expired and you have not changed your name, address, or other personal information in the past year. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a debit or credit card to pay the $24.50 fee.
The process takes about 10 minutes. You upload a new photo or use the photo from your current license. The state mails your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within one to two weeks. You cannot use online renewal if you want to change your address, name, or other details — you must use mail or in-person renewal for those changes.
Mail renewal: use the notice the state sends you
The state mails you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes a form you fill out, sign, and mail back with payment. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card. The fee is $24.50 for an eight-year license.
Mail the completed form and payment to the address shown on the notice. The state typically processes mail renewals within two to three weeks of receiving them. Your new license will be mailed to you after processing. If you lose the renewal notice, you can request a new one by calling the DVS at 651-297-2126 or visiting mn.gov/dvs. Mail renewal allows you to change your address or other information on the form before you send it in.
In-person renewal at a DVS office: required if your license is expired
You must renew in person if your license is expired. You will also need to renew in person if you want a new photo, have changed your name or address and did not update it by mail, or need to correct information on your license. Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days), and a payment method.
Visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office in Minnesota. You can find locations and check wait times at mn.gov/dvs. The office will take a new photo, process your renewal, and give you your new license on the spot. The fee is $24.50 for an eight-year license. Wait times vary; visiting early in the morning or on weekday afternoons typically means shorter lines than midday or Friday afternoons.
What to bring and what it costs
| Renewal Method | What You Need | Cost | How Long It Takes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, last four digits of SSN, debit or credit card | $24.50 | 10 minutes to complete; license arrives in 1–2 weeks |
| Renewal notice from state, check or money order (or credit card), signed form | $24.50 | 2–3 weeks after state receives it | |
| In Person | Current license, proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from past 60 days), payment method | $24.50 | 30 minutes average; you get the license when ready |
When you need a new photo or cannot use online renewal
You cannot use online renewal if your license is expired, if you have changed your name or address in the past year, or if you want a new photo. In those cases, use mail renewal or visit a DVS office in person. Mail renewal lets you update your address on the form before sending it in. In-person renewal is the only option if your license is already expired.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your current license and proof of address. The same applies if you have changed your address and want to update it on your new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
No, you cannot use online or mail renewal if your license is expired. You must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment. The office will process your renewal and give you your new license when ready.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online or by mail?
Online renewal typically takes one to two weeks from the time you complete the process. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from when the state receives your completed form and payment. In-person renewal gives you the license on the spot.
What counts as proof of address for in-person renewal?
Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail dated within the past 60 days and showing your current address. The document must have your name and address on it.
Do I have to get a new photo when I renew?
No. If you renew online or by mail, you can use the photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo unless you request to keep your current one.
What if I lost my renewal notice from the state?
Call the DVS at 651-297-2126 or visit mn.gov/dvs to request a new renewal notice. You can also renew online if your license is still valid and your information has not changed, without needing the notice.