Minnesota driver's licenses renew every four or eight years, depending on your age and whether you choose the standard or enhanced version

Minnesota sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. The notice arrives by mail at the address on file with the state. You can renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, by mail, or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website — but not all methods work for every situation.

The method you use depends on whether you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 7, 2025), whether your address has changed, and whether you have any suspensions or restrictions on your current license. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it; you must resolve the suspension first through the court or DVS.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota mails renewal notices 60 days before expiration, but you can renew up to one year early if you want to avoid the rush.
  • Online renewal works only if you have a standard (non-Real ID) license, your address hasn't changed, and you have no suspensions or restrictions.
  • Real ID licenses require an in-person visit and documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Minnesota residency.
  • Mail renewal is available for standard licenses but takes longer and still requires you to visit a DVS office if you need a new photo.
  • DVS offices are open by appointment only; you book your slot through the Minnesota Secretary of State website.

Online renewal for standard licenses

If your current license is a standard (non-Real ID) license, your address hasn't changed since you last renewed, and you have no active suspensions or restrictions, you can renew online at mn.gov/sos. The process takes about 10 minutes. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method for the renewal fee.

Online renewal costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives, even after the expiration date printed on it, as long as you've completed the online renewal.

Online renewal does not give you a new photo. Your new license will use the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo or need to change your address, you must renew in person at a DVS office.

In-person renewal at a DVS office

Visit a DVS office if you need a Real ID license, want a new photo, have changed your address, or have any suspensions or restrictions on your current license. Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties; you can find the nearest one and book an appointment through mn.gov/sos. Appointments are required — walk-ins are not accepted.

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you're renewing a Real ID license or upgrading to Real ID, you also need a document proving your identity and date of birth, such as a passport, certified birth certificate, or military ID.

In-person renewal costs the same as online renewal: $24.50 for four years or $48.50 for eight years. You receive your new license on the spot, with a new photo taken at the office. If you need a Real ID license, the fee is the same, but the license itself is marked with a gold star in the top right corner.

Mail renewal for standard licenses

You can renew a standard (non-Real ID) license by mail if your address hasn't changed and you have no suspensions or restrictions. Mail your renewal notice, current license, and payment to the address listed on the notice. Do not send cash — pay by check or money order.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. Your new license arrives by mail with your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person instead. Mail renewal is useful if you're renewing early and want to avoid a trip to a DVS office, but it's slower than online renewal and doesn't give you a new photo.

Real ID licenses and what they require

A Real ID license has a gold star in the top right corner and meets federal identification standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license is not marked with a gold star, it's a standard license.

To get a Real ID license, you must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring your current license, proof of identity (passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or tribal ID), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Minnesota residency. The cost is the same as a standard license renewal.

If you already have a Real ID license, you can renew it online or by mail as long as your address hasn't changed and you have no suspensions or restrictions. Your new Real ID license will arrive by mail with your current photo.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension through the court (if it's related to a traffic violation or criminal charge) or through DVS (if it's related to unpaid fines, child support, or other administrative reasons).

Contact the court that issued the suspension or call DVS at 651-296-6911 to find out what you need to do to lift it. Once the suspension is resolved, you can renew your license through any of the methods above. If you're unsure whether your license is suspended, you can check the status on the Minnesota Secretary of State website.

Timing and renewal windows

Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew up to one year before the expiration date if you want to avoid waiting until the last minute. Renewing early extends your license expiration date by the full term (four or eight years) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

If you renew after your license has already expired, you can still drive legally for a short grace period while your new license is in the mail, as long as you've completed the renewal process. However, if you're pulled over, you should have proof that you've renewed — either the confirmation email from online renewal or the receipt from mail renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must have a current Minnesota address to renew a Minnesota license. If you've moved, you need to get a license from your new state. You can surrender your Minnesota license to any DVS office or by mail.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You don't need the notice to renew. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using just your current license and the information requested. If you're renewing by mail and don't have the notice, contact DVS at 651-296-6911 for the mailing address.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Online renewals arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it's expired, as long as you've completed the online renewal.

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

Only if you renew in person at a DVS office. Online and mail renewals use your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must visit a DVS office in person.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at a DVS office and bring a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Call 651-296-6911 to confirm what documents DVS needs before you visit.