Minnesota driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person
Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at realid.sos.state.mn.us, by mail using the renewal notice you receive, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Which route you can use depends on whether your license is Real ID compliant, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information.
Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office. In-person renewal is required only if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license for the first time.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at realid.sos.state.mn.us is available if your current license is Real ID compliant and not expired more than five years ago.
- Mail renewal uses the renewal notice mailed to you by the state and takes two to three weeks from the time the DVS office receives it.
- In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, or if you need to change your name, address, or get a Real ID for the first time.
- Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 10 business days of approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
- Minnesota driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue, and the state mails renewal notices about 60 days before expiration.
Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are Real ID compliant. You go to realid.sos.state.mn.us, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The state processes your process within one business day, and your new license is mailed within 10 business days.
You cannot renew online if your current license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your name or address, or if your license is not yet Real ID compliant. You also cannot renew online if you have an outstanding traffic ticket, unpaid child support, or other holds on your driving record — the system will tell you if this applies to you.
The renewal fee for a standard eight-year license is $24.50. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $13.25. You will receive a confirmation number after payment, and you can check the status of your license on the same website using that number.
Mail renewal using your renewal notice
The state mails a renewal notice to your address on file about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form you fill out, sign, and mail back with a check or money order. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current driver's license with the form.
Mail your completed form and payment to the address printed on the renewal notice. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DVS office receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days after approval. If you do not receive your renewal notice, you can request one by calling the DVS at 651-296-6911 or visiting a DVS office in person.
Mail renewal works even if your license has been expired for up to five years. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. If you need to change your name or address, you must also renew in person — the mail form does not allow address changes.
In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to become Real ID compliant for the first time. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days).
If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address, bring a document showing your new address. You do not need an appointment at most DVS offices, but you can reserve a time slot online at realid.sos.state.mn.us to reduce wait time.
The renewal fee is the same as online renewal: $24.50 for a standard eight-year license, or $13.25 if you are 65 or older. You will receive a temporary license to drive home, and your permanent license will be mailed within 10 business days. If you are upgrading to Real ID for the first time, the fee is the same, and the process takes about 15 minutes.
Real ID compliance and what it means for renewal
Real ID is a federal security standard that makes your driver's license acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Minnesota began issuing Real ID licenses in 2009, so most licenses issued in the last 15 years are already compliant. You can tell if your license is Real ID compliant by looking for a small star in the upper right corner of the card.
If your license does not have the star, you can upgrade to Real ID during renewal. You must renew in person and bring proof of your Social Security number and current address. The fee is the same as a standard renewal. After October 1, 2025, a non-Real ID license will not be accepted for domestic air travel, though it will still be valid for driving and other purposes.
If you are renewing online or by mail and your current license is not Real ID compliant, your renewed license will also not be Real ID compliant unless you visit a DVS office in person to upgrade.
What to do if your license is expired or will expire soon
If your license expires within the next 60 days, you should have received a renewal notice in the mail. Start the renewal process when ready — do not wait until the expiration date. You can drive on an expired license for a short grace period in some situations, but it is safer and simpler to renew before expiration.
If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online (if Real ID compliant). If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring the same documents as a first-time in-person renewal: current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.
If you are unsure whether your license is expired or when it expires, you can check online at realid.sos.state.mn.us using your license number and date of birth. You can also call the DVS at 651-296-6911 to ask.
Minnesota DVS office locations and contact information
Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. The main office is in St. Paul at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1500. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Secretary of State website at sos.state.mn.us/dvs-locations. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days.
If you have questions about your renewal, call the DVS at 651-296-6911. You can also email questions through the contact form on the Secretary of State website. Response times are usually one to two business days for email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota license if I live out of state?
Yes. If you are a Minnesota resident living temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail or online if your license is Real ID compliant and not expired more than five years. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a Minnesota DVS office in person or contact the DVS to discuss other options.
What happens if I renew online but the system says I have a hold on my record?
The online system will tell you if you cannot renew due to an outstanding ticket, unpaid child support, or other hold. You must resolve the hold before you can renew. Contact the court or agency listed in the message, or call the DVS at 651-296-6911 for help identifying the issue.
How long does my temporary license last if I renew in person?
Your temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it. Your permanent license should arrive within 10 business days, so the temporary is a backup in case of mail delays. If your permanent license does not arrive within 30 days, call the DVS to check the status.
Do I have to renew in person if I want to change my photo?
Yes. You cannot change your photo through online or mail renewal. You must visit a DVS office in person to take a new photo. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Call the DVS at 651-296-6911 and ask them to mail you a new renewal notice, or visit a DVS office in person. You can also renew online at realid.sos.state.mn.us if your license is Real ID compliant and not expired more than five years — you do not need the notice to renew online.