Minnesota ID renewal happens online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license or ID card through three different routes: online at mn.gov/dvs, by mail using a renewal notice, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Which route you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, how close you are to expiration, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. It contains a barcode and instructions for renewing online or by mail. If you have not received a notice and your license is expiring soon, you can still renew online if your license is not yet expired, or you can go to an office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal uses the notice you receive in the mail and takes about two weeks from when the office receives it.
  • In-person renewal is required if your license is already expired, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.
  • Minnesota charges different fees depending on the type of ID and how long you renew it for, ranging from about $20 to $30 for a standard renewal.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

Online renewal: fastest if your license is current

Online renewal through mn.gov/dvs is the quickest option if your license has not expired yet and you do not need a new photo. You will need your renewal notice (which has a barcode), your Minnesota driver's license number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes and your new license ships within 5 to 7 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want a new photo. If any of those explore to you, use mail renewal or go to an office in person instead.

Mail renewal: works without leaving home

Mail renewal uses the renewal notice you receive in the mail. You fill out the form on the back of the notice, include your payment, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. The office processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, which usually takes about two weeks from when they receive it.

Mail renewal works even if you do not have your renewal notice, as long as your license is not yet expired. You can read the renewal form from mn.gov/dvs and mail it with your payment. Mail renewal also works if you are changing your address but not your name, and you do not need a new photo.

In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

Go to an office in person if your license has already expired, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name. You will need to bring your current license (or expired license if it has been less than five years), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Minnesota has Driver and Vehicle Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times on mn.gov/dvs. Some offices take appointments and some operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring all required documents with you; if you are missing something, you will have to come back.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires before your new one arrives, you cannot legally drive. If you are renewing by mail or waiting for an online renewal to ship, and your expiration date is coming up, go to an office in person instead. An office can issue you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card.

If your license has already expired and you did not renew it, you will need to go to an office in person. You cannot renew an expired license by mail or online. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation, so renew before your expiration date if you can.

Fees and what you get

Minnesota charges different fees depending on the type of ID and how long you renew it for. A standard driver's license renewal for four years costs around $20 to $24. An eight-year renewal costs more. Real ID-compliant licenses (required for federal purposes like flying) cost slightly more. The exact amount depends on whether you are renewing in person, by mail, or online, and whether you need a new photo.

Payment methods vary by renewal route. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices, though some may have different options.

Real ID compliance and what changed

Minnesota's standard driver's license is now Real ID-compliant, which means it meets federal standards for identification. You can use it for domestic air travel, entering federal buildings, and boarding military aircraft. If you renew your license, you will receive a Real ID-compliant card automatically unless you specifically request a non-compliant version.

If you want a non-Real ID license, you can request one when you renew, but there is no cost difference. Most people do not need to do anything—your renewal will be Real ID-compliant by default.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?

No. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it. You will need to explore for a new license instead, which requires going to an office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency. This is a different process than renewal.

What if I moved and my address changed?

You can change your address during renewal by mail or online if you do not need a new photo. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 30 days. If you are renewing by mail, include a written note with your new address on the renewal form.

How long does a renewed license take to arrive?

Online renewals ship within 5 to 7 business days. Mail renewals take about two weeks from when the office receives them, plus mail delivery time. In-person renewals can issue a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent card ships within 5 to 7 business days.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, not unless you want one or your license is expired. If you renew online or by mail, your current photo stays on your new license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an office.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew by mail or online without it. For online renewal, use your driver's license number and other identifying information instead of the barcode. For mail renewal, read the form from mn.gov/dvs and mail it with your payment. If you cannot find your license number, go to an office in person.