How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Minnesota driver's license renewal basics

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50. Mail renewal takes 1 to 2 weeks and costs the same. In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if you need to update your photo, address, or name, or if you haven't renewed online or by mail in the past two renewal cycles.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Minnesota sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is available if your license is not expired and you have no address or name changes.
You'll need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
In-person renewal is required if you need a new photo, have changed your name or address, or haven't used online or mail renewal in your last two cycles.
Mail renewal takes 1 to 2 weeks; your new license will arrive by standard mail at the address on file.
A valid Minnesota ID or passport is required for in-person renewal if your current license has expired.

Online renewal through the Secretary of State website

Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State's online renewal portal at mn.gov/sos. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you your current license information. Review it for accuracy, then pay the $24.50 renewal fee with a debit or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license is expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you've used online or mail renewal for your last two renewals in a row — in those cases, you must renew in person.

Mail renewal and what to expect

To renew by mail, complete the process for Minnesota Driver's License or Identification Card (Form HSMV 124) and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your $24.50 payment. You can read the form from mn.gov/sos or request one by calling the DVS customer service line at 651-297-3298. Include a check or money order — do not send cash.

Mail your completed form and payment to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1500, St. Paul, MN 55101. Processing takes 1 to 2 weeks from the date they receive your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license. If you've moved, you must renew in person or update your address online before mailing your renewal form.

In-person renewal at a DVS office

Visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office with your current driver's license, proof of residence (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 90 days), and payment of $24.50. If your license has expired, bring a valid form of ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if you've changed your name since your last renewal.

DVS offices are located throughout Minnesota. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times on the Secretary of State website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Call ahead or check online to see if your local office is taking appointments or walk-ins. In-person renewal is completed on the spot, and you'll receive a temporary license to use while your permanent license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Address and name changes during renewal

If you've moved, you can update your address online before renewing through the Secretary of State website, then proceed with online renewal if you meet all other requirements. If you're renewing by mail, write your new address on the process form. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new residence such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 90 days.

If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residence. You'll also need your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

Expired licenses and late renewal

If your license has expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DVS office in person. Bring a valid form of ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card along with proof of residence and your $24.50 payment. There is no additional penalty or fee for renewing after expiration — the cost remains $24.50.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you can show your confirmation number from an online renewal or a receipt from a mail renewal to demonstrate that you've applied, but this does not give you legal permission to drive. Renew as soon as possible to avoid traffic violations.

Payment and fees

The renewal fee is $24.50 regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online and in-person renewal accept debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash. If you're renewing in person, some DVS offices accept cash, but call ahead to confirm your local office's payment methods.

If you need a duplicate license (for example, if yours was lost or stolen) before your renewal date, that costs $20 and requires an in-person visit to a DVS office. You can renew your license and request a duplicate at the same visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring a valid form of ID such as a passport or military ID, proof of residence, and your $24.50 payment. There is no additional fee or penalty for late renewal — the cost is the same as a standard renewal.

What if I don't receive my renewed license within 10 business days?

Contact DVS customer service at 651-297-3298 with your confirmation number or receipt. They can track your license and resend it if needed. If your license was lost in the mail, DVS may issue a replacement at no additional cost.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Not if you renew online or by mail — your current photo will be used. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken automatically. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must renew in person instead.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes, you can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're planning to travel or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date of issue.

What if my name or address changed since my last renewal?

If only your address changed, you can update it online before renewing. If your name changed, you must renew in person and bring proof of the name change such as a marriage certificate or court order. Bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill dated within the past 90 days.

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.