Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Minnesota driver's license in person at any Deputy Registrar office, or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if you meet certain conditions. The online route is faster — you can complete it in minutes from home — but it's only open to drivers whose licenses aren't expired by more than one year and who haven't had certain violations or address changes.
If you renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months works), and your Social Security number. You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office. If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number, and you must have a valid email address on file.
The in-person renewal takes about 15 minutes at most Deputy Registrar offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is available if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no recent violations or address changes.
- In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office requires your current license, proof of residency from the last three months, and a vision test.
- You'll pay a renewal fee that depends on how many years you're renewing for — typically $20 for a four-year renewal or $40 for an eight-year renewal.
- Your temporary paper license is valid when ready after in-person renewal, and your plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks.
- If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written knowledge test.
When your license expires and how long you have
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Minnesota licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age and the type of license you hold. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process changes. Licenses expired for more than one year require in-person renewal and a written knowledge test. If your license expired between one and five years ago, you can renew in person without retaking the written test, though you'll still need the vision test.
Online renewal: who can use it and what to expect
The Minnesota Secretary of State's online renewal system is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. You can renew online if your current license is valid or expired by less than one year, you have no address changes to make, and you haven't had certain violations (like a DWI, license suspension, or revocation) since your last renewal.
To start, go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your email address. The system will verify your information and, if you're approved, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. You'll receive a confirmation email when ready, and your new license will be mailed to your address on file within two weeks.
Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal — $20 for four years or $40 for eight years — and you won't need to visit an office or take a vision test. However, if your vision has changed significantly or you want to update your address, you must renew in person instead.
In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office
If you can't renew online or prefer to renew in person, visit any Deputy Registrar office in Minnesota. These are located in cities and towns across the state and are run by local government offices, not the state directly. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of Minnesota residency dated within the last three months, and know your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo, conduct a vision test, and process your renewal on the spot. If you're renewing an expired license or have had violations, the staff will let you know if you need to retake the written test.
You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days when ready after renewal. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two weeks. If you need to drive before your plastic card arrives, the temporary license is legal to carry and use.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Minnesota driver's license renewal fees are $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. These fees are the same whether you renew online or in person. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or cash, depending on the method you choose.
Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. In-person renewal at Deputy Registrar offices accepts cash, check, credit card, and debit card — but policies vary slightly by office, so call ahead if you have a specific payment method in mind. Some offices may also accept electronic checks or other payment options.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you'll need to replace it rather than renew it. A replacement license costs $20 and requires an in-person visit to a Deputy Registrar office. Bring proof of identity (your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport), proof of Minnesota residency, and a police report if your license was stolen.
You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your replacement plastic card by mail within two weeks. If you're replacing a license that's also expired, you can renew it at the same time for the standard renewal fee.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
If you're moving or need to update your address, you must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office — online renewal doesn't allow address changes. Bring your current license, proof of your new Minnesota address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months), and your Social Security number.
You can update other information at the same time, such as your name (if you've married, divorced, or changed your name legally). You'll need to bring a certified copy of the document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will process your renewal and address change together, and you'll pay only the standard renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail?
No, Minnesota does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online through the Secretary of State website or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access.
What if I'm renewing out of state?
If you've moved out of Minnesota, you cannot renew your Minnesota license. You'll need to obtain a license from your new state. However, if you still live in Minnesota but are temporarily out of state, you can renew online if you're may be able to access, or wait until you return to renew in person.
Do I need to retake the written test when I renew?
No, unless your license has been expired for more than one year. If your license expired between one and five years ago, you only need the vision test. If it's been expired longer than five years, you'll need to retake both the written and vision tests and may need to reapply as a new driver.
How long does it take to get my new license by mail?
Your plastic license card typically arrives within two weeks of renewal. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready if you renew in person, or via email confirmation if you renew online. Both are valid to drive with until your plastic card arrives.
What if I have a commercial driver's license?
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a Deputy Registrar office. You cannot renew a CDL online. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and be prepared for a vision test and medical certification review if required.