Renewing your Minnesota driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license through three routes: online at realid.sos.state.mn.us, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Online renewal is fastest and costs $24.50 for an eight-year license. You're may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired more than two years, you have no medical suspensions, and your address hasn't changed. If you don't meet those conditions or prefer to renew in person, you'll need to visit an office with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence.

Your license expires on your birthday. Minnesota sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through realid.sos.state.mn.us takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for an eight-year license if you meet may be able to access requirements.
  • Mail renewal requires a form from the Secretary of State website and takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is when ready but requires a trip to a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
  • You must bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of citizenship or legal presence to renew in person.
  • If your address has changed, your license is expired more than two years, or you have medical suspensions, you cannot renew online and must use mail or in-person renewal.

Online renewal: fastest option if you're may be able to access

Online renewal works only if your current license is valid or expired less than two years ago, your address hasn't changed since your last renewal, you have no medical suspensions on your record, and you're renewing a standard driver's license (not a commercial license). Go to realid.sos.state.mn.us, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You'll pay $24.50 by debit or credit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days.

If the system tells you that you're not may be able to access for online renewal, it will explain why. Common reasons include a recent address change, an expired license that's too old, or a flag on your driving record. In those cases, you'll need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail renewal: slower but no office visit required

To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the Minnesota Secretary of State website (sos.state.mn.us), fill it out completely, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $24.50 to the address on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your envelope. Your new license will arrive separately by mail.

Mail renewal works for anyone whose license is not expired more than two years, but it's slower than online renewal and requires you to send your current license through the mail. If your address has changed, you must use mail or in-person renewal because online renewal won't process address changes.

In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

Visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or property tax statement dated within the last year. Proof of citizenship or legal presence can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or valid visa. You'll pay $24.50 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card, and you'll receive your new license on the spot.

In-person renewal is required if your address has changed, your license is expired more than two years, you have medical suspensions, or you're renewing a commercial driver's license. Find office locations and hours at sos.state.mn.us/dvs or call 651-297-2126. Wait times vary by location and time of day; many offices are busiest mid-morning and mid-week.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you've started the renewal process. If you're pulled over, you can be cited. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it—you must reapply for a new license, which requires taking the written and driving tests again and paying the full process fee.

If your renewal is in progress when your birthday arrives, keep proof that you submitted your process (a confirmation email from online renewal, a mailed envelope receipt, or an office receipt). Police may accept this as evidence that you were in the process of renewing, though it's not may provide to prevent a citation.

Renewing a REAL ID-compliant license

Minnesota's standard driver's license is REAL ID-compliant, which means it meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. When you renew online or by mail, you'll receive a REAL ID-compliant license automatically. If you renew in person, bring the same documents (current license, proof of residency, proof of citizenship or legal presence), and you'll receive a REAL ID license without extra steps or cost.

Your REAL ID license looks the same as a standard license but has a small star in the upper right corner. It's valid for the same eight-year period as a regular renewal.

Cost and payment methods

A standard eight-year license renewal costs $24.50. You can pay by cash (in-person only), check or money order (mail only), or debit or credit card (online or in-person). If you're renewing a commercial driver's license, the fee is higher; check sos.state.mn.us/dvs for current commercial license fees.

Minnesota does not offer discounts for seniors or other groups on standard license renewals. If you're renewing a license you lost or damaged, you'll pay a replacement fee instead of a renewal fee; contact a Driver and Vehicle Services office for that amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different state?

No. You must renew your Minnesota license before it expires, even if you've moved. After you renew, you can explore for a license in your new state. If your license has already expired, you'll need to renew it in Minnesota first or reapply for a new one.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office with your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence.

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

Online and mail renewal take seven to ten business days for delivery. In-person renewal is when ready—you receive your license before you leave the office. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks for processing before the license is mailed to you.

Can I renew my license if I have an unpaid traffic ticket or child support debt?

Minnesota may suspend your license for unpaid child support or certain court-ordered debts, but not for unpaid traffic tickets alone. If your license has a suspension flag, you cannot renew online. Contact a Driver and Vehicle Services office to find out why your license is flagged and what you need to do to clear it before renewing.

What if I need my license before the mail arrives?

If you renewed online or by mail and need to drive before your new license arrives, you can print a temporary license from realid.sos.state.mn.us after you complete your online renewal. This temporary license is valid for 60 days. If you renewed by mail, contact the Secretary of State office to ask about a temporary license option.