How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

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

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at mn.gov/dvs, by mail using the renewal notice you receive, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Which route you can use depends on how close your license is to expiring and whether you need a new photo. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. If it expired less than two years ago and you do not need a new photo, you can renew online or by mail. Online renewal takes minutes and costs less than renewing by mail or in person.

You will need your current Minnesota driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online. By mail, you send in your renewal notice with a check or money order. In person, you bring your current license, proof of residence, and payment to any DVS office. Processing times vary: online renewal is when ready, mail renewal takes two to three weeks, and in-person renewal is same-day.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at mn.gov/dvs is the fastest and cheapest option if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need a new photo.
Mail renewal uses the renewal notice mailed to you by the state and takes two to three weeks to process.
In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you need a new photo.
The renewal fee varies depending on your license type and how many years you renew for, so check mn.gov/dvs for the exact amount.
Your new license will be mailed to you after online or mail renewal, but you receive it when ready if you renew in person.

Online renewal through the Minnesota DVS website

To renew online, go to mn.gov/dvs and select the renewal option. You will enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm or update your address. You then choose how many years to renew for (typically one to eight years) and pay with a debit or credit card.

Online renewal works only if your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need a new photo. If you are renewing early (before expiration), you can also renew online. The system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access. Once you complete the transaction, your new license is mailed to the address on file, usually arriving within seven to ten business days.

Mail renewal using your renewal notice

The state mails a renewal notice to your address on file about two months before your license expires. This notice includes a form you fill out, your current license information, and instructions for payment. You send the completed form, your current license (or a copy), and a check or money order to the address listed on the notice. Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DVS office receives your envelope. The state will mail your new license to the address you provide on the form. If you do not receive your renewal notice, you can read the form from mn.gov/dvs or call the DVS at 651-297-3298 to request one. Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to use the website or do not have a payment card available.

In-person renewal at a DVS office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your name or address on your license. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months), and payment. You will have your photo taken at the office and receive your new license the same day.

DVS offices are located throughout Minnesota. You can find the office nearest you and check hours at mn.gov/dvs. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait time. Bring all required documents to avoid making a second trip.

What documents and information you need

For online renewal, you need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment card. For mail renewal, you need the renewal notice the state sent you, your current license, and a check or money order. For in-person renewal, you need your current license, proof of residence dated within the last three months, and payment.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you will need to provide legal documentation of the name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) when renewing in person. If you are renewing early and want to keep your current address, you do not need to bring proof of residence for online or mail renewal. Address changes can be made online, by mail, or in person.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee depends on your license type and how many years you renew for. A standard driver's license renewal typically costs between $20 and $30 for a one-year renewal and more for longer terms. Check mn.gov/dvs for the exact fee before you renew, as rates can change. Online and mail renewal accept payment cards or checks; in-person renewal accepts cash, checks, and cards.

If you renew online, your payment is processed when ready and your new license is mailed within seven to ten business days. If you renew by mail, your check or money order must clear before processing begins. If you renew in person, you pay at the counter and receive your license the same day. Some DVS offices may have additional fees for services like duplicate licenses or address changes.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DVS office. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Do not drive until your new license arrives or you receive it in person.

If your renewal is delayed or you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at a DVS office. This permit is valid for a limited time and allows you to drive legally while your renewal is being processed. Call 651-297-3298 or visit mn.gov/dvs to learn about temporary permits and whether you are may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota 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 does not change your expiration date; your new license will expire one year (or however many years you choose) from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

What if I never received my renewal notice in the mail?

You can read the renewal form from mn.gov/dvs or call 651-297-3298 to request a replacement notice. If your address has changed, update it on the website or at a DVS office before requesting a new notice. The state mails notices to the address on file, so if you moved without updating your license, the notice went to your old address.

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

Your new license is mailed within seven to ten business days after you complete your online renewal. Delivery time depends on your location and the postal service. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the DVS at 651-297-3298 with your confirmation number from your online renewal.

Do I need a new photo when I renew my Minnesota license?

You do not need a new photo if you renew online or by mail, as long as your license has not expired more than two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and will have a new photo taken. You can also request a new photo in person at any time, even if you are not renewing.

What if I changed my name since my last license was issued?

You must renew in person and bring legal documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of residence, the name change document, and payment to any DVS office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.