Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Minnesota driver's license in person at any Deputy Registrar office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the renewed license in hand.
If you renew by mail or online, you will need your current license, proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months), and payment. If you are renewing in person, bring your current license, proof of residence, and proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form works. You do not need to bring a birth certificate or passport unless your name has changed since your last renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires the same documents as in-person renewal, but you cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year.
- In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office takes 15 to 30 minutes and is required if your license is expired by more than one year or if you need a new photo.
- Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 10 business days of approval if you renew online or by mail, or when ready if you renew in person.
- Minnesota licenses are valid for eight years, so you will not need to renew again until your expiration date.
Online renewal through the Secretary of State website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the steps. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The system will ask you to confirm your address or update it if you have moved.
The fee is $24.50, paid by debit or credit card. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days. You can use your current license to drive until the new one arrives. If you need a new photo or your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online — you must renew in person instead.
Mail renewal if your license is still valid
Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired or has been expired for less than one year. Complete the process form (Form DL-44), available on the Minnesota Secretary of State website, and mail it with your current license, proof of residence, and a check or money order for $24.50. Send everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your process. Your renewed license will be mailed to you after approval. If your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office instead.
In-person renewal at a Deputy Registrar office
Renewing in person is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, or if you prefer to walk out with your license the same day. Find your nearest Deputy Registrar office on the Minnesota Secretary of State website by entering your city or ZIP code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours.
Bring your current license, proof of residence (dated within the last three months), and proof of your Social Security number. The fee is $24.50, paid by cash, check, or card depending on the office. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken and receive your new license on the spot, though some offices may mail it to you instead — ask when you arrive.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a Deputy Registrar office. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residence, and proof of your Social Security number.
The fee remains $24.50. The process is the same as a standard renewal — you will have your photo taken and receive your new license on the spot or by mail, depending on the office. Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal, not from the date your old license expired.
Renewing with a name change
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring proof of the name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate. Bring your current license, proof of residence, proof of your Social Security number, and the name change document.
The fee is still $24.50. The process takes the same amount of time as a standard in-person renewal. Your new license will show your current legal name.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee is $24.50 for an eight-year license. If you renew online, you pay by debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, you pay by check or money order. If you renew in person, most Deputy Registrar offices accept cash, check, and card, though payment methods vary by location — call ahead if you want to confirm.
There are no additional fees for standard renewals. If you need a duplicate license (a second copy of your current license before renewal), that costs $10 and can be ordered online or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you prefer not to wait until the last minute. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal, not from the date your old license would have expired.
What if I moved and my address is wrong on my license?
You can update your address during online or mail renewal without paying an extra fee. If you renew in person, tell the Deputy Registrar your new address and it will be printed on your new license. If you need to change your address without renewing your license, you can update it online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website for free.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives within 10 business days of approval. If you renew in person, you may receive it on the spot or by mail within 10 business days, depending on the Deputy Registrar office. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives.
What if my license was lost or stolen?
A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal, and the process is different. You will need to report it to the Deputy Registrar office and pay a replacement fee. Contact your local Deputy Registrar office or the Minnesota Secretary of State for specific steps.
Do I need to take a new written test or driving test to renew?
No. Renewal does not require a written test or driving test. You only need to provide your current license, proof of residence, and proof of your Social Security number. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve that before you can renew.