How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Minnesota driver's licenses expire every four or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

Your renewal notice arrives about two months before your license expires. You do not have to wait for it — you can renew anytime within one year before the expiration date. The fastest route is online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if you meet the requirements: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you cannot have changed your name or address since your last renewal, and you must have a valid email address. If you do not meet those conditions or prefer not to use the online system, you can renew by mail or visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person.

The fee for a standard four-year renewal is $24.50. An eight-year renewal costs $48.75. Minnesota also offers a Real ID-compliant license, which costs more but allows you to use it for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights without a passport. The Real ID renewal fee is $32.50 for four years or $65 for eight years.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 5 to 7 business days if you meet the basic requirements.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, the renewal form, and payment to the address on your renewal notice, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office is necessary if your license is suspended, you changed your name or address, or you want to upgrade to a Real ID.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait for your renewal notice to arrive.
Minnesota licenses expire on your birthday in the year of expiration, and driving on an expired license is illegal even if you are in the renewal process.

Online renewal: the fastest option if you may have access to

Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State Driver and Vehicle Services website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm your address and vision status. You cannot change your address online — if you have moved, you must renew by mail or in person.

After you complete the online form and pay the fee with a debit or credit card, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 5 to 7 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact the Driver and Vehicle Services office by phone or through the website.

Mail renewal: the option that requires no office visit

Your renewal notice includes a form and instructions for mailing. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and payment to the address listed on the notice. Use a check or money order — the mail system cannot process card payments. Include a copy of your renewal notice with your mailing to help the office process your request faster.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the office receives your materials. If you are renewing close to your expiration date, mail renewal may not leave you enough time. You can track the status of your renewal by calling the Driver and Vehicle Services office or checking the website, though processing times vary by location and season. If your renewal notice was lost or you did not receive one, you can request a duplicate form from the Secretary of State website or by phone.

In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

Visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office with your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. You do not need an appointment for renewal, but wait times vary. Check the office locator on the Minnesota Secretary of State website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you reach the counter. You will have your photo taken and your vision checked. If you want to upgrade to a Real ID, you must renew in person and bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, and two proofs of residency if your name has changed. The office will issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the type of renewal.

When you must renew in person instead of online or by mail

You cannot use online or mail renewal if your license is suspended or revoked, if you changed your name since your last renewal, if you changed your address, or if you want to add or remove restrictions (such as corrective lenses or hearing aid requirements). You also must renew in person if you want to upgrade to a Real ID or if you are renewing for the first time after turning 65.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve the underlying issue — usually unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or a medical suspension — before you can renew. Contact the Driver and Vehicle Services office to confirm what must be cleared before you visit. Bring documentation showing the issue has been resolved, such as a receipt for paid fines or a letter from the court.

Real ID renewal: what it costs and why you might want it

A Real ID-compliant Minnesota license allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. It costs $8 more than a standard license for a four-year renewal ($32.50 instead of $24.50) and $16.25 more for an eight-year renewal ($65 instead of $48.75). You must renew in person and bring a certified birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and two proofs of residency.

If you already have a Real ID license, you can renew it online or by mail as long as you meet the other requirements. The system will recognize your Real ID status and renew it at the Real ID rate. If you do not have a Real ID and do not plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, a standard license renewal is sufficient for driving.

What to do if your license expires before your renewal arrives

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you have submitted a renewal process and are waiting for your new license to arrive. If you renewed online or by mail and your expiration date is approaching, visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office to request an interim license. An interim license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license.

You do not need to pay an additional fee for an interim license if you have already paid for your renewal. Bring your renewal confirmation email or receipt and your current license. If your license has already expired and you have not yet received your new one, you can still get an interim license at any office. Do not drive without one — the penalty for driving with an expired license is a fine and possible points on your record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota license if I live out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online as long as you meet the online requirements. If you need to change your address to an out-of-state address, you must renew in person or by mail. Mail renewal works the same way — send your form, current license, and payment to the address on your renewal notice.

What happens if I miss my expiration date?

Your license becomes invalid on your birthday in the expiration year. You cannot legally drive on an expired license. To renew after expiration, visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person — you cannot use online or mail renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You may also face a reinstatement fee depending on how long your license has been expired.

Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?

For online renewal, your photo from your current license is used. For mail renewal, your existing photo is also used. Only in-person renewal includes a new photo. If you want a new photo but are otherwise may be able to access for online renewal, you must visit an office instead.

How long is my license valid after I renew?

Minnesota licenses are valid for four or eight years from the renewal date, depending on which option you choose at renewal. Your new expiration date will be printed on your license. Drivers 65 and older receive a four-year license regardless of which option they select.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?

An unpaid traffic fine does not automatically block renewal, but if the fine has been referred to collections or a warrant has been issued, your license may be suspended. Check your license status on the Minnesota Secretary of State website before you attempt to renew. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the ticket or warrant before renewal is possible.

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.