How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant card. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you can't renew online, you'll need to visit an office in person or mail in a paper process.

Your Minnesota driver's license is valid for eight years if you're under 65, or four years if you're 65 or older. You can renew it up to one year before it expires, so there's no penalty for doing it early. However, if your license has already expired, you cannot renew online — you must go to an office or mail in an process.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through mn.gov/dvs takes 10 minutes and costs $24.50, but only works if your current license is still valid and you haven't changed your address or name.
In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office takes 30 to 60 minutes and costs $24.50, and is required if your license has expired or you need a Real ID card.
Mail renewal requires you to print and mail a paper form (DL44) along with payment, and takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the office receives it.
A Real ID-compliant license requires proof of citizenship and identity documents; a standard license does not, but Real ID is needed for domestic air travel starting in 2025.
You do not need to take a new photo or pass a vision test unless your license has been expired for more than one year.

Renewing Online Through Minnesota's Website

Online renewal is available at mn.gov/dvs under the "Renew Your Driver's License" section. You'll need your current Minnesota driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or e-check). The system will verify your identity using information from your driver's license record.

You can only renew online if all of the following are true: your license is still valid (not expired), you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal, you are not renewing a Real ID license for the first time, and you do not need corrective lenses noted on your license. If any of these conditions don't explore to you, you'll be directed to renew in person or by mail instead.

Once you complete the online form and pay the $24.50 fee, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in Person at a Driver and Vehicle Services Office

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you're renewing a Real ID license for the first time, or if you need to update your address or name. You'll need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office — Minnesota has locations in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times at mn.gov/dvs.

Bring your current driver's 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). If you're renewing a Real ID license, you'll also need to bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and a second form of identity.

The office will take a new photo and may ask you to read an eye chart to verify your vision. The renewal fee is $24.50 for a standard license or $34.50 for a Real ID license. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 45 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid and you don't need a Real ID license. read or request the Form DL44 (process for Minnesota Driver's License) from mn.gov/dvs. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $24.50 to the address listed on the form.

Processing time for mail renewals is typically 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives your process, plus mail delivery time in both directions. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. During this time, your current license remains valid, so you can continue to drive.

Mail renewal is slower than online or in-person renewal, but it works if you have limited access to an office or prefer not to visit in person. However, if you need a Real ID license or your current license has expired, you cannot renew by mail.

Real ID Licenses and What You Need

A Real ID is a federal standard for driver's licenses that allows you to use it for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Minnesota began issuing Real ID licenses in 2017, and starting in 2025, you'll need a Real ID license or another acceptable form of identification to board a domestic flight.

If your current license is marked "Not for Federal Identification" or was issued before 2017, it is not a Real ID license. To renew it as a Real ID license, you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. You'll need to bring proof of citizenship (U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or tribal ID) and a second form of identity (such as a Social Security card or utility bill).

The Real ID renewal fee is $34.50, which is $10 more than a standard license renewal. If you don't need a Real ID license and your current license is still valid, you can renew it as a standard license online or by mail at no extra cost.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your driver's license has been expired for one year or less, you can renew it in person or by mail using the same process as a standard renewal. However, you will need to take a new photo and pass a vision test at an office.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license rather than renewing. This requires an in-person visit to a Driver and Vehicle Services office, a written knowledge test, a driving skills test, and a vision test. The process is similar to getting your first license and takes longer than a standard renewal. Bring proof of citizenship, identity, and Social Security number.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard Minnesota driver's license renewal costs $24.50. A Real ID license renewal costs $34.50. These fees cover the eight-year license (or four years if you're 65 or older).

Online renewal accepts debit cards, credit cards, and e-checks. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards — payment methods vary slightly by office, so check ahead if you plan to pay with a specific method. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.

There are no additional fees for renewing early, and you don't pay extra if you renew before your current license expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I'm waiting for my new license to arrive?

Yes. If you renewed online or by mail, your current license remains valid until it expires. If you renewed in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, which you can use to drive while your permanent license is in the mail.

What if I changed my address since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You'll need to renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office or by mail using Form DL44. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license will be used. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and will receive a new photo.

What's the difference between a Real ID and a standard license?

A Real ID license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and federal building access. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes starting in 2025. Both are valid for driving. Real ID costs $10 more and requires proof of citizenship.

How long does it take to get my new license?

Online renewal: 7 to 10 business days by mail. In-person renewal: you get a temporary license when ready, and your permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal: 2 to 3 weeks from when the office receives it, plus mail delivery time.

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.