Minnesota driver's license renewal basics
Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Which method you use depends on whether your license has expired, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew before their license expires to avoid driving with an expired license, which is illegal in Minnesota.
Your license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age and whether you have a Real ID endorsement. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. Minnesota sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the reminder to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a Real ID — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works for most people, but you must submit your process before your license expires.
- In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if your license is already expired, you need a Real ID, or you are changing your address or name.
- You will need your current license, proof of Minnesota residency, and a valid Social Security number to renew through any method.
- Real ID endorsement adds $15 to the renewal cost and requires proof of citizenship or legal residency plus proof of your Social Security number.
Online renewal through the Minnesota DVS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You go to the Minnesota Secretary of State's DVS website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, answer security questions, review your information, and pay the renewal fee. The entire process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.
Online renewal works only if all of these are true: your license has not expired, your address on file is still correct, you do not need to change your name, and you do not want to add a Real ID endorsement. If any of these do not explore to you, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead. The online fee is $24.50 and you pay by debit or credit card.
Mail renewal when you have time before expiration
Mail renewal is a good option if your license has not expired and you do not need a Real ID. You request a renewal process from the Minnesota DVS by phone at 651-296-6911 or read it from their website. Fill out the form, include a copy of your current license, and mail it to the address on the form along with a check or money order for $24.50.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the time DVS receives your process. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license. If you are changing your address, you must use in-person renewal instead. The mail renewal form is called the Driver's License Renewal process, and you can also pick one up at any DVS office.
In-person renewal at a DVS office
You must renew in person if your license has already expired, if you want to add a Real ID endorsement, if you are changing your address or legal name, or if you need to update your photograph. DVS offices are located in most Minnesota counties. You can find the office nearest you and check their hours on the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
Bring your current license, proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. If you are adding a Real ID, you also need proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents) and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, tax return, or W-2). Processing at the office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your new license is mailed to you within seven to ten business days.
Real ID endorsement and what it means
A Real ID is a federal security standard for state-issued driver's licenses. If your license has a gold star in the upper right corner, it has Real ID. If it does not, your license is still valid for driving in Minnesota, but you cannot use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without additional ID.
Adding Real ID costs an extra $15 on top of the renewal fee, bringing the total to $39.50. You must renew in person and provide proof of citizenship or legal residency plus proof of your Social Security number. If you do not need Real ID for travel or federal building access, you do not have to add it — your standard license renewal remains valid for driving.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can be cited. However, if your license expired within the last year and you can show proof that you submitted a renewal process before expiration, an officer may issue a warning instead of a ticket.
If your license has been expired for more than a year, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a DVS office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The renewal fee is the same whether your license is current or expired.
Documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Required Documents | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, date of birth | $24.50 | 7–10 business days |
| Current license, completed form, check or money order | $24.50 | 2–3 weeks | |
| In-person (standard) | Current license, proof of residency, Social Security number | $24.50 | 7–10 business days |
| In-person (Real ID) | Current license, proof of residency, proof of citizenship, proof of Social Security number | $39.50 | 7–10 business days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
You can renew by mail or online if your license has not expired and you do not need to change your address. If you have moved out of state or your license is expired, you must renew in person at a Minnesota DVS office when you return to the state, or contact DVS at 651-296-6911 to discuss your options.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The renewal fee remains $24.50 unless you are adding Real ID.
How long can I drive after my license expires?
You cannot legally drive with an expired license in Minnesota. You should renew before the expiration date on your card. If your license has already expired, go to a DVS office in person to renew as soon as possible.
Do I have to renew in person if I want a new photo?
Yes. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. Only in-person renewal at a DVS office includes a new photograph. You can renew in person even if your license has not expired.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Go to a DVS office in person and bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. You will need to report the lost license and pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.