Minnesota driver's licenses expire every four or eight years, depending on your age and whether you renew in person or online
Minnesota sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. The notice tells you whether you can renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website or whether you must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person. Most people under 65 can renew online if their license is not suspended or revoked and their address hasn't changed. If you're 65 or older, or if your license has restrictions that need updating, you'll need to go to an office.
The state charges $22.50 for a four-year renewal and $35 for an eight-year renewal. You pay when you complete your renewal, whether online or in person. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota sends a renewal notice 60 days before expiration and tells you whether you can renew online or must visit an office in person.
- Online renewal through the Secretary of State website takes about 10 minutes and costs $22.50 for four years or $35 for eight years.
- If you need to visit a DVS office, you'll need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; wait times vary by location and time of day.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you need it by a specific date.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year, you cannot renew and must reapply through a full process process instead.
Renewing online through the Secretary of State website
Go to mn.gov/sos and select "Driver License Services" from the main menu. Click "Renew Your Driver's License Online." You'll need your current Minnesota driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and check whether you're may be able to access to renew online.
If the system approves you, you'll choose your renewal term (four or eight years), review your information, and pay the fee by debit card or credit card. You cannot change your address online; if you've moved, you must visit a DVS office instead. Once you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
Online renewal is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The entire process takes about 10 minutes. You do not need to print anything or visit an office.
Renewing in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office
Find your nearest DVS office at mn.gov/dvs and check their hours and current wait times. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Tell the staff member whether you want a four-year or eight-year renewal. They will take your photo, verify your information, process your payment, and give you a receipt. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Wait times at DVS offices vary widely depending on location and time of day. Offices in larger cities often have longer waits during lunch hours and late afternoon. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others use an online appointment system. Check the office's page on the DVS website to see whether you can book a time slot ahead of time.
What to do if your license is expired or suspended
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it. You must complete a full driver's license process instead, which requires a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. You'll also need to provide proof of residency and proof of Social Security number, just as you would for an in-person renewal.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DVS office to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. Once the underlying issue is resolved, you can renew your license.
Changing your address during renewal
If you've moved to a new address in Minnesota, you cannot change your address through online renewal. You must visit a DVS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), proof of your Social Security number, and payment for your renewal.
The staff member will update your address in the system and process your renewal. Your new license will be mailed to your new address. If you're moving out of state, you'll need to get a driver's license from your new state instead of renewing your Minnesota license.
Understanding license expiration dates and renewal terms
Minnesota driver's licenses expire on your birthday. When you renew, you choose either a four-year term (expiring on your birthday four years from now) or an eight-year term (expiring on your birthday eight years from now). The eight-year renewal costs more but means you won't need to renew as often.
If you're 65 or older, your license expires every four years, and you cannot choose an eight-year term. You must renew in person at a DVS office; online renewal is not available for drivers 65 and older.
Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires. If you don't receive a notice, check the expiration date on your current license and renew before that date. Driving on an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation.
What happens after you submit your renewal
After you renew online or in person, the Secretary of State's office processes your renewal and mails your new license. Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods. You can continue to drive on your current license until your new one arrives.
If your new license doesn't arrive within 14 business days, contact the DVS office. Bring your renewal confirmation number (from online renewal) or your receipt (from in-person renewal). The office can check the status of your license and remail it if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Yes, you can renew your license even if you have an unpaid traffic ticket. However, if you have an unpaid fine related to a suspended license or if the court has ordered a license suspension, you cannot renew until that suspension is lifted. Contact the court or the DVS office to find out whether your license is suspended.
What if I need my new license before it arrives in the mail?
You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for your new one. If you need proof of renewal when ready, your online confirmation number or in-person receipt serves as temporary proof. Some employers or agencies will accept this as proof of a valid license.
Can I renew my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, you can renew your Minnesota driver's license if you hold a valid license and you're a lawful permanent resident or have a valid visa. You'll need to provide proof of your immigration status along with your other documents. Check the DVS website or call your local office for the specific documents required for your immigration category.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Yes, a new photo is taken every time you renew, whether online or in person. For online renewal, you'll use your device's camera to take a selfie. For in-person renewal, the DVS staff member will take your photo at the office.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You must renew in person at a DVS office; you cannot renew online if your name has changed. The staff member will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.