Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) 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 available if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.

If you renew in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, you'll also need to show proof of your new address. You do not need to bring your birth certificate or passport unless you're renewing after your license has been expired for more than five years.

The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes at most DVS offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go. If you're renewing online, you'll receive your new license by mail within 5 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is available if your license expired less than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
  • In-person renewal at any DVS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within three months, and your Social Security number.
  • Online renewal takes minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days; in-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes and you receive a temporary license when ready.
  • The renewal fee is $24.50 for an eight-year license or $16.50 for a four-year license, payable by cash, check, or card depending on your renewal method.

Renewing online through the Secretary of State website

Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State Driver and Vehicle Services portal and select "Renew Driver's License." You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address, emergency contact, and organ donor status.

You'll then choose your license type (standard or REAL ID compliant) and pay the renewal fee online by debit or credit card. The standard license costs $24.50 for eight years or $16.50 for four years. A REAL ID license costs the same but can be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. After payment, you're done — your new license will arrive by mail.

If the system tells you that you don't meet the requirements for online renewal, you'll need to go to a DVS office in person. This happens most often when your license has been expired for more than five years, you have medical restrictions on your license, or your address on file doesn't match your current address.

Renewing in person at a DVS office

Find your nearest DVS office on the Secretary of State website and check its hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. You can reserve an appointment online or walk in, depending on the office.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last three months), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address as well. You do not need an appointment, but making one online will reduce your wait time.

At the office, you'll complete a short form, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your permanent license is produced and mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard Minnesota driver's license renewal costs $24.50 for an eight-year license or $16.50 for a four-year license. A REAL ID compliant license costs the same amount. These fees are set by state law and do not vary.

If you renew online, you pay by debit or credit card at the time of renewal. If you renew in person, most DVS offices accept cash, check, and card, though a few smaller offices may accept only cash or check. Call your local office ahead of time if you want to confirm payment methods.

If you renew by mail (which is no longer the standard method but may still be available in limited cases), you'll mail a check or money order along with your renewal form. Contact your local DVS office to ask whether mail renewal is an option for your situation.

What happens if your license is expired by more than five years

If your Minnesota driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it online. You must go to a DVS office in person and may need to retake the written knowledge test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired.

Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The office staff will tell you whether you need to test. If you do, you'll take the vision test at the office and the written test on a computer terminal there. The process takes longer than a standard renewal — typically 45 minutes to an hour — and you'll pay the same renewal fee.

REAL ID versus standard license: which to choose

A REAL ID compliant license meets federal security standards and can be used to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, and access military bases. A standard Minnesota license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 7, 2025, when the federal REAL ID important date takes effect. Both licenses cost the same to renew.

If you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, get the REAL ID license. If you don't travel by air or visit federal facilities, a standard license is sufficient. You can choose which type when you renew online or in person. If you already have a REAL ID license, your renewal will be REAL ID compliant automatically unless you request otherwise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Minnesota allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early can be useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. Your new license will have a new expiration date one or two years from the renewal date, depending on whether you choose a four-year or eight-year license.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

If you're renewing online, the system will not allow you to proceed if your address has changed. You must renew in person at a DVS office and bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months). The office will update your address during the renewal process.

Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Minnesota?

No. A standard Minnesota driver's license is sufficient for driving anywhere in the state and the United States. You only need a REAL ID license if you plan to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access a military base. A standard license remains valid for driving.

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

If you renew online or in person, your new license arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 60 days. If you need your license sooner, ask the DVS office whether expedited mail is available — some offices offer it for an additional fee.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online. Go to a DVS office in person with proof of residency and your Social Security number. The office will issue you a replacement license, which is treated as a renewal if your license hasn't expired. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal.