Where to renew your license in Minneapolis

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license at any Deputy Registrar office in Minneapolis, or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if you meet certain conditions. The easiest route depends on whether your license is still valid and whether you need to update your address or other information.

The main Deputy Registrar locations in Minneapolis are spread across the city. The largest office is at 250 South 5th Street in downtown Minneapolis, which handles walk-ins and appointments. Several other Deputy Registrars operate in different neighborhoods—check the Minnesota Secretary of State's office locator to find the one nearest you, since hours and services vary by location.

Online renewal through the Secretary of State website works only if your license is not expired, you have not had any violations or suspensions in the past year, and you do not need to change your address, name, or other personal details. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have no recent violations, but any address or name change requires an in-person visit to a Deputy Registrar.
  • Minnesota driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before that date.
  • Bring your current license, proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to any Deputy Registrar office.
  • Renewal fees are $48 for a four-year license or $96 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.
  • Processing time at a Deputy Registrar is usually 15 to 30 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current Minnesota driver's license to any Deputy Registrar office. If your license has expired, bring an expired license plus one form of government-issued photo ID—a passport, military ID, or tribal ID all work. You will also need proof that you live in Minnesota: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.

Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring a physical card, but you must know the number. If you are renewing after a name change (through marriage, divorce, or legal petition), bring the document that proves the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, you cannot update your name on the license.

If you are renewing online, you will enter this information digitally rather than showing documents in person. The Secretary of State's system will verify your Social Security number and current address against state records.

How to renew online through the Secretary of State

Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State's driver and vehicle services website and select "Renew Your Driver's License." You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer security questions based on your driving history.

Online renewal costs $48 for a four-year license. You pay by credit card or debit card during the process. Once you complete the transaction, the Secretary of State mails your new license to the address on file—usually within two to three weeks. Your current license remains valid until your birthday, so you can continue driving while you wait.

If the system rejects your process or tells you that you must renew in person, it means one of the restrictions applies: your license is expired, you have an active suspension or violation, or your information does not match state records. In that case, visit a Deputy Registrar office instead.

Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office

Walk into any Deputy Registrar office during business hours with your documents, or book an appointment online through the Secretary of State's website to skip the wait. The downtown Minneapolis office at 250 South 5th Street accepts both walk-ins and appointments; some smaller locations take appointments only. Check the office locator to see which locations near you accept appointments and what their current wait times are.

The staff will check your documents, take a new photo, and collect the renewal fee. You will sign a form confirming your address and other information. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your new license is mailed to you within two to three weeks; you will receive a temporary paper receipt that you can use as proof of identity until the plastic card arrives.

If you need your license faster than the standard mail timeline, ask the Deputy Registrar whether expedited processing is available. Some offices offer it for an additional fee, though availability varies. Your current license stays valid until your birthday, so you do not lose driving privileges while waiting for the new one.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

A four-year Minnesota driver's license costs $48 to renew. An eight-year license costs $96. You choose which term you want when you renew—there is no requirement to pick one or the other. The fee is the same whether you renew online or in person.

Your license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to one year before that date, so you do not have to wait until the last minute. Renewing early means your new license will arrive before your birthday, and your old license will still be valid until then. If you miss your birthday and your license expires, you can still renew it, but you may face additional requirements or fees depending on how long it has been expired.

Fees are paid at the time of renewal—online by credit or debit card, or in person by cash, check, or card at the Deputy Registrar office. No refunds are issued if you change your mind after paying.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead, which requires a written test and an in-person visit. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it at a Deputy Registrar office, though you cannot renew online.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you are only a few days past your birthday. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. Renew before your birthday to avoid this risk. If your birthday has already passed and you have not renewed yet, stop driving and go to a Deputy Registrar office as soon as you can.

Some Deputy Registrar offices have extended hours or weekend appointments to make renewal easier. Check the office locator for hours near you, or call ahead to confirm they have availability before you go.

Address changes and other updates

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. You can do this online if you are renewing online, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Bring proof of your new Minnesota address—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.

Name changes require an in-person visit and supporting documents. Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order that shows the name change. The Deputy Registrar will not process a name change online or by mail.

If you need to correct other information on your license—such as your height, eye color, or organ donor status—you can do that during renewal as well. Tell the staff member what needs to be changed, and they will update it in the system before your new license is printed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can renew your license even if you have unpaid traffic fines. However, if you have an active suspension due to unpaid fines or other violations, you cannot renew online and must visit a Deputy Registrar office. The office staff will tell you whether your suspension prevents renewal or whether you can proceed.

What if I lost my current license and do not have it to bring?

Bring an expired license if you have one, or another form of government-issued photo ID such as a passport or military ID. You will also need proof of Minnesota residency. If you have neither an expired license nor another photo ID, you may need to explore for a new license instead of renewing; call a Deputy Registrar office to confirm what documents they will accept in your situation.

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

The Secretary of State mails your new license within two to three weeks of your renewal. You will receive a temporary paper receipt at the time of renewal that you can use as proof of identity while you wait. Your current license remains valid until your birthday, so you can continue driving.

Can I renew my license by mail?

No, Minnesota does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either online through the Secretary of State's website or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are not changing your address or other information.

What if I need my new license before the standard two to three weeks?

Ask the Deputy Registrar office whether they offer expedited processing. Some offices do for an additional fee, but availability varies by location. Call ahead or ask when you arrive to find out whether expedited service is available at the office you plan to visit.