How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Minnesota driver's license renewal basics

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50. Mail renewal takes 1 to 2 weeks for processing plus mailing time. In-person renewal at a DVS office is when ready but requires an appointment, which you book through the state's online system.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Minnesota sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year early. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but you cannot renew online.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works only if your license is not yet expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
Mail renewal costs $24.50 and takes 1 to 2 weeks for processing, plus time for the card to arrive in your mailbox.
In-person renewal at a DVS office requires an appointment booked through the state website and produces your new license the same day.
You'll need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to renew online or by mail.
If your address, name, or medical information has changed, you must renew in person or by mail, not online.

Online renewal: what you need and how it works

Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the quickest path if you meet the requirements. You must have a valid (not expired) license, no medical restrictions or conditions listed on your current license, and your address must be the same as what's on file. You'll also need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Go to the Secretary of State's online renewal portal, enter your information, review the renewal terms, and pay the $24.50 fee by debit or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

If the system tells you that you're not may be able to access for online renewal, it means one of your circumstances — expiration, address change, medical restriction, or name change — requires you to renew in person or by mail instead.

Mail renewal: documents and timeline

To renew by mail, you'll need to send in your current driver's license along with a completed Form DLSR (Driver's License/ID Card Renewal process). You can read this form from the Secretary of State website or request it by calling the DVS customer service line. Include a check or money order for $24.50 made payable to the State of Minnesota.

Mail your documents to the address listed on the form — this is typically the DVS office in St. Paul. Processing takes 1 to 2 weeks from the date DVS receives your envelope, and then your new license is mailed to you. The entire process from mailing to receiving your new card usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. Keep your current license until the new one arrives; it remains valid during renewal.

If your address has changed, include a piece of mail showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If your name has changed, you'll need to renew in person instead, because mail renewal cannot process name changes.

In-person renewal at a DVS office

Renewing in person is necessary if your license has expired, your name has changed, you have medical restrictions, or your address has changed and you don't want to mail documents. You'll receive your new license the same day you visit.

Book an appointment through the Secretary of State's online appointment system. Walk-ins are not accepted at most DVS offices. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and payment of $24.50 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The appointment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll have your photo taken and your new license printed before you leave the office. If you need to renew your license before an appointment is available, you can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for your appointment.

What happens if your license has expired

An expired license cannot be renewed online. You must renew by mail or in person. You can still drive legally while your renewal is being processed — the law allows you to operate a vehicle for up to 60 days after expiration if you have proof that you've begun the renewal process. Keep your renewal confirmation number or receipt with you.

If more than 60 days have passed since expiration and you have not yet renewed, you are driving without a valid license. Renew when ready by mail or by booking an in-person appointment. The renewal fee remains $24.50 regardless of how long your license has been expired.

Address changes and other updates

If you've moved, you must update your address during renewal. You cannot change your address separately without renewing your license. If you're renewing online, the system will not allow you to proceed if your address differs from what's on file — you'll be directed to renew by mail or in person instead.

For mail or in-person renewal with an address change, bring proof of your new address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you're renewing in person, the DVS office will verify your address on the spot. If you're renewing by mail, include the proof document with your process.

Name changes require in-person renewal. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order from a name-change proceeding. The DVS office will not accept photocopies; the document must be certified or an official original.

Fees and payment methods

Minnesota driver's license renewal costs $24.50 for an eight-year license. This is the standard fee for all renewal methods. There are no additional fees for address changes, name changes, or other updates made during renewal.

Payment methods vary by renewal type. Online renewal accepts debit or credit card only. Mail renewal accepts check or money order made payable to the State of Minnesota. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you're paying by check or money order in the mail, allow extra time for processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes. There is no time limit on how long after expiration you can renew. You cannot renew online, but you can renew by mail or in person. The fee remains $24.50. You should renew as soon as possible because driving with an expired license beyond 60 days of expiration is illegal.

What if I don't have proof of my new address?

You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. If you don't have one, contact your utility company or bank to request a statement, or ask your landlord for a signed letter on lease letterhead. Without proof, you cannot complete renewal by mail or in person.

How long does it take to get my license in the mail after I renew?

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete the transaction. Mail renewal takes 1 to 2 weeks for DVS to process your process, plus mailing time — typically 2 to 3 weeks total. In-person renewal is when ready; you receive your license before you leave the office.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Yes. Walk-ins are not accepted at most DVS offices. Book your appointment through the Secretary of State's online appointment system. If no appointments are available soon, you can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait.

What if my medical restrictions have changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring your current license and any medical documentation your doctor has provided. The DVS office will review your medical status and update your license accordingly. You cannot make this change online or by mail.

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.