Minnesota driver's licenses expire every four or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office
Your Minnesota driver's license has an expiration date printed on the front. When it approaches, you have three ways to renew: through the state's online system (the fastest option if you're may be able to access), by mail using a renewal form, or by visiting a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. The method you can use depends on your age, how long it's been since your last renewal, and whether your address or other information has changed.
Minnesota issues licenses on a four-year cycle for drivers aged 18 to 68, and an eight-year cycle for drivers aged 69 and older. You'll receive a reminder notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for it to start the renewal process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is available if you have a valid Social Security number, have not had your license suspended or revoked, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal requires you to complete Form DL 44 (the renewal form), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
- In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your address has changed, your name has changed, or you want to update your photo.
- The renewal fee varies: $24.50 for a four-year license and $40.75 for an eight-year license (for drivers 69 and older), though fees may change and you should confirm the current amount before paying.
- You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you have an outstanding child support obligation flagged in the system.
Online renewal through the Secretary of State website
The Minnesota Secretary of State operates an online renewal system at mn.gov/sos. To use it, you'll need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The process takes about 10 minutes and you'll receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can display on your phone while your physical card is mailed to you.
You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have an outstanding child support obligation on file with the state, if your name has changed since your last renewal, or if your address has changed. You also cannot renew online if more than eight years have passed since your last license was issued. If any of these explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.
Your new physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary digital license is valid for driving during this waiting period. You do not need to visit an office or provide new documents for online renewal.
Mail renewal using the renewal form
To renew by mail, request Form DL 44 from a Driver and Vehicle Services office, or read it from the Secretary of State website. You'll fill out the form with your current information, sign it, and mail it along with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time the office receives your form. You cannot update your photo by mail, and if your address or name has changed, you must renew in person instead. Mail renewal is most useful if you prefer not to go online or if you're renewing well before your expiration date and have time to wait.
Keep a copy of the form and your payment confirmation for your records. If your renewal does not arrive within 4 weeks of mailing, contact a Driver and Vehicle Services office to check the status.
In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office
You can renew in person at any of Minnesota's Driver and Vehicle Services offices. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and payment for the renewal fee in cash, check, or card. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).
In-person renewal is required if your name has changed since your last license, your address has changed, you want to update your photo, or you are not may be able to access for online renewal. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days depending on the office's procedures.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Many offices allow you to check wait times online before you visit. Bring all required documents to avoid being turned away and having to return another day.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a four-year license is $24.50. For drivers aged 69 and older renewing an eight-year license, the fee is $40.75. These fees cover the cost of producing and mailing your new license. Fees may change, so confirm the current amount on the Secretary of State website or by calling a Driver and Vehicle Services office before you pay.
You can pay by cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card depending on your renewal method. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only (no cash). In-person renewal accepts all payment methods.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you have started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can be cited. However, if you have submitted a renewal form by mail or online and can show proof of submission, an officer may issue a warning instead of a citation at their discretion.
If your license has already expired and you have not yet renewed, you can still renew using any of the three methods. There is no additional penalty fee for renewing after expiration, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives or you receive a temporary digital license through online renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you can visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office in Minnesota, or you may be able to renew through a Minnesota consulate or embassy if you live outside the United States. Contact the Secretary of State office for details on international renewal.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring legal proof of your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. Bring the original document or a certified copy.
How long is my temporary digital license valid?
Your temporary digital license is valid for 60 days from the date you renew online. Your physical license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary license covers the waiting period. If your physical license does not arrive within 60 days, contact the Secretary of State office.
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended?
No. You cannot renew online, by mail, or in person if your license is suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension by paying any outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or the Department of Public Safety. Contact a Driver and Vehicle Services office to learn what you need to do to lift the suspension.
What if I want to change my address during renewal?
If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your current license and payment. You cannot update your address online or by mail.