Minnesota driver's licenses expire every four or eight years depending on your age, and you can renew before expiration by mail, online, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
Your renewal method depends on whether you want to keep the same address and name, whether your license is still valid or already expired, and how soon you need the new one. Most people renew online or by mail without leaving home. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.
Minnesota sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal code, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. Even without the notice, you can look up your expiration date on the Minnesota Secretary of State website or call the Driver and Vehicle Services line.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota licenses expire on your birthday in the year shown on your card—check the expiration date to know when you need to renew.
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you haven't changed your name or address; it takes about 10 minutes and costs $16.50.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and works the same way as online, but you must include your renewal notice and a check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office is required if your license expired more than two years ago or if you need to update your photo, address, or name.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
Renewing online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website
Online renewal is the fastest and most common route. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State's online renewal portal and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your notice. You'll confirm your address and name, review the information, and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. The system will tell you when ready whether your renewal went through.
Online renewal works only if your license is still valid (not expired), you haven't changed your name or address, and you don't need a new photo. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your old license until the new one arrives.
If you lost your renewal notice and don't have the renewal code, you can still renew online by entering your Social Security number instead. The Secretary of State website has a lookup tool to find your expiration date if you're unsure when you need to renew.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
Mail renewal uses the same information as online renewal but requires you to print and mail a form. Sign the back of your renewal notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the Secretary of State receives your envelope. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait. If you're concerned about timing—for example, if you have a trip coming up—online renewal is faster.
If your renewal notice was lost or damaged, you can request a new one by calling Driver and Vehicle Services or by visiting the Secretary of State website. You'll need your driver's license number and date of birth.
Renewing in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your photo, if you're updating your name or address, or if you want to change your gender marker. Bring your current or expired license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days).
If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're updating your address, the proof of address document must show your new address and your name.
Wait times at Driver and Vehicle Services offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Secretary of State website before you go. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online. Your new license is printed on the spot, and you can drive home with it when ready.
Renewal fees and what they cover
The renewal fee for a standard four-year license is $16.50 if you renew online or by mail. An eight-year license costs $24. These fees cover the cost of producing and mailing your new license. There are no additional charges for standard renewals.
If you renew in person at an office, you pay the same fee, and the office accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices may charge a small fee for services like name changes or address updates, but the renewal itself is the flat rate listed above.
If you need an expedited license—one printed and mailed faster than the standard timeline—some Driver and Vehicle Services offices offer rush processing for an additional fee. Call ahead to ask whether your local office offers this service and what the cost is.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you've already started the renewal process. If you're pulled over, you can be cited. However, if you can show a police officer that you mailed your renewal or started an online renewal before the expiration date, many officers will not issue a ticket.
If your license expired within the last two years, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. You cannot legally drive until your new license arrives or is issued.
If you're in a situation where you need to drive before your renewal is complete—for example, you're waiting for your new license to arrive by mail—contact your local Driver and Vehicle Services office. They can sometimes issue a temporary driving permit that's valid while your renewal is processing.
Keeping your address and information current
You don't have to wait for renewal to update your address. If you move, you can update your address online through the Secretary of State website or by visiting a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Updating your address between renewals is free and takes a few minutes online.
Keeping your address current matters because the Secretary of State uses it to mail your renewal notice and your new license. If your address is wrong, your renewal notice may go to your old address and you might miss it. You can also update your address when you renew.
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update it in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office and bring the document that shows the change. Name changes cannot be done online or by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail as long as your license is still valid and you haven't changed your name or address. If you've moved out of state and need to update your address, you must renew in person at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office or contact them to arrange an alternative.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew at the same time?
You'll need to replace your lost license first, which requires an in-person visit to a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Bring proof of identity and proof of your Social Security number. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it through any method if it's not yet expired.
How long is my new license valid after I renew?
Your new license is valid for four years or eight years depending on your age. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. Minnesota bases the length on your age at the time of renewal, so check your new license when it arrives to see your new expiration date.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Outstanding tickets or fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines or other violations, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact Driver and Vehicle Services to find out whether your license is suspended.
What should I do if my renewal doesn't go through online?
If your online renewal is rejected, the system will tell you why—usually because your information doesn't match the Secretary of State's records or your license has already expired. Try renewing by mail, or call Driver and Vehicle Services to troubleshoot. If your license has expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.