You can renew your Minnesota driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license through its online system if your license is still valid or expired for less than two years, you're between 18 and 64, and you haven't changed your name, address, or vision correction needs since your last renewal. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50. You'll receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you've had a name change, you need to update your address, or you wear corrective lenses now when you didn't before, you'll need to renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office instead. The same applies if you're under 18 or 65 and older.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current license is valid or expired less than two years, you're 18–64, and nothing about your name, address, or vision has changed.
- The online renewal fee is $24.50 and takes about 10 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- You'll need your current Minnesota driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the renewal online.
- If you don't meet the online requirements, you must renew in person at a DVS office, which requires an appointment.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather your current Minnesota driver's license and have the last four digits of your Social Security number ready. You'll also need a valid payment method—a debit card, credit card, or e-check—to pay the $24.50 renewal fee. Make sure you have access to the email address on file with the state, because you'll receive a confirmation there.
Check your license expiration date before you begin. If it expired more than two years ago, the online system will not accept your renewal and you'll need to schedule an in-person appointment at a DVS office instead.
Steps to renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State
Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll be directed to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm that your name, address, and vision correction status haven't changed.
Review the information on screen carefully. If anything is incorrect—even if you think you updated it before—stop and renew in person instead, because making changes online isn't possible. Once you confirm everything is correct, you'll proceed to payment. Enter your card or e-check details, review the total fee of $24.50, and submit. You'll receive a confirmation number by email when ready.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your mailing address before the license arrives, contact a DVS office by phone or visit in person.
When you must renew in person instead
You cannot use online renewal if your license expired more than two years ago. You also cannot renew online if you've changed your legal name since your last renewal, moved to a new address, or now need vision correction (glasses or contacts) when you didn't before. The same restriction applies if you previously wore corrective lenses and no longer do.
Drivers under 18 and those 65 and older must renew in person. If you fall into any of these categories, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website to schedule an appointment at a DVS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address if you've moved, and any documents showing a legal name change if that applies.
How long the process takes and when your license arrives
The online renewal itself takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. After you submit payment and receive your confirmation number, your new license is printed and mailed to you. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete the renewal.
If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal. Your only option is to renew in person at a DVS office, where you can receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail later. Check the Secretary of State website for DVS office locations and current wait times before you visit.
What happens if something goes wrong with your online renewal
If the online system rejects your renewal attempt, it will tell you why—usually because your license has been expired too long, your information doesn't match state records, or you've had a change that requires in-person processing. Take note of the reason and schedule an in-person appointment instead.
If you completed the renewal and received a confirmation number but your license doesn't arrive within 10 business days, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State by phone or through their website. Have your confirmation number ready. If your license arrives damaged or with incorrect information, you can request a replacement at a DVS office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is currently suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by contacting the Minnesota Secretary of State. Once your driving privileges are restored, you can renew online if you meet all other requirements.
What if I moved but haven't updated my address yet?
You must renew in person if you've changed your address. The online system will not let you update your address during renewal. Bring proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement—to your in-person appointment.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DVS office.
Can I renew online if my name changed due to marriage or divorce?
No. Any legal name change requires in-person renewal. Bring your current license and a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
What if I lose my license before the renewed one arrives?
Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State to report it lost and request a replacement. You can renew in person at a DVS office to get a temporary paper license when ready while you wait for your replacement plastic card.