Minnesota driver's licenses expire every four or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
Most Minnesota drivers renew their license before the expiration date printed on the front. The state offers three renewal paths: online through the Secretary of State website (fastest for most people), by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DVS office. Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have left, and whether you need to update your address or photo.
The online renewal process takes about 15 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a payment method. Your new license arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota driver's licenses expire every four years for drivers under 65 and every eight years for drivers 65 and older.
- Online renewal through the Secretary of State website is the fastest option and works if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license hasn't expired and you meet specific requirements, and takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office is required if your license has expired, you need a new photo, or you're changing your address.
- You'll need your current license, Social Security number, and proof of Minnesota residency to renew.
Online Renewal Through the Secretary of State Website
Online renewal is the quickest option and works for most drivers whose licenses are still valid. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and enter your license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. You'll answer questions about your current address and whether any information on your license has changed.
The system will show you the cost ($24.50 for four years or $48.50 for eight years) and ask for a payment method—credit card, debit card, or electronic check. After you pay, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 5 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 has expired, if you need to update your photo, or if you're changing your address to a new county. In those cases, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.
Mail Renewal for Drivers Who Meet the Requirements
Mail renewal works only if your license is still valid and you meet specific conditions: you haven't renewed by mail in the past eight years, your address hasn't changed, and you don't need a new photo. To renew by mail, contact a Driver and Vehicle Services office or read the renewal form from the Secretary of State website.
Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $24.50 (four-year) or $48.50 (eight-year), and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks. You can continue driving on your current license while your renewal is being processed. Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to go online or visit an office, but the restrictions mean many drivers will need to choose a different method.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services Office
Visit a DVS office if your license has expired, you need a new photo, you're changing your address, or you prefer to renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past three months). If you're changing your address, bring documents showing your new address.
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll pay $24.50 or $48.50 depending on the license term you choose. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 5 to 10 business days, and you'll receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait.
DVS offices are located throughout Minnesota. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Secretary of State website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only. Calling ahead or checking online before you visit will save you time.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
If your license has expired, you cannot renew online or by mail—you must renew in person at a DVS office. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you're renewing. When you go to the office, bring the same documents you would for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.
The office staff will process your renewal the same way they would for a valid license. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new license by mail within 5 to 10 business days. If your license has been expired for more than a year, the DVS office may require you to pass a vision test or written knowledge test, so ask when you call or visit.
Address Changes and Photo Updates
If you're moving to a new address in Minnesota, you must update your address when you renew. Online renewal allows address changes only if you're staying within the same county. If you're moving to a different county or out of state, you'll need to renew in person at a DVS office.
You can also update your address without renewing your license by visiting a DVS office or using the online address change form on the Secretary of State website. However, if your license is expiring soon, it's more efficient to handle both the address change and renewal at the same time.
If you want a new photo on your license before your renewal date, you must visit a DVS office in person. The office will take a new photo and issue a new license with an updated expiration date. This costs the same as a regular renewal.
Costs and Payment Methods
A four-year Minnesota driver's license costs $24.50. An eight-year license costs $48.50. Drivers 65 and older receive an eight-year license at no additional cost. These are the only fees charged by the state for renewal; there are no hidden charges or additional processing fees.
Online and in-person renewals accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. If you're renewing in person and paying by check, make it out to "State of Minnesota." The DVS office will not accept cash for mail-in renewals, but offices may accept cash for in-person transactions—call ahead to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before your license expires. In-person renewal can happen at any time. Renewing early is useful if you're planning to travel or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take 5 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewal is fastest: you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license within 5 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license until the new one arrives.
What if I need to renew my license but I'm out of state?
If you're temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail as long as your license is still valid and you meet the other requirements. If your license has expired or you need a new photo, you'll need to renew in person at a Minnesota DVS office when you return, or contact the office about your specific situation.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Not always. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo. You'll need a new photo only if you're renewing in person, if your license has been expired for more than a year, or if you request a new photo. The DVS office will take a new photo during in-person renewal at no extra cost.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DVS office in person and bring legal documentation of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will issue a new license with your updated name.