How to renew your Minnesota driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license through three routes: online at mn.gov/dvs, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.75 for an eight-year license. You'll need your current license number, a valid email address, and a payment method. The state mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you haven't changed your name, address, or vision status since your last renewal. By-mail renewal also costs $24.50 or $48.75 depending on the term you choose. In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office takes about 30 minutes and is necessary if your license is expired by more than five years, if you need to update your address or name, or if you want to change your photo.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal at mn.gov/dvs is the fastest option and takes 10 minutes, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail renewal costs the same as online but requires you to print and mail a form, and your license must not be expired by more than five years.
  • In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you're changing your name or address, or if you want a new photo.
  • Minnesota offers both four-year and eight-year license terms; the eight-year option costs twice as much but lasts longer.
  • You do not need to renew in person straightforward because your current license is expired — mail and online renewal both work for expired licenses within the five-year window.

Online renewal through mn.gov/dvs

The online renewal process starts at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system checks whether you're may be able to access to renew online — mainly whether your license is not expired by more than five years and whether your address and name are current in the state's records.

Once verified, you'll review your information, choose your license term (four or eight years), and pay by debit card or credit card. The state does not accept checks or cash online. After payment, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your current license remains valid, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification.

Mail renewal using the DL 44 form

To renew by mail, read or request the DL 44 form from mn.gov/dvs. Fill in your name, address, date of birth, and license number. Include a check or money order for $24.50 (four-year) or $48.75 (eight-year), made payable to the State of Minnesota. Do not send cash. Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the form — currently the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, St. Paul, MN 55155.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the state receives your form. You can track your renewal status on mn.gov/dvs by entering your license number and date of birth. Mail renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago, if you've changed your name since your last renewal, or if you need to update your address because you moved out of state and back in.

In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

Visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office to renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment in cash, check, or card. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. Your temporary license is valid when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you've changed your legal name and need to update it on your license, or if you're moving to Minnesota from another state. You also must renew in person if your vision status has changed or if you want to update your address because you moved. Office wait times vary by location and time of day; the state recommends arriving early in the morning or visiting on weekday afternoons to avoid peak hours.

What documents and information you need

For online or mail renewal, you need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You do not need to provide additional documents unless you're updating your address or name.

For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of your current address. Acceptable address documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days. If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If you're a new Minnesota resident, bring your out-of-state license plus proof of your Minnesota address.

License expiration dates and renewal windows

Your Minnesota driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before your license expires. You can also renew after your license expires, as long as it has not been expired for more than five years — if it has, you must renew in person.

The state recommends renewing about 30 days before your birthday to may support your new license arrives before the old one expires. If you need your license for travel or identification before your new one arrives, your temporary license (issued in person or shown in your online confirmation) is valid during the processing period.

Costs and payment methods

A four-year Minnesota driver's license costs $24.50. An eight-year license costs $48.75. These prices are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. The state does not charge extra fees for processing or mailing.

Online renewal accepts debit cards and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card. If you're renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, the state will contact you to request payment by another method before processing your renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, as long as it expired less than five years ago. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.

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

The state mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is processed. Online renewals are typically processed within one business day. Mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks from the date the state receives your form. During this time, your current license or temporary license remains valid.

Do I need to renew in person if I moved to a new address?

Only if you moved out of state and then back to Minnesota. If you moved within Minnesota, you can update your address online or by mail during renewal. If you moved from another state to Minnesota, you must renew in person and bring proof of your Minnesota address.

What if I want a new photo on my license?

You must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office to get a new photo. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license.

Can I renew my license if I changed my name?

If you changed your name since your last renewal, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal are not available for name changes.