Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for nearly everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, you'll also need a document showing that change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring your birth certificate unless you're renewing for the first time or your license was lost or stolen.

For an online renewal through the Secretary of State's website, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website is the fastest option if your license is not expired by more than one year and you have no medical restrictions.
  • In-person renewal at a DVS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and takes about 30 minutes.
  • Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal or 1 to 2 weeks for in-person renewal.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so plan ahead to avoid driving with an expired license.

When your license expires and renewal important date

Your Minnesota driver's license expires on your birthday four years after you received it. You can renew starting one year before that expiration date — so if your license expires on March 15, 2025, you can renew beginning March 15, 2024. Renewing early means your new license will arrive before the old one expires, so you won't have a gap.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew using the same process, but you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a DVS office; online renewal is not available.

In-person renewal at a DVS office

Find your nearest DVS office on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but checking ahead for wait times is a good idea — some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online.

Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The process typically takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You'll pay a renewal fee at the time of your visit; as of 2024, a four-year renewal costs $24.50 for a standard license. Your new license will arrive by mail within 1 to 2 weeks.

If you need your license sooner, some DVS offices can issue a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use while you wait for your permanent card to arrive. Ask the staff member whether this is available at your location.

Online renewal through the Secretary of State

Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State's online renewal portal and enter your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information and ask you to review your address and any medical restrictions. If everything is correct, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card and submit.

You'll receive a confirmation email when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it expires during that time — the renewal confirmation serves as proof that you've renewed.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than one year ago, if you have medical restrictions that need to be reviewed, if your address has changed, or if you need to update your name. In any of those cases, you must renew in person.

Fees and payment methods

A four-year driver's license renewal in Minnesota costs $24.50 as of 2024. This fee applies whether you renew online or in person. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DVS office. Online renewal accepts credit cards and debit cards only.

Some DVS offices may charge an additional fee if you request a duplicate license on the same day as your renewal, or if you need a temporary paper license issued when ready. Ask about these fees when you arrive or check the office's website beforehand.

What happens if your license expires while you're waiting

If you've renewed online and your current license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally. Keep your renewal confirmation email or the confirmation number with you — it serves as proof that you've renewed and protects you if you're stopped by law enforcement.

If you renewed in person and your license expires before the new one arrives, the same rule applies: your receipt from the DVS office is proof of renewal. Do not drive without either the new license or proof of renewal.

Renewing if your address or name has changed

If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a DVS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months), and your Social Security number. The process is the same as a standard renewal, and the fee remains $24.50.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, you must also renew in person. Bring your current license, a document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The fee is the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DVS office. Online renewal is only available if your license expired within the past year. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.

How long does it take to get my license in the mail after I renew?

Online renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewals arrive within 1 to 2 weeks. Times may be longer during busy periods. Some DVS offices can issue a temporary paper license on the spot if you need to drive before your permanent card arrives.

What if I renewed online but my address is wrong on the confirmation?

Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State's office before your new license is mailed. If your license has already been mailed to the wrong address, you can request a duplicate at any DVS office with proof of your correct address. There may be an additional fee for a duplicate.

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

For online renewal, no — your photo from your current license is used. For in-person renewal, the DVS office will take a new photo as part of the process. You cannot use your own photo.

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

Minnesota does not suspend license renewal for unpaid traffic fines alone. However, if your license is suspended for other reasons — such as unpaid child support or a DUI conviction — you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State or your local DVS office to check your license status.