Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Minnesota driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50. By mail takes 1 to 2 weeks plus processing time. In-person renewal at a DVS office is when ready if you bring the right documents, though wait times vary by location.
Before you start, gather your current license, proof of Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last three months), and proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last renewal. If you're renewing in person, bring your Social Security number as well. You do not need to pass a vision test or written exam unless your license has been expired for more than one year.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website works only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your name or address.
- Mail renewal takes 1 to 2 weeks for processing plus delivery time, and you must include a copy of your proof of residency with your process.
- In-person renewal at any DVS office is when ready and required if your license is expired, you have changed your name or address, or you want to update your photo.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 5 to 7 business days if you renew online or by mail; in-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license on the spot.
- Minnesota licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Online renewal through the Secretary of State website
Go to mn.gov/sos and select "Renew Driver's License" from the Driver and Vehicle Services section. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm your address and any other details that need updating.
Online renewal is not available if your license is expired, if you have medical restrictions or endorsements (such as corrective lenses required), if you have changed your name, or if you want to update your photo. You also cannot renew online if you have unpaid traffic fines or child support obligations flagged in the system. If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person.
After you complete the online form, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 5 to 7 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal with a paper process
Request a renewal process by calling the DVS at 651-297-3298 or read the form from mn.gov/sos. Fill out the process completely, sign it, and include a photocopy of your proof of residency. Mail the process and a check or money order for $24.50 to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes 1 to 2 weeks after the DVS receives your process, plus mail delivery time in both directions. You should allow 3 to 4 weeks total. Mail renewal is useful if you cannot visit an office and do not meet the requirements for online renewal, but it is slower than the other two options.
If you are renewing by mail and your license is expired, you may be required to pass a vision test. The DVS will include instructions with your process if this applies to you. You can take the vision test at any Minnesota eye care provider and submit the results with your process.
In-person renewal at a DVS office
Find your nearest DVS office at mn.gov/sos and check the office hours before you go. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your legal name if it has changed. You will pass a vision screening at the office, and you can update your photo during the same visit if you want a new one.
In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you have changed your name or address, if you have medical restrictions, or if you want to update your photo. It is also the only option if you have unpaid fines or child support obligations — the DVS will tell you what you need to resolve before they can issue a new license.
When you finish your visit, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 5 to 7 business days. You can drive on the temporary license until the new one arrives.
Cost and payment methods
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $24.50 in Minnesota. If you are 65 or older, the cost is $13.50 for a four-year license. Payment methods depend on how you renew: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards; mail renewal requires a check or money order; in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices, though some locations may have different options.
If you renew online or by mail and your payment is declined, the DVS will contact you. If you renew in person and your payment is declined, you will not receive your temporary license until payment is processed.
What happens if your license is expired
You cannot legally drive on an expired license in Minnesota. If you are pulled over, you can face a citation and fine. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test in addition to the vision screening — you cannot renew by mail or online in this situation.
If your license expired within the last year, you can still renew by mail or in person without retesting, though you will need to pass the vision screening. Renew as soon as possible to avoid driving with an expired license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Minnesota allows you to renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date you renew.
What if I have changed my name since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a DVS office and bring legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. Bring the document itself — a photocopy is not sufficient.
How long does a temporary paper license last?
A temporary paper license issued at a DVS office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 5 to 7 business days, but if it does not arrive within 30 days, contact the DVS when ready. You can drive on the temporary license only until it expires or until your permanent license arrives, whichever comes first.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointment availability varies by DVS office. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Check mn.gov/sos to see whether your local office takes appointments and whether you can book one online or by phone.
What if I lost my current license?
If your license is lost or stolen, you must explore for a replacement rather than a renewal. A replacement costs $20 and requires an in-person visit to a DVS office. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent replacement within 5 to 7 business days.