Minnesota driver's licenses renew every four or eight years depending on your age

Minnesota sends you a renewal notice about two months before your license expires. The notice tells you whether you can renew by mail, online, or in person. Most people under 65 can renew online or by mail without visiting a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. If you're 65 or older, you must renew in person at a DVS office.

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Check it now—if it's within 90 days, you can start the renewal process. Minnesota does not allow you to renew early, so you must wait until the 90-day window opens.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota sends a renewal notice about two months before expiration; check your mail or log into your online account at state.mn.us to find it.
  • Drivers under 65 can renew online at mn.gov/dvs or by mail, but drivers 65 and older must renew in person at a DVS office.
  • Online renewal costs $24.50 and takes about 10 minutes; mail renewal costs $24.50 and takes one to two weeks after you mail the form.
  • You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card for online; check or money order for mail).
  • If your address has changed, you must update it during renewal, and if you want a REAL ID-compliant license, you must renew in person and bring proof of identity and residency.

Renewing online is the fastest option for most drivers

To renew online, go to mn.gov/dvs and click the renewal link. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records. If everything matches, you can pay the $24.50 renewal fee with a debit or credit card.

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is available only if you have not had any address changes, name changes, or corrections to your record since your last renewal.

Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit

If you prefer not to renew online, you can renew by mail. Your renewal notice includes a mail-in form. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $24.50 to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes one to two weeks after DVS receives your form, plus the time for mail to travel both ways. Your new license will arrive by mail. Like online renewal, mail renewal is available only if your address, name, and record information have not changed.

In-person renewal is required for drivers 65 and older and for REAL ID licenses

If you are 65 or older, you must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The renewal fee is $24.50.

You must also renew in person if you want a REAL ID-compliant license. REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. To get a REAL ID license, bring your current license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of your current address. The fee is $24.50 for a standard renewal or $34.50 for a REAL ID upgrade.

DVS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open Saturday mornings. You can find your nearest office and check wait times at mn.gov/dvs. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.

What to do if your address or name has changed

If you have moved since your last renewal, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DVS office and bring proof of your new address. Acceptable proofs include 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 your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). A certified copy means the document has an official seal and signature from the issuing agency.

Renewing after your license has already expired

If your license has expired, you can still renew it by mail or online within two years of the expiration date. After two years, you must explore for a new license in person, which requires the same documents as a first-time process. You will also have to pass the written test and vision screening again.

If your license expired more than two years ago, contact a DVS office to find out what documents you need. Some people may be able to renew without retesting if they meet certain conditions, but this varies case by case.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement in person at a DVS office or by mail. For a mail replacement, send a letter to the address on the DVS website stating that your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. Include a check or money order for $24.50. Your replacement license will arrive within one to two weeks.

If you need a replacement when ready, visit a DVS office in person. You will need to show proof of identity and pay the $24.50 fee. A temporary paper license will be issued on the spot, and your permanent replacement will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

No. If you have unpaid traffic violations or fines, DVS will suspend your license and you cannot renew it until the debt is paid. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the amount owed and how to pay it. Once paid, you can renew your license.

What if I don't receive my renewal notice in the mail?

Log into your online account at state.mn.us using your Minnesota ID number or driver's license number. Your account will show your expiration date and renewal options. You can also call DVS at 651-296-6911 to confirm your expiration date and ask for a replacement notice.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

No. For online and mail renewals, DVS uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, a new photo will be taken. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must renew in person instead.

How long is my new license valid after I renew?

Standard licenses are valid for four years if you are under 65, or two years if you are 65 or older. REAL ID licenses are valid for four years regardless of age. Your new expiration date will be printed on your license.

What if my renewal is denied?

DVS will send you a letter explaining why your renewal was denied. Common reasons include medical conditions, unpaid fines, or a suspended license. The letter will tell you what to do next. Contact DVS at 651-296-6911 if you have questions about the denial.