How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

Minnesota driver's license renewal happens through the Department of Public Safety, and you can do it by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation

Minnesota offers three main paths to renew your driver's license: online through the state's website, by mail using a renewal notice, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Which route you take depends on whether you have a Real ID-compliant license, how soon you need it, and whether your address or other information has changed. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, which saves time.

Your license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age and whether you hold a Real ID. Minnesota sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, and that notice contains the information you need to start the process. If you have lost your notice or it has been longer than one year past expiration, you will need to renew in person instead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through mn.gov/dvs works for most people and takes about 10 minutes, but only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address.
Mail renewal requires your renewal notice and takes two to three weeks from the time DVS receives your materials, so send it at least four weeks before expiration.
In-person renewal at a DVS office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, you need a Real ID upgrade, or your address has changed.
Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses in Minnesota and are required for federal building access starting May 2025.
You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for any renewal method.

Online renewal through the Minnesota DVS website

The fastest option for most people is online renewal at mn.gov/dvs. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card, and receive a temporary digital license when ready. The physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

Online renewal is available only if your current license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you do not need to update your name, gender marker, or other personal information. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person. You also cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked.

The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. Minnesota does not charge extra to upgrade to a Real ID during online renewal, so if your current license is standard, you can add Real ID compliance at the same time.

Mail renewal using your renewal notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail from DVS, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. Fill out the notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your proof of residency if your address has changed since your last renewal.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks after DVS receives your materials, so send your notice at least four weeks before your license expires. If your renewal notice was lost or damaged, you can request a replacement by calling DVS at 651-297-2126 or visiting a DVS office in person. Once you mail your renewal, you cannot switch to online renewal, so make sure all your information is correct before you send it.

You cannot upgrade to a Real ID by mail. If you need a Real ID-compliant license, you must renew in person at a DVS office and bring the required documents: a passport, passport card, birth certificate, or other federal ID; proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease; and proof of your Social Security number such as a Social Security card or tax return.

In-person renewal at a DVS office

Visit a DVS office in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, you need to upgrade to a Real ID, your address has changed, or you want to update your name or gender marker. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable documents are listed on the DVS website under "What to Bring".

DVS offices are located throughout Minnesota, and you can find the nearest one and check wait times on mn.gov/dvs. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait. Bring your current license or a copy of your renewal notice if you have one. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail or online.

If your license has been expired for more than three years, you may be required to pass a vision test and written knowledge test in addition to renewing. Call your local DVS office to ask whether this applies to you before you visit.

Real ID compliance and what it means for your renewal

A Real ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard driver's license will not be accepted as identification for federal building access, airport security, or entry to military bases. You will need a Real ID-compliant license or a passport instead.

Minnesota licenses are Real ID-compliant by default if you provided the required documents when you first obtained your license. Your license will show a gold star in the upper right corner if it is Real ID-compliant. If your current license does not have a gold star, you can upgrade during renewal by visiting a DVS office in person and bringing proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.

Upgrading to Real ID does not cost extra in Minnesota. The renewal fee is the same whether your new license is standard or Real ID-compliant. If you are not sure whether your current license is Real ID-compliant, check for the gold star or call DVS at 651-297-2126.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Minnesota renewal fees depend on the length of validity you choose. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact amount changes periodically, so check mn.gov/dvs for current fees before you renew. If you renew online, you can pay with a debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order—do not send cash.

If you renew in person at a DVS office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices may accept other payment methods, so call ahead if you want to confirm. If your renewal is denied for any reason, DVS will return your payment.

What happens if your license expires before your renewal arrives

If you renew online or by mail and your physical license has not arrived by your expiration date, you can use your temporary digital license as proof of a valid license. The temporary license is sent to your email when ready after online renewal or can be printed from your account on mn.gov/dvs. Carry it with you until your physical card arrives.

If you are stopped by law enforcement and your physical license has not arrived yet, show the officer your temporary digital license or the confirmation email from your online renewal. This is a valid license in Minnesota. If you renewed by mail and did not receive a temporary license, contact DVS to confirm your renewal was received and ask for a temporary license number you can provide to law enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DVS office. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year. Bring your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. If it has been expired for more than three years, you may also need to pass a vision test and written knowledge test.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

If you are renewing by mail, include a copy of proof of residency with your renewal notice. If you are renewing online, you cannot update your address—you must renew in person at a DVS office instead. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks after DVS receives your materials, so send it at least 4 weeks before expiration. In-person renewal is when ready—you receive a temporary digital license right away and your physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need a Real ID to drive in Minnesota?

No. A standard driver's license is still valid for driving. You only need a Real ID if you plan to fly domestically, enter a federal building, or access a military base starting May 7, 2025. For driving within Minnesota, a standard license is sufficient.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

Call DVS at 651-297-2126 or visit a DVS office to request a replacement renewal notice. You can also renew in person at any DVS office without a notice—just bring your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. You cannot renew online without your renewal notice.

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.