Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license at any Deputy Registrar office or through the mail, depending on whether your license is still valid and what type of renewal you need. The fastest option is usually a Deputy Registrar location near you — these are run by local government but handle renewals for the state. You can find the nearest office on the Minnesota Secretary of State website by entering your city or zip code.

For a standard renewal by mail, you need your current driver's license, a completed Form DLSR (Driver's License/State ID Card Renewal), and the renewal fee. The form arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, or you can print it from the Secretary of State website. Mail renewals take about two weeks once received. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail — you must go in person to a Deputy Registrar office.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewal works only if your current license is still valid and you have not had a name change or address change since your last renewal.
  • Deputy Registrar offices handle renewals the same day you visit, but hours and wait times vary by location.
  • The renewal fee for a standard four-year license is set by the state, but some Deputy Registrar offices charge a small service fee on top.
  • If your license has expired more than one year ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, not just renew.

Renewing in person at a Deputy Registrar office

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months), and payment. Most offices accept cash, check, or card. The renewal fee for a four-year license is $48 as of 2024, though some offices add a service charge of $5 to $10. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but calling ahead to check wait times is worth doing, especially during lunch hours or late afternoon.

The process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will have your photo taken, confirm your information, and pay the fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the time of renewal — this is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for the physical card.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is the simplest route if your license is current and nothing about your identity or address has changed since your last renewal. You do not need to visit an office. Complete Form DLSR, include your current license, and mail everything with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address on the form. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the Secretary of State receives your envelope.

Mail renewal is not an option if your license has expired, if you have changed your name, if you have moved and not updated your address on your license, or if you want to change any information on your license. In those cases, you must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office.

When you need to retake the test instead of just renewing

If your license expired more than one year ago, Minnesota treats this as a new process rather than a renewal. You will need to retake the written knowledge test and the vision test, and you may need to provide proof of residency and Social Security number. This process takes longer and costs more than a standard renewal — the fee for a new license is higher than the renewal fee.

If your license expired between 60 days and one year ago, you can still renew without retesting, but you must do it in person at a Deputy Registrar office. You cannot renew by mail once your license has expired, even if it expired recently.

Address changes and name changes

If you have moved since your last renewal, you can update your address at the same time you renew. Bring proof of your new residence — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax statement dated within the last three months. This adds no time to the renewal process if you are renewing in person.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal change, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Mail renewal is not an option for name changes. The renewal fee is the same, but processing takes a few extra days because the office must verify the name change document.

Real ID and enhanced licenses

Minnesota offers two types of renewed licenses: a standard Real ID-compliant license and an enhanced license. A standard Real ID license meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and federal building access. An enhanced license also allows you to cross the U.S.-Canada border by land or sea without a passport.

Both require in-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office. For a Real ID renewal, bring your current license and proof of residence. For an enhanced license, you also need proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of residence. The enhanced license costs more — the fee is higher than a standard renewal. Both are valid for four years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Minnesota does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is current, or in person at a Deputy Registrar office. The Secretary of State website has a locator tool to find the nearest office.

What if my license was lost or stolen?

A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal. You must go in person to a Deputy Registrar office, bring proof of identity and residence, and pay a replacement fee. This is a separate process from renewal and costs more than renewing an existing license.

How long is my renewed license valid?

A standard renewed driver's license is valid for four years from the date of renewal. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your new license. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before it expires.

Do I need an eye exam to renew?

No. You do not need a separate eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The Deputy Registrar office will conduct a vision screening as part of the renewal process. If you fail the screening, you may be required to get a professional eye exam and bring the results back.

What if I move out of state before my license expires?

You do not have to renew your Minnesota license. You can get a license in your new state whenever you are ready. Your Minnesota license remains valid until its expiration date, but you should get a new state's license before moving to comply with that state's residency requirements.