How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Minnesota driver's licenses renew every four or eight years depending on your age

Minnesota sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew in person at a 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 address has changed, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the renewed license.

Your current license will show an expiration date in the upper right corner. If you're under 65, your license is valid for eight years. If you're 65 or older, it's valid for four years. You can renew up to one year before the expiration date, though waiting until closer to the important date means a longer validity period on your new license.

Key Takeaways

Minnesota sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration; check your mail or log into your online account at state.mn.us to confirm your expiration date.
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works if your address hasn't changed and you don't need a new photo, but you'll still need to visit a DVS office within 30 days to have your photo taken.
Mail renewal is available only if you're renewing without address changes and your license hasn't been suspended or revoked, and it takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a DVS office takes your photo when ready and is the fastest route if you need the license quickly or have had any address or legal name changes.
Bring your current license, proof of residence (utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number; a passport or birth certificate is required only if you're renewing a REAL ID license.

Renewing online and finishing in person

The online renewal process through the Minnesota Secretary of State website takes about 10 minutes. You'll log in, confirm your personal information, pay the renewal fee (currently $24.50 for a standard license, though this amount can change), and receive a confirmation number. However, online renewal does not issue you a new physical license—it's only the first step.

After completing online renewal, you must visit a DVS office within 30 days to have your photo taken. The office will issue your new license on the spot. This route works well if you want to handle the paperwork at home but need to schedule an office visit anyway. You can check wait times and book an appointment at most DVS locations through the state website before you go.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no office visit. You're may be able to access if your address hasn't changed, your license hasn't been suspended or revoked, and you're not renewing a REAL ID license. You'll need your renewal notice (the form Minnesota mails you) and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail the form and payment to the address printed on the notice.

Processing takes two to three weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you don't receive your renewal notice, you can request one by calling the DVS at 651-297-3298 or visiting a DVS office in person. Mail renewal is not an option if you've moved, changed your legal name, or need to renew a REAL ID license.

Renewing in person at a DVS office

In-person renewal is the most straightforward route if you've moved, changed your name, or need your license quickly. You'll visit a DVS office, provide your documents, have your photo taken, and receive your new license the same day. No appointment is required at most locations, though you can book one online to reduce wait time.

Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing a REAL ID license, also bring a passport, birth certificate, or other federally approved document proving citizenship. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.

REAL ID versus standard license renewal

Minnesota offers both standard licenses and REAL ID licenses. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license does not. When you renew, you can choose which type you want.

If you're renewing a REAL ID license, you cannot use mail renewal—you must renew in person or complete the online step and then visit an office. You'll need to bring proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) in addition to your other documents. The renewal fee is the same for both types. If you're unsure which type you have, check the upper right corner of your current license for the gold star.

What documents you need

For any renewal method, have your current Minnesota driver's license and your Social Security number ready. For in-person or online renewal, you'll also need proof of your current address—a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

If you've changed your legal name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If you're renewing a REAL ID license, bring a passport, certified birth certificate, or naturalization papers. You do not need these citizenship documents for a standard license renewal.

Renewal fees and what happens if your license is expired

The renewal fee for a standard Minnesota driver's license is currently $24.50. REAL ID licenses cost the same. You can pay by check, money order, debit card, or credit card depending on your renewal method. Online and in-person renewals accept card payments; mail renewal requires a check or money order.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using any of the three methods. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test. Call DVS at 651-297-3298 to confirm whether your situation requires testing before you visit an office.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my Minnesota license expires?

Your expiration date is printed in the upper right corner of your current license. You can also log into your account at state.mn.us or call DVS at 651-297-3298 to confirm. Minnesota mails a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration.

Can I renew my license if I've moved out of state?

No. You must renew your Minnesota license in person at a DVS office if you still live in Minnesota. If you've moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's DMV for their process.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You don't need the notice to renew. You can renew online, by mail (by requesting a new notice first), or in person at any DVS office. Call 651-297-3298 or visit the state website to request a replacement notice if you're planning to renew by mail.

How long does it take to get my license after renewing in person?

You receive your new license the same day you visit the DVS office. It's issued before you leave. If you renew by mail, expect two to three weeks. If you renew online, you must visit an office within 30 days to have your photo taken and receive the physical license.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DVS office?

Appointments are not required, but you can book one online to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted at all DVS locations. Check the state website for current wait times at your nearest office before you go.

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.